The transition from being a peer with a person’s co-workers to being the supervisor of these co-workers is a difficult adjustment for most people.  Many employees work very hard and strive for excellent performance in order to be recognized and promoted to supervisor.  After the promotion they will be excited because their hard work has been recognized and they will feel they have an opportunity to make a difference. However, it is often then that the reality of the responsibility ahead sinks in.  This very capable person may start to wonder:

“What have I done?”

“Can I do this”?”

“Where do I start”?

There is no doubt their role has now changed and what they need to be successful is different than it was before. Even if an individual is supervising the people who are performing the same job the person just left, the skills needed to be an effective supervisor are different than the skills that were needed previously. As a supervisor’s success is partially measured by the success of their team, a good first place to start is to make sure the new supervisor’s mindset is “my role is to help other people be successful.”

A vital skill to help others be successful is the ability to communicate effectively.   This means the new supervisor must be aware of his/her communication style as well as the styles of the individuals he/she is communicating with and will need to be cognizant of adjusting the communication style if there is a breakdown in communication.  Effective communication involves both being clear in expressing thoughts and expectations as well as listening to the other individual with the intent of true understanding.

Speaking of expectations – the new supervisor should ensure employees know what his/her expectations are.  This includes being clear in what they are required to do, how they will be held accountable, and the consequences of meeting or not meeting the expectations. Consequences can be positive or negative. The key is to be consistent and take immediate action (good or bad), so the employee being supervised knows the new supervisor is paying attention and means what is said.  The new supervisor should be trained to recognize and praise good performance in subordinates and to coach and address unmet expectations as well.  All performance related conversations should be documented, although it might not always reach the level of formal documentation for the file.   The purpose of documentation is to have something to refer back to for future employment decisions (i.e. performance evaluations, pay increases, promotions, discipline, termination, etc.)

Being a good example is another important skill for an effective supervisor to have.   A “good attitude” is reflected by a positive outlook. It is also reflected by supporting decisions of upper management, even if you don’t agree. A team’s acceptance of changes in the workplace is highly influenced by the way a supervisor presents it to them.   When a supervisor treats employees with courtesy and respect, he/she is displaying the example of how employees are expected to treat each other. When a supervisor’s behaviors reflect that he/she is trustworthy, it’s an example for employees to be open and honest with their supervisor.

This all sounds like common sense, right? Well, there is a saying that “common sense is not always common practice.” Sometimes we need help learning how to practice these skills. When an individual is becoming a supervisor for the first time, he/she will need support, information, and training during the transition.  Suggestions they can be provided include:

• Talk to others who you think are effective supervisors and learn how they have handled situations.
• Read articles and books that address effective supervisory and leadership skills.
• Attend training that focuses on learning and using these skills.
• Identify the type of leader you want to become and learn what you can to get you there.

The support an organization provides a new supervisor can be beneficial for the supervisor, his/her team, and the entire organization for years to come.