Effective supervisors are needed in every area, especially when employees need to be guided and coordinated to get things done, serve customers, and meet deadlines. Within corporations, in public and private organizations, as well as in educational institutions, the role of the supervisor is indispensable, however it is not within everyone's reach: the supervisor must be an effective communicator, must be able to motivate employees and must improvise to solve unexpected problems. To make the most of each employee, the supervisor must be able to identify their strengths and needs. Here are the right strategies for becoming an effective supervisor.
Steps
Step 1. Communicate clearly, efficiently and respectfully
First, you need to clarify the expectations regarding the department or industry you work in. What exactly does the organization expect from your group?
- Listen carefully. If you show interest in other people's ideas and concerns, you will be able to understand situations and make better decisions. Find the time - and a suitable place - to listen to employees - this is crucial if you really want to be a capable communicator. By giving workers your full attention, they will feel respected and will be more inclined to follow your lead. Giving categorical orders without listening to any reason is an attitude that ruins the commitment and enthusiasm of the workers.
- Speak clearly and concisely. Don't use e-mails for directives or lectures. Identify the most important points to discuss and deliver the message in person or over the phone. Then, reiterate the concept by email to make sure you were clear, concise, and respectful.
Step 2. Organize regular meetings with employees
Show them your respect by making yourself available daily or several times a week. Find out about the projects they are working on during these meetings and ask them how you can help. Dedicate these periodic meetings to listening to their problems and their triumphs. Talk together about the team's successes and brainstorm to find a solution to new problems.
Step 3. Give credit when it is due
Appreciate the work of those who achieve the desired results.
Step 4. Focus on the strengths of the employees
Try to notice what the talents and abilities of each worker are and use their strengths in favor of the project or the company. For example, a person can be amazing on the phone, but extremely slow when typing - if so, find ways to use their communication skills to make good company contacts, to increase sales, or to improve customer service.
Step 5. Help strengthen workers' weaknesses
An effective supervisor must support employees, pushing them to turn weaknesses into skills. The first step is to communicate the aspect to be improved. For example, a slow typist might be encouraged to take typing lessons or might be given specific tasks that lead him to improve this skill.
Avoid drawing attention to a person's weak points unless necessary. The worker could become demoralized
Step 6. Troubleshoot
Conflicts are commonplace in the workplace and can occur between workers, between an employee and a supervisor, between an employee and a customer. To solve problems effectively you need to stay focused on the facts and think of creative solutions. Avoid focusing on emotions and responsibilities. Just think about the steps needed to calm workers down and get them back to interrupted tasks.
Step 7. Hold tight and try to be supple
When things go wrong, avoid accusations and recriminations, but focus only on the goal, trying to move forward with renewed commitment and greater concentration. Learn from mistakes, mishaps and problems.
Step 8. Establish a system to streamline operations
Create a process to save employees time and avoid mistakes. Specify in a document the responsibilities of the various employees and what the duties of each employee are.
- Organize training sessions. Invest in the professional growth of your employees. Develop training manuals to assist them with specific tasks. Allow question and answer sessions to learn new tasks.
- Make mundane tasks automatic. Encourage employees to focus on more productive and engaging projects.
