Leadership Development: What Supervisors and Managers Need to Know

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Leadership Development: What Supervisors and Managers Need to Know

Too often supervisors and managers are thrown into their new position and expected to sink or swim. In fact, sometimes they aren’t even considered worthy of leadership training being “just managers.” Remember supervisors and managers have the most face-to-face, day-to-day contact with the people who actually produce for the organization. They are, by default, leaders of those people.

Here are seven tips to get started right. If you’re already in a leadership role, struggling to figure it out, these tips will help. If you’ve been at it a while, it’s still helpful to review these basics.

1.  Develop Your Own Definition of a Good Leader

You’ll find it very helpful to begin with a definition of a good leader. The best teachers are the leaders you have observed and worked for. Write down a few of the best examples of leadership you’ve experienced. Then, write down a few of the worst examples. Refer to this list regularly and make sure you are striving for the best and avoiding the worst.

2.  Don’t Try to Change Everything The First Day

Things are seldom in such a bad state that you have to take immediate action or make drastic changes. Leaders can come away from training courses thinking they must institute new policies and changes immediately but, major changes instituted immediately by new leaders often fail.

3.  Watch, Learn, Listen, Ask Questions

You must watch, learn, listen, and ask questions, from within your organization to actually learn what is good and bad. The most important step is listening. Give genuine attention to what people tell you. That doesn’t mean take action on every little complaint, but your attentiveness will go a long way towards developing trust between you and subordinates.

4.  Get To Know Your Workers

These are the people who will help you succeed. You’re a team and how you interact with that team is critical. As you meet people you’ll develop a first impression of them. That’s natural, but be careful about acting on that first impression. People don’t always have their best foot forward when they meet the new boss.

5.  Know what you want to accomplish

Know the organization’s strategic plan and what your boss expects. Be able to communicate that to your subordinates and tell them where they fit. Develop your own plan. A good leader will develop an idea of things the organization should do to excel, but pay attention to tips 2, 3, and 4.

6.  Take Care Of Yourself

Don’t let your new job destroy you. Leaders often get deeper and deeper in their responsibilities at the expense of everything else; like families and health, and eventually burn out. Don’t try to do everything yourself. Take care of yourself from the first day on the job. Sufficient sleep, exercise, and nourishment are important for your health. Remember to take care of your brain too. Develop a hobby or interest that can take your mind off the job.

7.  Don’t Lose Sight Of Your Values

Let your values be your guide, not just for making the big decisions, but for your everyday actions. Remember, your leadership position is about helping the organization excel and helping subordinates succeed. It most certainly isn’t about you. Hopefully, your personal values reflect that.
 
 

This post is a synopsis of the “Seven Tips for New Leaders” in the newly released ebook, Don’t Worry, You Can Do This!: What New Supervisors and Managers Need   to Know About Leadership available at Amazon.com

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