Successful Supervision Skills
August 25, 2008 0
Everyone at one time or another will become responsible for the care and guidance of someone else. It can be a parent, teacher or a supervisor. In my life, I have experienced many who fall in this group who influenced me in a positive way. I don’t proclaim to be a perfect supervisor, but I understand what makes some stand out more than others. I have been able to filter out less than desirable techniques, but more importantly learn from individuals who know the secrets to being successful supervisors.
As you go through life, everyone has come across a few people who have made a major impact on their life. When you think of the most influential people in your life, most will recognize these familiar skills and implement them. Some understand these secrets, but are not consistent in practicing them. The most successful understand each of these skills and focus on improving each one in their daily life. The following list gives a brief description of those skills and how to implement them:
Supervision Techniques, Steps 1-8
"Set Clear Company Goals”
“Set Realistic Completion Timelines”
“Ensure Proper Training and Tools”
“Firm, Fair and Consistent”
“Encourage Innovative Thinking”
“Trust and Verification”
“Advancement Preparation”
“Appreciation”
“Set Clear Company Goals”… Every employee must know your essential company goals. It seems like common sense that everyone know the company’s overall goals. But it’s amazing when you talk to co-workers who don’t completely grasp it. As a supervisor, you can’t just assume your subordinates are knowledgeable.
I worked for an agency that required every employee to attend mandatory annual training. These sessions were designed to review agency goals in fine detail. Each employee was signed off on each training block. The purpose of the training was to make absolutely sure everyone was on the same sheet of paper when it came to understanding our overall goals. In addition, the training was updated as required to fine tune any modification to our company goals. As a supervisor, you can never assume your people know your company goals. Informed employee’s will grasp and appreciate, “The Big Picture” and stay focus on what is important, and more importantly, limit what is not.
“Set Realistic Completion Timelines”… As a supervisor, it’s important to set realistic timelines to complete tasks. You’re the expert who understands what a reasonable time to complete a given task is. If you set unrealistic goals, it says a lot about your expertise. If you don’t understand this, you may be in the wrong job. But, if you set realistic timelines for specific tasks, your employees will respect your decisions. And visa versa, you will lose respect if you don’t set realistic completion timelines.
“Ensure Proper Training and Tools”… Having proper training and tools to accomplish company tasks seem like common sense, but it’s often overlooked or underestimated by managers. It’s essential that you understand how to identify skill and tool deficiencies. It’s also critical to keep your own personal skill levels on par with the ever changing world of technology and trends. Don’t underestimate the importance of training the trainer.
You should always encourage your workers to have input on training. You set the standards, but you should be receptive to new ideas. In addition, you should require your subordinates maintain accountability for company tools and to identify deficiencies to you as the supervisor.
“Firm, Fair and Consistent”… Anyone who is in charge should always remember to always be firm, fair and consistent with all of their subordinates. Being firm with an employee means they understand that there are firm consequences if they either violate policy or fail to meet company standards or goals.
Treating someone fairly means to treat every employee without preferential treatment. It’s very difficult to be totally impartial when dealing with a high performer versus a low performer, but it is one of the most important traits to have as a supervisor. You will lose valuable respect from your co-workers if you’re ever deemed to give anyone preferential treatment. Once you lose this respect, it’s almost impossible to regain.
Being consistent is one area that is often underestimated by managers. Being consistent on how you act from day to day is critical. As a manager, it’s important to be professional when confronted by an angry employee. When you remain calm and remain consistent with policy, you will remain professional. I believe being consistent is one of your greatest assets as a manager.
“Encourage Innovative Thinking”… All managers should encourage innovative thinking. Every employee is important and will contribute when they feel their inputs are important to the company. If they perceive a lack of interest from management or no one is following through, they will cease future input.
When an employee understands that their input is valuable, they will keep a mindset to look for improvement. Their inputs are very valuable to the success of your company. You can also encourage creative thinking through a formal or informal reward system.
“Trust and Verification”… Trust and verification is critical for supervisors who are responsible for employees who are not under direct supervision. Trust can only be earned, but it’s important to verify. This can come in the form of impartial employee customer feedback.
When you delegate your authority, you’re showing your trust in their ability. Supervisors who understand trust allow the employee to perform at their peak. And visa versa, those who micro manage relate an image of mistrust and that is bad. Your high performers understand the importance of mutual trust and will not threaten it will poor performance.
“Advancement Preparation”… All supervisors should appreciate the importance of preparing their subordinates to advance professionally. Not all employees want to become managers, but all employees want some type of advancement. It could be a pay structured advancement. It could be a promotion in title only. But, it’s important they understand that you’re interested and can provide them with information on how to improve themselves in the company. It’s important that you have this information in written form so there is no ambiguity.
“Appreciation”… I personally feel this is the most often overlooked area of management. The basic need to feel appreciation for work performed is important. When an employee feels appreciation, they will work even harder for you. When a subordinate completes a task and does it well, tell them you appreciate it. You can never assume your workers understand how you feel about their work. A simple thank you for a job well done goes a long way and it does not cost a penny.
In conclusion, these techniques are easy to remember and follow. If you understand them and put them in practice, you will stand out as a good supervisor. I’m confident that this article will help you in your personal and business life. If you like the article, please pass it along to your friends
Richard Sizemore resides in Los Angeles California and enjoys writing articles for this website. My wife, Cynthia also writes articles on her website, http://www.cyndall.com
Her “Self Improvement” articles are outstanding and I highly recommend them.