Ch. 1 of Effective Supervisory Practices (Roles of the supervisor)

Why is delegating essential for supervisory success?

-Helps employees feel valued -Encourages problem solving -Motivates employees to take full responsibility for their work -Increases productivity -Helps manage your workload as supervisor

Transitioning from peer to supervisor means adapting to your role and requires responsibilities that include:

-Rethink your relationships with work friends who are now subordinates -Let go of old tasks/ trust team to complete them -Keep an eye on longer term goals

Your success as a problem solver requires that you can be:

-approachable: so employees are willing to talk about anything -connected: to constantly evaluate successes, etc. -alert: to potential issues/ risks -open: to changes in work processes/ strategies -aware: of patterns that can indicate a problem

What can increase the effectiveness of delegation?

-being clear about what you want done -communicate goals and deadlines -ensure employee understands instructions -choose the right person for the task -challenge employee but do not make task impossible -give team member time and space to complete assignment -maintain open communication -recognize accomplishments

What does effective supervision do?

-ensures public confidence in the govt. -stretches and eliminates boundaries that limit creativity -models and fosters the courage to do the right thing

Supervisory responsibilities:

-ensuring high quality work of your team -leading, developing, supporting, coaching, motivating your team -being a model of ethical, responsible, respectful behavior -communication -setting direction of mission, vision, strategy goals -managing workloads of yourself and the team -creating safe, secure, respectful organization -managing change

Challenges supervisors face:

-growing workload with shrinking resources -freq. changing priorities and needs -diverse workforce creating new dynamics/ leadership responsibilities -high expectations from citizens seeking the best tax returns

Supervisory practices that are key to success:

-know difference btwn leading & managing -transition from peer to supervisor -build/sustain a team -involve others in decision making -delegating effectively -identify/ resolve problems -make jobs more interesting/rewarding -build relationships

Strategies to build strong, productive relationships:

-listen to informal comments from other supervisors -keep an open-door policy for your staff -follow-up with people you meet in other settings -get to know other supervisors

Factors that make a job more interesting/rewarding:

-opportunities -job variety to keep employees interested -independence without supervision -access to latest technology -a healthy work-life balance (flexible work schedules)

To be an effective broker you must:

-stay in touch with needs and views of unit -maintain steady focus on goals -be familiar with important external resources that can influence outcomes -model working across dept. lines to achieve success

As a supervisor you are considered the vital link, connection, and glue. What does it mean by connection?

Connection btwn leaders and implementers

As a supervisor you are considered the vital link, connection, and glue. What does it mean by glue?

Holding the team together regardless of changes, budgets, etc

What skills should you develop to become a leader, NOT a boss?

Leadership skills intertwined with management skills

What is the difference btwn LEADING and MANAGING?

Leading: Leading produces change, with an achievement of long term goals. Managing: Involves short term results such as planning, staffing, budgeting, etc.

As a supervisor you are considered the vital link, connection, and glue. What does it mean by vital link?

Link btwn vision & activities, make things reality

How can delegation improve performance?

Requires mastery of new skills by your employees

The 4 parts to successful delegation?

Responsibility, Authority, Instruction, Accountability

What does it mean to build and sustain a team?

Team performance is key, it means accountability, empowerment, and guidance to reach expected results.