18 Oregon Trucking Association, Inc. Oregon Truck Dispatch Things Successful Supervisors Do Differently From HR Answers, Inc. WE’VE ALL HAD good supervisors and bad ones, and chances are we remember the characteristics of both vividly. The good ones probably stick out as people who have made a positive impact on our work lives and who made us more successful in our careers. The terrible ones probably showed us the type of supervisors that we don’t want to be and the mistakes we don’t want to make. Outstanding supervisors can create a profound ripple effect in their organizations. Their behavior, integrity, and role modeling rub off on others for the better. Not only do supervisors directly impact their team members, but they indirectly affect others. The people they supervise and manage frequently move on to lead others, often in a way that emulates how they were supervised. Here are several things that successful supervisors do differently that make themselves stand out. 1. They treat others beyond the golden rule Much of what makes certain supervisors more successful than others is going beyond treating others as they would like to be treated—they treat others like they want to be treated. They think of how they would like to be supervised (respectful, consistent, honest, fair, loyal, kind, flexible, empathetic, etc.) and they also realize that they have a group of individuals who may have different needs and desires and they flex and adjust to their staff. That’s what outstanding supervisors do. 2. They radiate integrity Successful supervisors have high integrity. They exude honesty, sincerity, consistency, and credibility regardless of whether they may potentially displease someone or experience some uncomfortable conflict or negative consequences. They say what they mean and follow through on their actions. Likewise, if they aren’t sure of a commitment or promise, they don’t make it, because they realize that failing to follow through time and time again shows that their words are empty, gives their employees false hopes, and makes employees question their commitments. They also know right from wrong and follow a strong moral and ethical code in the workplace. This behavior is frequently correlated with words like ownership and self-accountability. 3. They set the example Along the same lines, successful supervisors walk the talk each and every day. They comply with policies and procedures, follow the rules, model the organization’s culture, and core values, set an example of leadership, and convey all of the behaviors and attitudes they expect of their employees. In addition, outstanding supervisors don’t think they are privy to a different set of work standards than everyone else because of their role and title. They work hard; just like everyone else. 4. They have humility Too much pride and ego get in the way of many supervisors’ effectiveness, which is why successful supervisors have humility. They don’t let their title, authority, and power, go to their head. They don’t assume they know or deserve more than those they supervise, don’t put their success and ego ahead of others, and they influence through inspiring and motivating rather than control, command, or demanding compliance. They are givers rather than takers, more participative than directive, and are quick to take responsibility when things go wrong rather than put the responsibility on others. 5. They listen and communicate well Effective supervisors communicate often and interact with their employees professionally and appropriately. Great supervisors are attentive to and listen closely to the needs of their employees and respond to them accordingly. They keep a pulse on their employees professionally and a bit personally too. In fact, they do more listening than talking, because their job is to help their people solve problems and succeed so that they build a winning team together. 6. They encourage the best in people Outstanding supervisors do more than just manage to results—they look for and encourage the best in their people. They help employees identify and play to their strengths and unique talents and align those strengths in ways that best fulfill the needs of the team. They understand each employee is evergrowing in their professional journey and they encourage and help them to become the best people they can be with their wisdom, knowledge, and leadership. In essence, great supervisors choose to be more like “stewards and mentors” rather than “bosses” who care for, nurture, and support employees. 7. They acknowledge others Acknowledgements can be a rarity in the workplace, and they can truly make an impact in the work lives of your employees, strengthening their
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