SO YOU WANT TO BE A SUPERVISOR?

“To Be Or Not To Be?” That is the question that often arises for employees as they ponder whether or not to move into managerial and supervisory roles. They consider the role of a supervisor for a variety of reasons that may include:

 A way to advance in the organization
 To control or improve products and services in their respective area of expertise or business unit
 For increased salary and benefits
 As a reward for their commitment, loyalty and service to the organization
 To receive recognition for professional, technical and managerial skill development

The role of the supervisor has many benefits as well as disadvantages. Let’s first begin by defining management, leadership and supervision. While each is different, there are also overlapping similarities of roles and responsibilities required for each.

MANAGEMENT is getting things done through people and processes and ensuring that organizational objectives are being met.

LEADERSHIP is establishing and communicating organizational goals and direction to employees, customers and the community.

SUPERVISION is the combination of managing people and process, guiding and motivating people’s efforts toward pre-determined outcomes and overseeing (evaluating) individual and group performance.

While many employees demonstrate superior performance and technical competence, it takes a specific temperament, or personality, to successfully multi-task a myriad of varying daily requirements and to interface with the diverse population groups of any organization. Should you seriously consider becoming a supervisor? Will the role of supervisor blend with your values? Would you be happier being recognized for your technical expertise (expert) or being recognized as a leader (status)? Would you be a successful supervisor? These are all questions that need to be pondered before accepting a supervisory position.

To assist in evaluating your abilities and motivation, complete the Checklist for Prospective Supervisors below. The checklist is intended to serve as a thought starter, not a “test” to determine whether or not you should be or would make a good supervisor. If you have more yes than no responses, it would suggest that you are ready to take on the role of supervision. If you have more no answers and are still interested supervision, discuss with a mentor, coach or other supervisor developmental activities that could prepare you for supervision. Also consider what items are your greatest strengths and which ones you see as weaknesses.

Contact Management Training Systems, Inc. at 623-587-7644 or info@trainingperformance.com for more information on preparing your employees for supervisory responsibilities.

CHECKLIST FOR PROSPECTIVE SUPERVISORS

YES or NO
1. Do you consider yourself a highly ambitious person?
2. Do you sincerely like and have patience with people?
3. Could you assume the responsibility of decision-making?
4. Is making more money very important to you?
5. Would recognition from others be more important to you than taking pride in doing a detailed job well?
6. Would you enjoy learning about psychology and human behavior?
7. Would you be happier with more responsibility?
8. Would you rather work with problems involving human relationships than with mechanical, computational, creative, clerical or similar problems?
9. Do you desire an opportunity to demonstrate your leadership ability?
10. Do you desire the freedom to do your own planning rather than being told what to do?
11. Are you willing to give additional time beyond a normal 40-hour workweek to job requirements?
12. Are you willing to “go back to school” (take classes, on the job training, etc.) to gain new knowledge, skills and abilities?
13. Is your professional image and presentation one that communicates success?
14. Do you have excellent time, prioritization and project management skills?
15. When faced with a crisis, can you look at many viewpoints before making a decision?
16. Do you like conflict?
17. Do you believe that employees basically want and will do a good job?
18. Are you willing to mentor (teach, guide, coach and counsel) others?
19. Practice and encourage others to think outside the box?
20. Would you rather work alone on projects and problem solving?