How to Be a Good Supervisor

Supervisors play an essential role in the modern-day workplace. Also known as an overseer, manager or foreperson, a supervisor is responsible for watching over the business's staff and ensuring they are doing their jobs. While this may sound easy enough, being a good supervisor required hard work, patience and the right people skills. Regardless of industry, though, there are several steps that aspiring supervisors can take to become better at their job. Today we'll take a closer look at how to be a good supervisor.

How to Be a Good Supervisor

Why Being a Good Supervisor Is Important

Statistics show that 75% of all voluntary employee turnovers are attributed to poor management. When a supervisor projects negativity upon his or her employees or otherwise fails to meet their needs, those employees may quit and seek employment elsewhere -- and each turnover costs the business time and money. Some reports suggest that businesses spend an average of $15,000 to replace an employee earning $45,000 per year. When multiple employees quit, the costs can quickly add up.

Learning how to be a good supervisor, however, can keep the business's employee turnover rate in check. This is achieved by working closely with employees to address their needs and eliminate small problems before they progress into larger problems that may drive an employee to quit.

Listening to Employees

Being a good supervisor requires more than just dictating tasks. It also requires listening to employees. Supervisors should create a two-way dialog when conversing with employees, during which they can ask questions to gain insight into employees' thoughts and concerns on the job.

Recognizing Hard Work

Many supervisors only approach an employee if that employee is doing something bad. Therefore, hardworking employees go unnoticed and unappreciated. A better approach that resonates the staff is to recognize employees who excel in their job. If an employee is putting forth 110%, stop and say "Thanks for the hard work." It only takes a few minutes to recognize employees, but doing so will leave a lasting impression.

Avoiding Preferential Treatment

Nearly everyone has worked in a job where the supervisor gives preferential treatment to select employees. Maybe an employee is friends with the supervisor, or perhaps they've been with the company longer than other employees. Unfortunately, preferential treatment creates a toxic environment and instills negativity in employees. This is why supervisors should treat all employees equally.

Confidence

Good supervisors are confident in their job, even during hectic or otherwise challenging times. They project this confidence upon their employees, motivating them to excel and succeed.

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