The Four F's of Supervision

To become a successful supervisor it is benefical to have good technical skills associated with the skill sets of the people that you are supervising. To be an effective supervisor you must have good leadership skills in order to lead people. The task of supervising people is complex so I do not want to make it sound so simplistic. However, the "Four F's of Supervision" is a good foundation for a new supervisor (or an experienced supervisor) to have.

Be First - An effective supervisor must be first! Don't ask people who report to you to do something that you
                are not willing to do.

              Example: If you want the people who report to you to come to work on time, be at work before
                             they arrive.

Be Fair - Treat everyone fairly and be consistent in your behavior toward the people who report to you,
               your peers and superiors.

              Example: Do not play favors with the best performers; recognize their abilities but do not show
                            them special treatment. Show all of the people who report to you that you recognize
                            and appreciate their efforts.

Be Flexible - A supervisor will never have all of the answers and often, will not have the best answer; be
                    flexible and willing to change your decision or position if one or more of the people who report
                    to you have a better idea regarding the issue or problem to be solved; if you choose not to take
                    their suggestion or recommendation, explain why you are going to do it your way and be
                    accountaable for your decision.

                Example:  Give employees an opportunity to perform a task in a different way than you had
                                instructed; if they are successful, recognize their accomplishment; if not successful,
                                show that you appreciate their efforts and have them do it as you instructed.

Be Firm - You do not have to wear your authority on your shoulder; everyone know that you are the
                supervisor and the authority associated with that position. However, your orders, instructions
                and directivies must be strictly adhered to. Remember, employees can express their feelings or
                what they would prefer without being insubordinate.

BE FIRST, BE FAIR, BE FLEXIBLE, BE FIRM ...........................BE EFFECTIVE !!

Howard W. Lewis,
Labor Relations Consultant