One of mentors while I was in the Air Force taught me a vital lesson in management that I implemented as part of my management strategies, and it has worked for me ever since "Lead from the front". In nutshell, when your team notice you are vested they will follow you unconditionally.
Laura,
and when we actually listen & demonstrate we care, we build trust with our employees.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I believe that being a good listener is one of the most important skills needed to supervise others. Showing an active interest in what employees have to say by listening and giving employee ideas consideration is key to creating a positive and production work environment.
I am a new director in a school that was just purchased. We have had many staff and administrative changes. The staff is constantly nervous and unsure of the company direction. We have administration that have no knowledge or background in our school or the industries we teach.
My biggest challenge is to enforce our mission. Reminding our staff what we are here to do. I have found that getting others to buy into the mission, is what makes it work. When decisions are made, that they do not agree with, we always refer back to our mission. Our mission includes our students, and that is what we are here for. Once our staff redirects to our mission, work gets accomplished and we are then able to focus on our vision.
I am a new director in a school that was just purchased. We have had many staff and administrative changes. The staff is constantly nervous and unsure of the company direction. We have administration that have no knowledge or background in our school or the industries we teach.
My biggest challenge is to enforce our mission. Reminding our staff what we are here to do. I have found that getting others to buy into the mission, is what makes it work. When decisions are made, that they do not agree with, we always refer back to our mission. Our mission includes our students, and that is what we are here for. Once our staff redirects to our mission, work gets accomplished and we are then able to focus on our vision.
I feel that the most important Supervisory Skill to have is positive reinforcement. When a team is negative, then no one will achieve. With a positive environment everyone is able to produce and motivate each other.
Pamela,
I agree with you that availability is huge. And when the manager is generally available, the team is more forgiving of those rare times when the door needs to be closed or he/she is absent.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I think one that is over looked quite often is availability. So many times managers are not willing to be available at the time when the team member needs to ask a question or solve a problem. Team members need to know that if they need there supervisor it is ok to go approach them.
Another thing I think is important is fostering a spirit of team.
Octavia,
I agree that as the leader I need to show this great respect for others for those whom I am leading.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I think that the most important supervisory skills a manager should have is respect for the others. A true leader is able to recognize his teamwork professional skills and learn from them. I believe that when the team share knowledge everybody feels part of it and it may be really difficult to loose motivation.
Thomas,
I would agree. This allows the leader to influence & see the potential in others, but ensures that the follower is moving forward of their own accord.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
While visiting the Eisenhower Presidential Center I noted the President's definition of leadership posted over the door: "Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do what you want done because he wants to do it." I believe that he incorporated both the leader's understanding and ownership of his own vision and a respect for the values and desires of the staff member. This seems to be an important balance for leadership.
Debra,
I agree that we, as leaders, need to be ready to help out. I also feel that leaders need to make sure that they are adequately delegating the work that should be done by others & that they are focusing on the leadership/management functions they need to.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
i think it's best to lead by example and don't ever be afraid to jump in and get your hands duirty with the workload. My supersivor is very hands on, I respect that about him. he knows the business operation and challenges that we face in a day to day activities.
Mayra,
you are so right that listening is one of the most important supervisory skills. By truly listening we can identify how best to help our employees & motivate them.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Mayra,
you are so right that listening is one of the most important supervisory skills. By truly listening we can identify how best to help our employees & motivate them.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Listen to their concerns, worries, and comprehend what really motivates the team. Listening is one part of the process.
I think is it very important and imperative to lead by example. Do not ask of others what you are not willing to do yourself. Create a winning team environment with consistent and constant montivation. Encourage brainstorming and ideas from everyone on the team. Listen to your employees, do not act as if you know it all.
Karen,
well put. Too many in leadership think they can't be friendly, rather than understanding that I shouldn't be showing favoritism among my direct reports.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Karen,
yes, so much of communication is listening, really listening & we often overlook this as a valuable leadership skill.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
