L.,
this is a great illustration of one of the major problems facing managers today: the virtual team. Have you spent any time going to their different locations to get to know them in a face to face setting?
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I agree being available is very important. I find it is difficult for me to be available to my team when they are in seven locations across four time zones. Getting to really know my team when the majority of interaction with them is through e-mail and a once weekly WebEx has really pushed my abilities in leadership. I realize I need to focus even more under these circumstances.
Frederick,
this is so true & the leader also needs to know when to help in the trenches & when to step out.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
While it is important for a manager to have technical expertise and be willing to roll up sleeves, a leader must demonstrate integrity, passion, credibility and compassion through strong communication skills to motivate staff and build trust.
Debbie,
yes, leading by example is key & this really ties into the classroom as well. I should be modeling a professional & a life-long learner for my students.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I believe the important skill is to lead by example.
My mentor whom I try to mirror everyday always lead by example. No matter how small the task, he always supported us by answering our questions and sometimes helping us achieve the task.
His actions motivated all of us to work hard and enjoy the task at hand. I also try to remind my staff to "enjoy" the day. We are fortunate to work with students on a daily process. We are a part of their success.
Michelle,
you are right that a supervisor must be primarily focused on building those relationships with those he/she leads.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
All supervisory skills are important. A supervisor must be trustworthy, transparent, a good listener, available, honest, hardworker etc. This list can go on and on but as a supervisor, you must be establish a good rapport with your staff. You must be approachable and know how to handle conflicts. A supervisor must me the first example of how a good employee should behave in a work envirnoment.
Melissa,
yes, communication is an invaluable aspect. And we need to be careful that it's not just quantity of communication, but quality as well & listening is part of communication.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I think it's very important to not only be postitive but to lead by example as well. If we say or expect one thing, but we ourselves do the oposite, it can lead to many problems within the department. Communication is also key. We must communicate with our team and expect the same in return.
Maggie,
these are all great qualities; I especially like staying calm under pressure. This has proven true many times for me.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
as a manager, the skills or qualities required are to stay positive, calm under pressure, maintaining control, reaffirm yourself as well as employees-recognizing a job well done
Gaylene,
yes, taking feedback is important & be sure to receive it well when you ask for it.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
To be an active listener, ask your employees for feedback and to be a part of major department decisions. Empower your employees to fulfill their job responsibilities and to assist you in obtaining the department's missions and goals. An effective supervisor will face, instead of running from conflict. Lastly, the supervisor must be fair and consistent.
As a senior (over 50) military leader maintaining a high level of physical conditioning has been an excellent motivational and supervisory skill. I lead by example and lead the pack. Its not you go out and do it, its I go do it and you try to keep up. To our young men of America that is one of the greatest skills I can pass on.
Lynn,
this is a powerful tool that will help your employees to be able to connect their work with the overall mission of the organization.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I think being able to align your vision with that of the organization while motivating and inspiring your employees to "join with you" as you move forward.
Coreen,
this is an excellent point & I completely agree that one of the keys to effective leadership is the individual consideration of each employee.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I think that's it's important for new managers to really to get know their employee's. In this course it touches on how to motivate employee's who are not engaged. I think it's important to take that furthers and find out how they like to receive feedback? What approach do I use to give constructive feedback, what are their stressors?
I think sometimes managers can overlook these small areas and sometimes treat or communicate with everyone the same way, when in fact if they took more time getting to know their team, their work performance/results would be better.
Shane,
yes, we must demonstrate that we are not above any of the work & that we will work just as hard as the others.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
