Supervisory Skills 101
Most managers would say that good employee supervision is about results.
But will supervisors who demand immediate and unquestioning compliance
with their orders always obtain the best results? Whether or not you
have the official title of "supervisor," if you are in a position
that requires you to direct the activity of others, a periodic review
of your supervisory skills may bring you better results.
Supervision is about building working relationships with employees.
Building a trusting relationship takes time. But when supervisor and
employee trust one another, both of their thoughts and efforts can be
applied to each situation. The likelihood of time-wasting conflicts
is reduced. The supervisor needs to be able to trust the employee to
get assigned tasks done in a satisfactorily manner. The employee needs
to be able to trust the supervisor to support and compensate him fairly.
Employees have high expectations for leadership in the workplace. They
want to be treated with dignity and respect. A strong working relationship
builds the necessary commitment to get the work done.
One of the most challenging aspects of supervision is evaluation of
employee performance. Evaluations should be much more in-depth than
a simple judgment by a supervisor about an employee's performance. Evaluations
can be a tool to improve performance by establishing goals for and recognizing
outstanding performance. Conducting formal evaluations of employees
on a routine basis ensures that there is adequate communication between
employer and employee. Constructive feedback is a powerful tool to reinforce
desired behavior because everyone likes to receive positive feedback
on work well done.
Good supervisors provide training and development for their employees
and are glad to make the investment in refining employee skills. This
can benefit the employer by retaining employees and meeting future business
needs. Many employees want to have the opportunity to take on new responsibilities
and grow with an organization. Providing training and development opportunities
will enable them to do this. They will be less likely to look elsewhere
for work if they are satisfied with the work and future possibilities.
For instance, the work nearly everyone does now involves some interface
with technology. If an organization has kept technology current and
has provided training for employees in using that technology successfully,
employees will be more likely to stay.
More and more supervisors are relying on coaching skills for self-directed
employees as opposed to directing employees to perform certain tasks.
With all of the demands that fall to today's managers, delegating work
and supporting employees with coaching is a better fit.
Often, a supervisor's work includes resolving conflicts and managing
diversity. Conflict resolution is a critical skill for those who wish
to get work accomplished through others.
Maintaining a safe workplace is another primary supervisory responsibility.
Setting high standards for safety communicates to employees that they
are important and valued at the same time it encourages employees to
do their part in maintaining a safe work environment.
Concern for regulatory compliance has grown in importance for many
employers. For instance, environmental regulations require the safe
disposal of hazardous materials. Responsible supervisors will ensure
their employees are trained on safe handling and disposal of hazardous
waste.
Sharpening your supervisory skills is one of the most effective investments
you can make in your company. It will result in better performance,
greater employee satisfaction, a safer and healthier environment, a
positive workplace and, ultimately, an improvement to the bottom line.
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Authored by: Kevin Baiotto, Business and Industry
Specialist, University of Missouri Extension
Source: Creating Quality Newsletter, Volume
11, Number 9, September 2002
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