"“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” ...

Introduction slide

Topic Overview

Challenges a new supervisor might face

Not knowing whether they can actually perform in their new role: It is crucial to note that, just because a staff is good in greeting and meeting visitors does not imply that they will be great in supervising a group of receptionists. It requires a different skill set. New supervisors tends to be unproven to themselves, the employer and the client as well which makes it challenging for them to know whether thy can be useful in their new roles

Not knowing how to do it; Answering and responding to directions is a different skill-set to evaluating and assessing requirements and then issuing instructions

Its challenging Jumping the fence: learning how to involve yourself in a group but keeping enough distance from them so as to supervise them can sometimes be challenging

Implications of the challenges

It is imperative for every person involved in the transition to adjust smoothly. If the transition is wrong, there can be several implications.

Reduced self-esteem and self-confidence as they incur challenges and strive with their new responsibilities

Some supervisors might find the transition into the new role so demanding enforcing them to reassign or quit.

Day to day management and staff supervision is interrupted leading to reduction in the level of productivity and absence costs.

Increase in the number of grumbles and grievances by employees that are struggling to transition to a new supervisor role and responsibility

Reduction in the number of staffs which in the end can cause negative implications customer care and the quality of staff

What makes a good supervisor?

Effective communication and interaction with employees: the manner that supervisors listen and speak plays an instrumental role in teamwork and collaboration.

Shifting their mindset to fit their newfound responsibility and role: changing an individual mindset to take on the new approach is instrumental in overseeing and guiding a team of employees

Dealing with Pressure to perform as a manager: Knowing exactly when to beat the deadlines and help other employees to understand the importance of performing makes a good supervisor

How to transition to being a good supervisor

Take your Time: set aside enough time to help you regularly boost your self-esteem and offer the moral support that the new supervisor requires. Reassure the new supervisors and team members of the support by training and coaching them on a daily basis to help them horn their skills.

Acknowledge worries and fears. Understand that whatever anew supervisor is experiencing is normal and even it happens to bold and big CEOs

Training: Soft skills training on listening, motivating, engaging staff, leading a team and questioning skills could come in handy

Mentorship and Buddying: having someone to look up to or a Buddying scheme is instrumental in helping anew supervisor build confidence and coll their fears.

Factors to consider in all forms of communication/who is your audience, what is your message, are you trying to persuade or inform?

Conclusions