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As mentioned in our previous post, most companies promote workers into supervisor positions because they seemingly deserve it, rather than have the talent for it.  For example, a great contributor with long tenure may be given a promotion and put on a management track to keep them on the team.  However, it should be noted that the habits that made them successful as individual contributors are not the same ones that will make them effective leaders.  We’ve found that great leaders have many of the following talents:
  • They motivate every single employee to take action and engage employees with a compelling mission and vision.  For more on employee motivation see here
  • They have the assertiveness to drive outcomes and the ability to overcome adversity and resistance.
  • They create a culture of clear accountability by checking in regularly with staff and making sure everyone has the tools needed to do their job.
  • They delegate meaningful projects to their team members. This builds up their team and helps them reach their potential.
  • They build relationships that create trust, open dialogue, and full transparency.
  • They communicate clearly and make the time and space for people to talk and ask questions.
  • They make decisions based on productivity, not politics.
  • They are flexible and can adapt to individual employees and allow them to work according to their own individual style.
Knowledge, experience, and skills develop our talents and the fundamental skills of management can be learned by anyone.  Since management is not something we are born knowing how to do, it is especially important to ensure that your supervisors are given the training and support needed to succeed.  Finally, remember that excellent managers come in all shapes and sizes and their management style can be as unique as personalities.  There is no single way to be a successful supervisor, instead recognizing what works for your company and developing those traits in your employees can help create effective leadership. If you need assistance strengthening your management team or other human resource needs, contact us and check out our blog for more helpful resources.