Tricks of the Trade—Supervising

Supervising is learned just as technical skills are learned.

However, training to be a supervisor takes an extra level of self-awareness and discipline.

In a study done by Dr. Eugene Jennings at Michigan State University, he identified 14 qualities of highly successful supervisors:

1. Gives clear work instructions, communicates well
2. Praises others when they deserve it, understands the importance of recognition
3. Is willing to take the time to listen to others
4. Can be counted on to behave maturely and appropriately
5. Has confidence and self-assurance
6. Has appropriate technical knowledge to coach, teach and evaluate others
7. Understands group’s problems—listens attentively and carefully
8. Gains respect through honesty. Easily admits mistakes and takes ownership
9. Is fair to everyone—demonstrated through patterns of assignments and avoidance of favoritism
10. Demands good work from everyone
11. Gains people’s trust by properly representing interests of the group to higher management
12. Works for the best interests of both the group and higher management
13. Maintains an air of friendliness while at the same time not being “one of them”
14. Demonstrates a desire to understand without shutting off feedback through judging, moralizing or belittling

According to these qualities, how do you rate as a supervisor?