Last week, we examined some of the problems supervisors face when they first assume their supervisory roles. We also identified the four areas that training should cover to enable supervisors to make a successful transition: Job-related procedures, technical aspects of the operation, HR policies and health and safety regulations. Today, we'll look at another essential element of a successful transition to supervisor: leadership.

5 How-To's of Leadership Training

Organizational consultant Michael Topf says that new supervisors need training on what it means to be a leader. Topf recommends that leadership training for new supervisors address five how-to's:

1. How to Communicate Respectfully

A key aspect of leadership training is to show supervisors how to interact with other employees. Such training, says Topf, "gives the supervisor the best chance of getting cooperation and buy-in from his or her employees and co-workers, as well as from other supervisors and managers."

Some companies operate with a command and control approach - the "follow-my-instructions-because-I-told-you-so" model. Topf says that this approach often leads to resentment among employees, who may respond by doing just enough to get by in their jobs. "This can result in safety incidents, breakdowns in equipment and a decline in results." Supervisors need training on how to communicate respectfully regardless of whether employees are being cooperative or resistant.

2. How to Give Directions

"New supervisors," says Topf, "need to know how to coach and counsel the individuals they supervise." What's needed is a capacity to deliver constructive criticism and direction. "If you deal with people in a negative way they most likely will develop a negative attitude," says Topf.

3. How to Deliver Training

Of course, supervisors aren't just recipients of training; they're relied on to deliver it to other employees. According to Topf, an effective supervisor ensures that employees at all levels are properly trained and equipped, and that they have the proper instruction and direction to do their jobs safely in a quality manner and not cut corners or bypass procedures.

Leadership training must therefore address a supervisor's training skills and attitudes. "Supervisors have got to ensure that the people they train not only receive the information delivered in training, but practice it in performing their jobs."

4. How to Correct and Discipline

One of the sensitive issues for which supervisors need preparation is dealing with workers who are not doing what they're supposed to. "Supervisors must be prepared to deal with an array of problems that could involve substandard work, failing to work safely and/or disciplinary problems like showing up late," Topf explains. Learning to be an effective supervisor means knowing how to properly correct behaviors that do not conform to requirements and imposing appropriate discipline on employees who warrant it.

5. How to Sell

There's one other point. Supervisors, managers and safety professionals need to be trained to be internal sales people. "You need to be able to sell your manager on what you need to do your job," explains Topf. "If you, or the employees you are responsible for, need safety (or leadership) training or you want to go to a safety conference or bring in an outside trainer, you have to be able to sell them on it."

Conclusion

Next week, we'll look at what new supervisors can do when their training falls short.

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