Failure is a scary word.
It can suggest all sorts of unpleasant scenarios and consequences—and it’s especially painful when your business is involved.
So, the question is, why are businesses setting up their front-line supervisors to fail?
These supervisors act as the very first level of management and often direct as much as 80 percent of a company’s workforce. However, despite the tremendous role they play in an organization’s success, these managers are often left to sink or swim. Your front-line supervisors are much more likely to fail if they are given short shrift in any of the following areas:
1) Resources
Do your supervisors have access to the resources that they need to carry out their responsibilities?
While your initial response might be a firm “yes,” take a moment to really consider the question. “Resources” can be many different things (such as tools and information), but they can also be people. Having the necessary access to senior management and executives is critical to a front-line supervisor’s success.
By taking the time to regularly interact with your supervisors, you will be able to better gauge the organizational support they are receiving.
2) Experience
How much experience is enough?
The answer to this question will vary depending on who you ask—and there is likely no single correct response. It might sound cliché, but every person is unique. The experience people need to meet expectations will depend on their specific personalities, backgrounds, and job duties.
Evaluating whether front-line supervisors have enough experience to handle their new role requires an intimate understanding of the job you are asking them to do—as well as the ability to accurately assess their skills and knowledge. How would you rate their emotional intelligence? Their communication dexterity? Their ability to deal with conflict?
A front-line supervisor without adequate experience and support will usually feel overwhelmed and contribute to lost productivity, reduced morale, and high turnover.
3) Training
Even if your supervisors have the resources and experience they need to be successful in their role, they will fail if they aren’t given the proper training.
It’s important to remember that training is not a once-and-done event. Professional development is a process that requires long-term dedication, but the benefits that result will make the investment worthwhile. Supervisor-development training is a critical tool for the challenges and setbacks that your front-line managers will inevitably face. With high-quality guidance and coaching, your supervisors will have the opportunity to develop their leadership skills and reach their highest potential.
Are you interested in learning more about our supervisor-development programs? Get in touch with CMOE today to discuss how our services can benefit your organization.
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