Not all who think they delegate, actually delegate. Most assign tasks. The inherent understanding and steps followed is incorrect. Delegation is when you share part of your job as a supervisor or manager with others in your team. This could also include sharing tasks in a project that a supervisor must apportion and break down. Staff should be challenged with new responsibilities to develop skills and abilities on the team.

Among many benefits, delegation allows a great supervisor to:

5. Great supervisors set standards

Great supervisors lead by example. A principle that governs effective leaders and followers is that you cannot tell someone to do something that you yourself are not doing.

Great supervisors support performance management. They work with staff to understand key performance areas and key performance indicators. Rather than act as police for policy, they act as coach and support to help eliminate barriers that prevent employees for meeting and exceeding standards.

When setting rules, they think SMART: specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time bound. Rather than say, Be at work on time - they explain,The standard is to be at work at 08:00 ready to start at the operating machine. Watching the scoreboard helps you to know if you are winning in the game.

Much about great supervisors depends on getting the right supervisors on board, nurturing the right skills and attitudes and support from top management.

For more information visit the Skills Universe page of Anil Salick

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