Hi, I've taken on a new job that involves supervising two administrative staff and would like some tips on how to be a good supervisor. I've been in a similar role before yet I'm not sure I went about it too well. I tend to be yielding as I like to please and get along well with people while knowing more is expected of me. I haven't had any formal training in supervision.

Several things, among many...

Fully understand exactly what is expected, the details of what is to be accomplished; daily, monthly, etc.

Firm but fair is a necessary ingredient.

Do not show favoritism, in either your actions or in any other way to any person or group.

Do not be afraid to address any situation that does not comply with company goals or rules.

Be complimentary in situations that deserve it. But in this or in disciplinary situations be sparse so that when you do this it has more meaning.

Set a good example in what is expected of you; be on time always, work OT when required, dress for the position, etc. Even though I don't like this overused term... be 'pro-active' in all areas.

Always project a good positive attitude, protect the company's reputation, standing in your field, etc, you represent the company and it's goals.

Be a good trainer, make sure that everyone understands not only what their job responsibilities are but also implement a feeling of friendly competition in accomplishing any goals.

A good leader, leads from behind. You do not have to be leading the 'charge.' You will be the first one to 'take the bullet.' You are the orchestrator of the 'plan.' If your people know what is expected in doing their job AND they know what to expect from you, they will be excellent employees.

And finally, when the situation presents itself, stand up for your employees when you know that it is necessary with management or the owners. If this is done properly it will gain you and the company much respect.

And RESPECT is a something that you want from your subordinates, you are in actuality a TEAM. But you are the judge of the team's progress.

Stringer

Fully understand exactly what is expected, the details of what is to be accomplished; daily, monthly, etc.

That's probably my strength. I'm good at project planning down to the finest details. Value product knowledge and walking through what a client experiences using our services (education provider).


Firm but fair is a necessary ingredient.

I guess that comes down to using your judgement on a case-by-case basis. I was once asked to discipline someone but was reluctant to as I disagreed with the boss. An employee asked for time off that hadn't quite accrued (only by a few days) yet she was a valued employee and I was willing to cut her the slack. That didn't go down too well with Management. That was with a small consultancy though and I disagreed with much of his management style. I doubt that sort of problem would come up where I work at the moment as it tends to be more family and employee friendly. In fact, disciplining staff is not likely to be an issue where I am as they're both cooperative and understand the basics of what's expected of them.

Do not show favoritism, in either your actions or in any other way to any person or group.

Good advice. It's easy to see one employee's greater contribution over another in this case. I could see that easily happening in my current situation, so I'll watch that tendency.

Do not be afraid to address any situation that does not comply with company goals or rules.

I'm good at knowing and understanding procedures and policies without turning them into whipping boards. If anyone were to stray too far outside the boundaries of what's expected of them as an employee, I'm sure I'd be fine dealing with that. In this case though, I doubt it will be necessary as they tend to understand what's expected of them.

Be complimentary in situations that deserve it. But in this or in disciplinary situations be sparse so that when you do this it has more meaning.

Possibly where I fall down as I tend to be complimentary as a way of smoothing relations. Works well between friends, especially women. I see what you're saying. Good to be aware of that.

Set a good example in what is expected of you; be on time always, work OT when required, dress for the position, etc. Even though I don't like this overused term....be 'pro-active' in all areas.

No problem with that. I dress for the job and have a good eye for looking over a situation to see how it can be improved. Being pro-active is probably a strength.

Always project a good positive attitude, protect the company's reputation, standing in your field, etc, you represent the company and it's goals.

That's something I need to practice more as I tend to be 'one of the girls' and will listen if someone has a criticism to do with management - and I will sometimes agree with them because they're right! However, if I see it a different way to them, I can also say that too without being too direct. Sometimes it's a question of seeing things from both points of view, especially in knowing what management needs. I'll probably need to learn to bite my tongue or wait until I have all the facts before making any comments, or refrain from commenting altogether.

I tend to see managers isolating themselves from employees because they're afraid of hearing those comments, whereas I'd like to have a more friendly relationship with these women. We're likely to become friends over time, as you do, that makes it a little tricky. Still, at the end of the day, I'm employed to look after the employer's interests, not my own, and need to be more aware of that fact.

Be a good trainer, make sure that everyone understands not only what their job responsibilities are but also implement a feeling of friendly competition in accomplishing any goals.

I've yet to sit down with them to ask if they have any interests in skills training or assistance with career development. I see that as a key to developing a sense of individual investment in what we're doing and working as a team, so I'll be focusing on that when we return to work. The older woman in particular isn't career focused as she's happy with the status-quo she's been used to for years. I see that as being a challenge, especially since she has a good friendship with the younger woman and influences her attitudes in the workplace. I'd like the team to be more professional without losing its friendliness.


A good leader, leads from behind. You do not have to be leading the 'charge.' You will be the first one to 'take the bullet.' You are the orchestrator of the 'plan.' If your people know what is expected in doing their job AND they know what to expect from you, they will be excellent employees.

I'd like to put together a plan that covers main activities throughout the year so we all have a picture of how the academic year pans out and to meet weekly to see if we're on track in meeting current demands. I guess my role is to monitor our progress and get it on track if necessary - and to alert senior management if any major problems arise.

And finally, when the situation presents itself, stand up for your employees when you know that it is necessary with management or the owners. If this is done properly it will gain you and the company much respect.

This goes back to listening to complaints - from both sides - and knowing how to negotiate between the two with tact and diplomacy. It's not a role I'm used to so will have to wait for a situation to arise before knowing how well I handle it.

And RESPECT is a something that you want from your subordinates, you are in actuality a TEAM. But you are the judge of the team's progress.

I tend to be an independent worker used to being complimented for being on track for my bit, so being the one judging the team's overall progress is new to me. I need to develop a new skill and mind-set for that - possibly having a checklist on whether deadlines are being met and judging the quality of service we provide. Accuracy, timeliness, courtesy to others, etc.

All good advice, thanks.

Stringer[/QUOTE]

I like your attitude and that you realize that learning IS an ongoing process now matter what your position... and always having an open mind.

Fraternizing is a negative thing and balancing between your subordinates and management is a high wire act. Remember your position always. You must always remain one step away from your employee/friends in all dealings with them. You maintain the 'friendship' but they must know that you have a job to do and that job is a position in management and is an authority position. And if the hammer needs to be dropped you will have to do that after due process. That you will always be fair and will support them when they are right and you will not when they take a position that is wrong.

Stringer

Describe the significance of Leadership.