How to Be a Good Supervisor

by Alex A. Kecskes

Good administrative supervisors are always in demand. Unlike upper management, supervisors must deal with workers who may not thoroughly understand the concept of supervision. They must deal with workers directly, people who have "work to object" skills as opposed to "work to people" skills. In most areas of a company or department, good supervisors typically share the following common traits and skill sets:

Good communication. Whether oral or written, good supervisors know how to communicate clearly and correctly all details about the work to be done and certain departmental or company guidelines.

Adaptability. In today's fast-paced work environments, supervisors must embrace change and quickly adapt to new people and job requirements.

Coaching/Mentoring. A good supervisor knows the value of every employee under his or her charge. Supervisors must always seek to improve each employee, imparting the knowledge and experience they have gained on the job. The goal, as Donald Trump has often said, is to have people better than you working for you. This can happen one of two ways: either you hire better people or train them to be your betters.

Discipline/Bearing. Good supervisors are always disciplined in the way they look and act. They should project a positive attitude about life and work.

Get in the trenches with the troops. Good supervisors aren't afraid to work alongside their charges when deadlines approach or staffing falls short of what's needed.

Approachable/considerate. A good supervisor can draw people into their zone of trust so that workers will not hesitate to offer suggestions or air grievances. Supervisors must also be considerate enough to give employees a little leeway when it comes to personal needs and family matters.

For an additional perspective, check out this video: