If hero is defined as one who possesses abilities that allow him to carry out extraordinary and beneficial feats, we could affirm that the new role of the supervisor in this era, called knowledge or entrepreneurship, embodies this definition well.
It is well known that in the Industrial era, the supervisor was confined to a role of enforcing the boss's orders; since the industrial period was characterized by an environment that attributed thought and knowledge to the chief, while obedience to orders for the execution of the task was expected from the workers. Perhaps this role has given rise to the word supervision, from the Latin "visus" which means to examine something, with or without an instrument, giving it the go-ahead; and from the Latin "super" which means preeminence. In other words: privilege, advantage or preference to approve work done, for special reason or merit.
The demands of the environment on the business environment have been of such magnitude, that they have made the company itself to adjust the roles exercised by all those involved, in order to achieve and maintain its competitiveness in the market, keeping customers satisfied by the attention received and by creativity and innovation of new products and services. All this, in addition, must be supported by an optimal work environment that fosters the identification of employees with the company, the improvement of processes and tasks, the management of conflicts and, therefore, the increase in productivity.
Well, the Supervisor, being the first link of management / directive and workers, can have an influence on them that can be vital or fatal in the organization. And I point this out because many times in companies appointments of Supervisors are made who have not been motivated to learn (self-improvement) or have not been prepared to exercise that role and, even wanting to do their best, face situations in which they are unaware how to act to achieve expected results, so they improvise confident in the old paradigm that employees only obey the orders they receive, which can have serious consequences for the work environment.
It is the responsibility of the company to train Supervisors and make them aware of the degree of contribution they have in the management of the company, for which it is necessary that they ethically exercise all their responsibilities; between them:
- Management responsibilities such as: Work planning, Organization, Management, Coordination, Control, Work improvement, Communication, Decision Making, Responsibilities regarding the management of Personnel, Distribution of workload, Orientation to the employee, Cooperation, Performance Evaluation, Incentives and Disciplinary Action. Staff Training Responsibilities: Career Planning, Self-Improvement, Training. Responsibilities for Staff Well-Being; Health and Safety and Staff Retirement.
But fulfilling these responsibilities is not enough, since being the first link with the workers, the Supervisor's behavior is much more visible and reflects in his actions the coherence of his thinking and acting with the values declared in the company, which they are nothing more than concepts or convictions that define the way in which one works (Rules of Action).
The supervisor's performance is the first model to be imitated or criticized, valued or protested; Reasons why the Supervisor must show both his personal values and the alignment with the values of the company, promoting among other things Creativity and Innovation, Loyalty, Trust, Humility, Communication, Excellence, Honesty, Respect, Commitment, Responsibility, Prudence, Disposition of Service, Truth and Objectivity, and Knowledge Sharing.
What has been said so far cannot put aside the pressures that the supervisor receives for showing optimal results of his management and, at the same time, his own demand to overcome his weaknesses. In this sense, experience and successful practices have revealed the importance of collective learning, considering mistakes and successes, teamwork, and last but not least, the use of a sense of humor, which, far from meaning jokes, jokes or disrespect at work, constitutes an attitude positive about life, which allows finding more creative solutions to problems. All this contributes to giving a feeling of peace and joy to the working day, with a motivated, creative staff, identified with the company with a feeling of community, more productive and, consequently,This can be reflected in more satisfied and loyal customers.
Much of these results can be achieved if the Supervisor encourages effective communication. For this, they must have the conversational skills that allow them to give instructions and identify the communication obstacles of their collaborators, as well as being able to communicate the economy and efficiency of their operations.
To develop the habit of effective communication you would have to ask yourself:
What kind of observer is it? How is your listening? If your conversation is based on fact or unsubstantiated judgment? What proportion in your conversation does the proposition and the inquiry have? Does it facilitate dialogue? How do you give or receive feedback? These questions illustrate some aspects of business coaching that are necessary to achieve both effectiveness in the results and motivation and personal satisfaction of the workers, whatever their level.
This search for quality within oneself: "in what you DO (your responsibilities) and in what you EXPRESS (your communication)". It is what has given way to the new business ethic called Endocality. And together with this modern requirement, the classic requirements are maintained to ensure that a business can grow and increase its profitability (or its profits); increase their productivity through the use and improvement of methods, time study, cost control and a system of recognition and incentives for personnel.
On the other hand, it is worth mentioning that the exercise of the supervisor's leadership requires:
- Encourage self-improvement of subordinates Respect values, desires and feelings / trust in subordinates Structure structuring solidarity and cooperative relationships Resolve conflicts and make decisions with the input of ideas and participation of all Encourage and promote thinking and behavior for the achievement of organizational objectives and goals. Transform supervision into an educational action.
Do not you think that what is reflected in this article justifies considering the supervisor as the business superhero? Exercising your role is a challenge that has a direct impact on the results you want to achieve in your company.
Don't take risks, empower your Supervisor and make him aware of this reality.
