Supervision mistakes are being made - Marcus is vague, Carol bullies and gives poor feedback and Serena makes the fatal mistake of starting an inappropriate discussion with Carol because she is attracted to a client. Effective supervision skills are shown and include using goals to achieve results and measuring the success, listening and supporting staff, acknowledging good work and focusing on building skills.

This video explores skills for supervising effectively, and mistakes supervisors often make.

Mistake 1.  Being Vague. Marcus’ management style is vague and unclear.

Skill 1.Use Goals to Achieve Results.  Serena uses goals and actions and measures results.  

Mistake 2.Using Fear Tactics. Carol bullies and blames, making it difficult to work with her.

Skill 2.  Listen and Be Supportive. Marcus is an empathic supervisor who is easy to talk to.

Mistake 3.Giving Poor Feedback.  Carol blunt, often critical without being constructive.

Skill 3.  Acknowledge Good Work.  Serena, Alex and Sam provide explanations.

Mistake 4.  Having Inappropriate Discussions.  Serena divulges to Carol her personal feelings about a client during an office meeting.   

Skill 4.Focus on Building Skills. Good supervisors build strengths and encourage team members to improve on their weaknesses.

  Key Learning Points

"Good supervisors bring out the best in their people. Bad supervisors make people want to leave"

SUPERVISE EFFECTIVELY

Don’t be vague
INSTEAD: Use goals to achieve results

Don’t use fear tactics
INSTEAD: Listen and be supportive

Don’t give poor feedback
INSTEAD: Acknowledge good work

Don’t have inappropriate discussions
INSTEAD: Focus on building skills

Mistake #1 – Being vague
Skill #1 – Use goals to achieve results

Mistake #2 – Using fear tactics
Skill#2 – Listen and be supportive

Mistake #3 – Giving poor feedback
Skill #3 – Acknowledge good work

Mistake #4 – Having inappropriate discussions
Skill #4 – Focus on building skills