Top Supervisor Skills – How to Master Them
The role of a supervisor matters to the people and to the business. We know from new manager training feedback that effective supervisors align the efforts of their team members and steer them toward achieving collective goals in a way that makes sense. We know from leadership simulation assessment results that top supervisor skills catapult people managers to higher performance.
5 Top Supervisor Skills to Better Lead Others
People manager assessment data tells us that first time supervisors should look to assess and improve these five top supervisor skills:
- Setting a Clear and Compelling Strategic Direction
We know from our organizational alignment research that strategic clarity accounts for 31% of the difference between high and low performing leaders. Supervisors act as the architects of strategic execution. With a keen eye toward the horizon, high performing supervisors align their team’s efforts with the overarching goals of the organization, charting a course toward long-term success.You know you are headed in the right direction when your team feels a shared sense of purpose and is driving toward completing shared goals together.
- Inspiring and Motivating Others to Do Their Best Work
A masterful supervisor does more than just delegate tasks. They inspire, motivate, and empower their team to perform at their peak. To motivate others, supervisors must lead by example, instilling a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.You know you are headed in the right direction when employees take the initiative and go the extra mile.
- Being Clear and Transparent with Information
Effective communication guides the flow of information with precision and clarity. Adept supervisors communicate early and often to foster team understanding, cohesion, and commitment. From active listening to clearly articulating expectations, effective communication is a linchpin of effective supervision.You know you are headed in the right direction when the team is satisfied with the information they receive.
- Making Effective Decisions
Effective supervisors successfully navigate the labyrinth of obstacles and choices by making sound decisions. Effective decision making entails not only identifying issues but also fostering a culture where challenges are viewed as opportunities for constructive debate and growth rather than barriers to success.You know you are headed in the right direction when high quality decisions are made fast enough in way that fosters team alignment.
- Empowering Team Development
Nurturing talent stands as a cornerstone for sustained excellence. A proficient supervisor recognizes potential within each team member and cultivates an environment where growth and careers flourish. Through mentorship, training, and personalized development plans, supervisors empower their team to reach new heights, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional advancement.You know you are headed in the right direction when people feel like their job gives them a chance to learn and grow.
The Bottom Line
Sadly, most new managers underperform during their first two years on the job. And those that survive develop bad habits that stay with them throughout their career. Mastering these top supervisor skills enables people managers to set their teams up for success.
To learn more about top supervisor skills, download Do You Have High Performing Managers? The 4 Management Metrics that Matter Most