Most of us have experienced both good and bad supervisors. Some will have greatly aided their companies and help us to make more of ourselves. Some however, may have shown us more about what not to do. Great supervisors can be huge multipliers for the company they work for, as their work ethic and efficiency is spread through the organization. While it’s true to say that a lot of what makes a good supervisor is intensely personnel, we have drawn out 5 general aspects that characterize all successful supervisors.
1. Setting an example
At a certain level you may be able to say: ‘do as I say, not as I do’, but for supervisors this hardly ever works. You need to show the way by setting a personal example in every aspect of your business. This means that good supervisors will work harder than those they supervise and know as much as is practical about what roles their workers have.
2. Great communication skills
Supervisors must be able to communicate in an effective manner. This means listening as well as talking. They need to understand the message that their employees are sending in an attentive and appropriate manner. Then they need to explain what needs to be done in a clear and concise manner.
3. They get the best out of people
Ultimately, great supervisors do not just get results; they get each individual to perform to the best of their ability. This means identifying and nurturing talent and ensuring that people can develop. This should be done at the same time as a successful team is built.
4. Delegators not dictators
The art of delegation is an important one for supervisors to master. This is what will enable them to take a step back from the huge workload and, as has been pointed out above, allow individuals to shine.
5. They have integrity
For others to follow you, they have to be either scared of the consequences of not doing so – like in a dictatorship – or they have to believe in your integrity. If you’re not seen as honest, consistent and fare, people will be unlikely to stake part of their future in your judgment and the result will be blind obedience. On the other hand, if they trust in you, they’ll give you the full benefit of their resourcefulness and ingenuity.
We hope that these thoughts provide you some useful ideas. We can offer you one more great and cast-iron method of being better: As a world-class ground transportation company, we know if you use a reputable provider of transportation, you’ll get where you need to be at least in the physical sense. Griffin Transportation is based in Vancouver, BC, and aims to provide the “Ultimate in Safety, Service and Satisfaction” to our many valued customers. We’d really like you to become one, so call us today to make it happen.
