What Is the Most Important Thing a Supervisor Can Do to Improve?

Carefully consider ideas from every employee.

A supervisor can be a person who is introverted or outgoing but will be respected if he is an effective leader and communicator. Developing an environment of camaraderie and professionalism will motivate your employees to maintain a high work standard. Provide tactical guidance along with emotional support in your workplace and you will gain a group of employees who are happy to work for you, as well as learn from you.

Communication

Communicating ideas and expectations clearly can mean the difference between a marginal work performance and an exceptional one. Allow employees to take ideas and projects on their own and provide assistance when necessary. A supervisor who delegates and remains interested without micromanaging will gain the respect of her own supervisor as well as her colleagues.

Active Listening

Listening to the concerns and ideas of your employees is not an easy skill, especially when you have a heavy workload and concerns of your own. Listening to those who work for you is a choice and a skill that must be practiced and honed in order to be most effective. Refrain from interrupting the employee and validate his concerns by saying something such as, "I understand this makes you feel frustrated." Repeating what he says to you not only allows the employee to feel that he has been heard, but it also cements the issue in your memory.

Reward Good Work

Praising an employee for a job well done will solidify a positive relationship between you and will give the employee incentive to continue striving for better work. This act of kindness shows that you are a team player and are willing to point out the positive contributions an employee makes. Rewarding the employee further by giving her more responsibility or ownership in a project will allow her to challenge herself in the workplace.

Fairness

Being fair to all employees under your supervision sounds like an obvious tip, but it is shockingly difficult to do with different backgrounds and personalities coinciding in the office. A fair supervisor fosters collaboration among employees and the workplace then feels more harmonious and productive. Remember that the employees under your guidance bring different talents or skills to the table and they are valuable because of those skills. Setting personalities aside is not an easy feat, but practicing equality among your group will result in cohesive ideas and productivity.

References

• University of Maryland: How to be a Great Supervisor
• "Rules for Renegades"; Christine Comaford-Lynch