A supervisor has two employees who perform poorly and are resistant to change. Because he hasn’t been trained in communications or coaching, rather than dealing with the problem head on, he complains about them and just tries to avoid them. Performance doesn’t improve.
Why would it?
Many of those with “supervisor” titles have not been educated in the most basics of business, yet they make critical decisions regarding those issues daily. It’s likely that they were promoted into positions of responsibility because of their functional abilities, not their management skills. To add to the problem, staff reductions have led to broader spans of control and to promotions into jobs for which employees might not have the required tools. And, most supervisors are too embarrassed—or don’t know enough—to ask for help. However…
- ….the factory supervisor, who has never been trained in motivation, can make a huge difference in worker productivity if he learns empathy and body language.
- ….the accounts receivables manager, who has never learned the steps for effective communication, can improve efficiency if she begins to follow up on her directions.
- ….the warehouse manager, who has never learned about managing conflict, can reduce wasted time and stress while building a better team.
These three supervisors can become more productive almost immediately, with great effect on satisfaction, retention, efficiency and profitability. The measurable results are three-fold:
- Better decisions and more productivity at the first line of supervision, allowing upper management to focus on more strategic issues
- More satisfied and confident supervisors, leading to more dedication and lower turnover
- Greater bench strength for the Company as these managers develop and grow
Former executive and college professor Marty Rogoff focuses on the development of middle managers and first-level supervisors. Through a program of workshops and one-on-one coaching, supervisors become more productive almost immediately, with great effect on satisfaction, retention, efficiency and profitability.