If you want to improve your supervisory skills, you should start identifying your weak spots. You might already know what these are, or you might be able to figure them out after some thought. It may, however, take the help of another person to enlighten you. It’s critical to be open to constructive criticism, whether from others or from yourself, if you want to achieve your goal.
Recognizing one flaw frequently leads to the discovery of another. Perhaps you’re a bit too authoritarian with your team. When you realize this, you may also realize that your behavior is actually lowering your productivity. You may be able to work on multiple issues at once if you are committed to change.
It’s important to keep in mind that supervising entails more than simply enforcing rules and pressuring people to meet quotas. A good supervisor is one who is concerned about her employees’ well-being. You are not required to form personal relationships that involve activities other than work. You must, however, make your employees feel comfortable approaching you on the job if they have any problems or concerns.
If you don’t make yourself approachable, a variety of things can happen that will reflect poorly on you. For example, your crew may begin to seek contact with senior members of management instead of you. The management team may be perplexed as to why your crew avoids you.
You may not be informed of looming problems if you are unapproachable. There are many issues that the crew is aware of before the rest of the team. Crew members will frequently allow preventable problems to escalate if they have a supervisor with whom they are not friendly. Your crew will be more protective of you and act in your best interests if you have a good relationship with them. This will allow you to address issues before they become too serious.
You must still maintain a balance of power. Building relationships with your team doesn’t mean you can ignore the fact that there are tasks to be completed, including yours. Maintaining this balance can be difficult, especially if you were promoted from among the crew you now supervise. You must devise a strategy for exercising your authority without appearing to be redefined your newfound power.
A good supervisor is one who is always learning something new. You’re more likely to have recurring problems if you believe you know everything. You must be open to receiving information and suggestions from those in positions above and below you. You must also be capable of making sound decisions. Other people can provide information, but you will almost certainly have to make the final decision in some cases.
You must be a leader to be an effective supervisor. A leader is someone who can not only lead example, but also inspire others to do the same. Concentrate on ways to motivate your team to improve and take pride in their work. People who are happy with their jobs and feel valued for their efforts perform much better than those who are not. You will feel and appear to be an effective supervisor if you can be a catalyst for positive change.