references - can I put people I'm the boss of?

I'm having a hard time with references for my job. I'm one of the highest persons at my job and I have worked for the same place in some capacity or another for a few years. Is it appropriate to put people who I am supervisory to as references? Or is that a huge faux pas? That's really all I have!
Sara

Sara in Logan, Utah said: I'm having a hard time with references for my job. I'm one of the highest persons at my job and I have worked for the same place in some capacity or another for a few years. Is it appropriate to put people who I am supervisory to as references? Or is that a huge faux pas? That's really all I have!
Sara

Sure you can.

Some organizations have "360 reviews" where you are reviewed by supervisors, peers and subordinates, because they believe that the people who work for you know you better than your boss.

Don't supply references until asked, and I would list subordinates as colleagues or associates, so that it doesn't look as though you coerced them into giving you a favorable reference.

A typical reference check form will ask for 5 references, with 2-3 of them being supervisory. You didn't say why you were looking, but I would be pretty careful about letting my subordinates know I was looking for a new job, if you need to keep it confidential.