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Wally Bock's Supervisory Leadership Tips The Gift of Supervision
Christmas is the time to find exactly the right gift for everyone on your list. You've got a similar challenge if you supervise. Your job is to select the right bits of coaching and encouragement to use every time you come in contact with someone who works for you.
Every contact with a subordinate is a moment of truth where you have the opportunity to influence their performance and your relationship. Ask yourself: "What's the best thing for me to give this person right now?"
You may give the gift of coaching. Part of your job is to help every person who works for you develop their skills in every task they have to do.
You may give the gift of admonishment. Some people who work for you will choose not to do what they're supposed to do. Make sure they understand what they're supposed to do and have the resources to do it.
Then, if they don't perform, correct them. Document their behavior. And, in some cases, you will have to weed out those who can't or won't do what's required.
You should give the gift of adaptation. Some people who work for you move fast. Others move more slowly. Some like to make small-talk. Others are more comfortable concentrating on work.
Adapt your communication and supervision to the individuals who work for you. Treat them the way they prefer to be treated and you're more likely to have high productivity and morale.
Whatever other gifts you give, you should give the gift of encouragement. Everyone who works for you deserves at least a morsel of encouragement every time they come in contact with you.
This kind of gift giving isn't just for Christmas time. Great supervisory leaders ladle it out all year 'round.
There are lots of resources out there on various, different social styles systems. All of them are built on the basic principles that people have different preferences and that you will be more effective as a supervisor if you consider those preferences.
I think that the best of the social styles is "The Platinum Rule: Discover the Four Basic Business Personalities and How They Can Lead You to Success" by Tony Alessandra, Michael J. O'Connor. I have two reasons for that judgment.
First, this is the only material on this subject that I'm aware of that gives you options. You get helpful overview of four basic styles that you can use in the field. And you get more detail to help you when you need it.
The other reason is that the book is exceptionally well written and supported by an excellent web site. There is an assessment instrument on the site that you can use to get insight into your own style.
Here are some other resources that can help you with this concept.
"Please Understand Me: Character and Temperament Types" by David Keirsey and Marilyn Bates
"Type Talk at Work: How the 16 Personality Types Determine Your Success on the Job" by Otto Kroeger, Janet M. Thuesen, and Hile Rutledge
Rick English is a lecturer in marketing at San Diego State University. He teaches a marketing class and includes Social Styles in his material. His support material for that class includes some helpful Social Styles material.
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