You’re in Charge
How to Be Successful in Your Supervisory Role
Whether it’s your first supervisory role or your third, your job is charged with excitement and responsibility. Brette McWhorter Sember and Terrence J. Sember, co-authors of “The Essential Supervisor’s Handbook” provide all the tools you’ll need to achieve personal, team, and organizational success.
Q:
What are the basic steps a manager should take when assuming
responsibility?
A: There are
four essential steps when assuming a supervisory role. First, understand who you
are managing and their role and responsibility. Next, understand what is the
primary objective(s) and goal(s) for your team and identify any known problem
areas. Finally, meet with team members collectively AND individually to LISTEN
first, then share your philosophy or approach to managing. Let them know what
you expect from them and what they can expect from you. This helps you develop
mutual respect and trust.
Q:
How can you create an environment conducive to working?
A: If you are to create an environment conducive to working you must understand
what needs to be done, by whom, and in what time frame. You
have to get a handle on these basics first because they frame everything
else you are going to be doing. Then, you should make every attempt to
eliminate obstacles and frustration points for team members and yourself.
Q;
What techniques really motivate staff?
A: It is
important to acknowledge jobs well done (but not EVERY thing they do,
because then the praise loses impact), reinforce key company objectives,
and
provide helpful and useful guidance. Your attitude as a manager is a key
factor. If you are positive, supportive, friendly, and accessible, you
will
create a staff that is motivated and happy to work towards common goals.
Q;
How can I handle a difficult employee?
A: Identify the
issues you are experiencing, explain how they are impacting the
overall team objectives, discuss why these issues are happening (LISTEN,
don't start talking), and define clear objectives to help them improve
(and
follow through).
Q;
Is there a "good" way to fire someone?
A: It's always
hard to fire someone and it's not fun for anyone involved in
the situation. The best thing you can do is treat the employee with
respect.
Fire the person as soon as it is appropriate so that the situation
doesn’t
impact clients or other employees. Handle the firing privately and with
empathy but not emotion. Be firm but not rude.