The title of supervisor is generally applied to a first-line or lower-level managerial role, frequently in industrial or administrative settings. The designation of job supervisor is less common in the 21st century than in prior eras where the actual work of observing colleagues closely was deemed an essential management tactic. Still, there are a variety of roles and vocations today where the designation and role exist.
Functions of a Job Supervisor:
A job supervisor is responsible for the day-to-day performance of a small group. It might be a team, a department or a shift. Generally the supervisor has experience in what the group does and has earned the position deployed on management’s belief that he/she is capable of guiding the team.
Usual supervisory tasks involve:
- Assisting the team understand performance targets and goals.
- Training or ensuring that employees are properly trained for their specific roles.
- Scheduling work hours and shifts.
- Coordinating job rotation and cross-training.
- Giving real-time feedback on worker performance.
- Sharing company updates, financial results and new aims with team members.
- Helping in resolving emergencies. For example, a quality or a customer issue might be escalated to the team supervisor for handling.
- Recognizing and resolving workplace issues, involving tardiness or absenteeism.
- Providing reports and activity updates to management.
- Assisting in hiring and firing activities, however often the supervisor requires managerial approval of all new hires or terminations.
Sample Position Titles:
Titles differ by industry and vocation, however, here are some common examples of supervisory titles:
- Team Supervisor
- Shift Supervisor
- Support Supervisor
- Service Supervisor
- Nurse Supervisor
Becoming a Supervisor:
The job supervisor role is one where the individual must have an outstanding grasp of the work of the team and also an understanding of the tasks and activities of a manager. The supervisor is often drawn from the working team because management acknowledges his or her work ethic, company attitude, and commitment to quality. Agencies often require individuals promoted to supervisory roles to attend first-line or front-line management training, where they learn important communication and management skills.
Challenges of Being a Supervisor:
The role of a supervisor is mostly a challenging one. The new supervisor often must navigate the weird transition from being one of the team members to the individual responsible for guiding work, providing constructive feedback and even writing up, disciplining or terminating a long-time colleague or friend. Rather than being a team member, the individual, as supervisor, is now part of management. This transition is often immensely uncomfortable for all parties.
A huge part of the role of supervisor involves offering feedback, both constructive and positive, with constructive being the more challenging for most individuals to deliver.
If training hasn’t been offered, several supervisors report struggling with delivering constructive feedback.
In the role of supervisor, the individual is accountable for team performance, which offers pressure above and beyond the level he or she may have experienced as a team member.
Often the supervisor is charged with responsibility for the team and overall performance, yet has relatively little direct authority without gaining managerial support.
Best Practices of Successful Supervisors:
- They understand the significance of team development, and they work hard to support their team.
- They work to gain the credibility and support of their team members.
- They concentrate on developing a culture where accountability and fairness are present in every encounter.
- They support the professional development and training of their team members.
- They shield their team and often hold themselves visibly accountable for any mistakes or mishaps.
- They work hard to master the art and science of delivering effective, constructive feedback.