A successful supervisor makes his employees feel like valued, appreciated team members. The supervisor, who is good at his job, guides employees without micromanaging and provides an atmosphere of independent productivity. Although it is not easy, the best supervisor forgoes popularity to make hard decisions in the company's best interest.
Impartiality
A successful supervisor will be impartial to employees. He will not exhibit favoritism or make an employee feel as though her job security is based on a personal relationship with her employer, rather than job performance.
Delegation
He knows how to delegate responsibility. A supervisor promoted from within may be used to taking on a large amount of the work; in fact that very spirit of dedication may have contributed to his promotion. However supervisors must realize that their strength lies in managing the big picture, rather than micromanaging the smaller details. He must hire staff he can trust to excel at the daily operations, so he can step back to coordinate and advise.
Communication
A successful supervisor has excellent communication skills. He will clearly communicate his expectations to the staff, suggestions for improvement and pertinent information and developments regarding the company, as well as disciplinary consequences for certain behaviors. A successful supervisor understands communication flows two ways; he will listen to employees and make the staff feel comfortable approaching him with questions, complaints, or suggestions.
Motivation
The staff feels motivated, appreciated and valued by a successful supervisor. He should regularly acknowledge employees' efforts and accomplishments, both publicly and privately. Reward-based motivation may increase productivity; the supervisor should host staff competitions and reward winners with company-funded incentives.
Mediation
A supervisor must mediate between employee disagreements. He will provide a safe and peaceful space for employees to air their differences, listen to each others' points of view and arrive at a solution that benefits the employees and the company.
Training
Staff members receive necessary training, whether new or veteran employees, under a successful supervisor. He should always share his own knowledge and teach new methods or review old techniques for the staff's personal and professional benefit.
Evaluation
He evaluates staff at regular intervals. This provides an opportunity to review employees' strengths and weaknesses, decide what areas need improving and how to implement those changes, and congratulate and reward hard-working employees for a job well done.
Expertise
A successful supervisor has intimate knowledge and expertise of the job functions staff members perform. This allows them to empathize with any stresses or difficulties employees may experience and be a source of practical and emotional support.
