It is critical to develop strong supervisor skills if you are or hope to be promoted to a supervisory position at work. There are a variety of approaches you can take, and you may find that combining them is the best way to maximize your potential. Reading books and taking management courses, observing and working with your own supervisor, and paying close attention to your interactions with your subordinates are all ways to improve your supervisory skills. Even if you are not yet in a supervisory position, learning supervisory and management skills while working in your current position can help you advance.
Consult with your boss about obtaining formal supervisory training. Employees can take advantage of in-house training programs at some companies, which have the added benefit of educating you about company-specific policies and procedures. If your company does not provide you with the training you need to learn and improve your supervisory skills, see if you can get a reimbursement for taking a course on your own. Management workshops and courses are frequently offered at industry trade shows, adult education centers, and traditional and online colleges and universities. If you are unable to attend a course or workshop, your local library should be able to assist you in locating management books and DVDs.
Another important aspect of developing good supervisory skills is paying close attention to supervisors and managers who you believe are performing well. You can model your own management behavior after their good example by paying attention to what they say and do when working with other employees. It’s a good idea to work closely with your boss, especially as you adjust to your new position, and to ask for feedback on both your performance and your approach to dealing with both routine and unusual challenges on a regular basis.
It pays to reflect on your work on a regular basis once you start actively supervising other employees. Keep your approach in mind as you observe the employee’s behavior over the next few weeks and months if you counsel an employee on a specific issue. Although you can’t force an employee to behave a certain way, if his performance improves, you might want to counsel other employees in the future in the same way. Consider what you could have done differently if the employee’s performance did not improve or worsened. You can improve your supervisory skills through continued experience and self-education, allowing you to be considered for additional opportunities both within your company and with other employers.