TIPS FOR NEW SUPERVISORS

ACTING THE ROLE
Even before you are confirmed as a supervisor you should have already been behaving as a senior person. So that when the promotion comes its a mere rubber stamp and not mass panic as to what the characteristics of a supervisor should be. (Please note that behaving like a senior person should not be misconstrued to mean giving out orders and coming in late but moreso managing the tasks given to you and completing them within the given time lines, asking for increased responsibility, showing initiative in processing your assignments by using the shortest time possible while not compromising quality, volunteering suggestions that will benefit your department and assisting your colleagues).

CHANGE IN RELATIONSHIPS
So before, you and the person next to you were colleagues well, guess what? The atmosphere has changed in that you now supervisor that person. While I don't recommend that you become too rigid, too much horse play and slacking off will be a poor reflection on your supervisory skills. I suggest you engage in your catching up at prearranged departmental breaks so that disruptions may be minimal and contained.

DEVELOP YOUR STAFF
Now that you are a supervisor begin immediately to find a deputy. Remember there is no "I" in team and besides, you will eventually have to go on vacation. In identifying that resource, make sure that the person has all or most of the attributes necessary to "carry" the department in your absence. If the person is not yet ready, provide the requisite training, autonomy and support. Come in late sometimes and observe how your deputy manages the department. Make clear the lines of demarcation, and advise the other members of your department of the need to address you deputy in your absence. Lastly, mention the input and hard work of the incumbent (deputy) to your superiors. Ensure that they receive the requisite recognition.


SET AN EXAMPLE
The example you set in terms of your attendance and punctuality should speak for itself. There may be times when you will be late, but let it not be too often, and if you are late, your deputy should be the first to know about it, so that the necessary contingencies will be activated. Always keep at the back of your mind the fact that you are constantly being graded and evaluated by your direct reports. Who said being a supervisor was easy? Be mindful of your office mannerism ensure that at all times it reflects professionalism.

LISTEN
This goes without saying. Despite the fact that you are the supervisor for a section, staff will always have insights that may benefit the department and ultimately you. If you do not listen opportunities may be lost. Make the time to interact with your direct reports. Remember if your department looks good you look good.

MOTIVATE
In addition to lending an ear, you must always strive to be one step ahead of your direct reports in coming up with incentives to encourage increased productivity. These incentives can be inexpensive in nature and range from Retro Wednesday (where the staff with the oldest Michael Jackson single wins a gift certificate) to an ugly baby picture competition. Remember output increases when staff are motivated and are recognized.

BE THE ANSWER
As the supervisor, you must know (even functionally) the respective processes of your department. If you don't know, find your procedural manual and study it. Staff will quickly lose respect for you if it is discovered that they know some departmental process that you don't. You must be the resource person in your section or the "go to" person, should a crisis or situational challenge occur. Look at it as if you are your department's 911 Dispatcher.

EVALUATE DAILY
Do not wait until the formal appraisal to provide feedback and appraise your staff. This should be done weekly (or at a period comfortable with you) and the results shared with the respective incumbent. This will reduce the effects of surprises at the end of an evaluation period, as the staff being appraised would have been aware of his/her performance and know how they match against the standards set by the organization.


NEVER SETTLE
Despite being promoted to the position of supervisor, this should not limit you. What about working toward being a manager and so on. Take on the challenges of being a supervisor with fervor and zeal. The sky is the limit and your greatest advocate is you.