The ABC’s of Supervising Others

This workshop is for people who are new supervisors or who are interested in a supervisory position, as well as those who are team leads or part-time supervisors without a great deal of authority.

This three-day course is designed to help participants overcome many of the supervisory problems that they will encounter as a workplace leader. Dealing with the problems that a new supervisor encounters isn’t easy, but it doesn’t have to lead to discouragement.

• Adjust to the supervisor’s role with confidence.
• Develop your skills in listening, asking questions, resolving conflict, and giving feedback to employees.
• Identify key attitudes that you can develop to enhance your supervisory skills.
• Use time management and planning techniques to maximize your success.
• Develop a technique for giving instructions that are clear and understood.
• Understand the importance of developing good relationships with employees and peers, so you are seen as fair and consistent.

We will spend the first part of the day getting to know other participants and discussing what will take place during the workshop. Students will also have an opportunity to identify their personal learning objectives.

To begin, participants will discuss their pre-assignment in small groups.

Next, participants will discuss how their role will change when they become a supervisor. They will also work on developing solutions for common concerns of new supervisors, such as, “How do I make sure employees recognize my new role and respect my position as a supervisor?”

During this session, participants will explore their three main areas of responsibility.

This session will explore some behaviors and attitudes that can set supervisors up for success. Topics will include building the right environment, motivation from within, and lifelong learning.

This session will help participants set goals with SPIRIT.

Next, participants will discuss the value of short- and long-range planning. Time management tips and e-mail techniques will also be covered, as well as the parts of a good plan.

During this session, participants will learn about and practice active listening skills.

This session covers questioning skills, probing techniques, and non-verbal messages.

Giving feedback is one of the most important skills for a supervisor, yet it can be a tricky task. This session will help participants master this invaluable skill. Participants will also get tips on receiving feedback.

This session will explore how to give effective instructions.

During this session, participants will learn about these three types of instructions.

Unfortunately, supervisors are often called in to mediate conflicts. Participants will learn a process for managing conflict in this session.

In this session, participants will learn how to structure a difficult conversation. Then, they will consider how to handle some difficult situations.

To wrap up the second day, participants will explore their personal network and how to be a positive influence in it. They will also consider how to establish credibility.

At the end of the course, students will have an opportunity to ask questions and fill out an action plan.