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