12 things you need to know about me as a supervisor

I have now supervised others for about 36 years. First as a library media specialist working with library paras and then as a technology director overseeing the work of a diverse and growing bunch of technicians, coordinators, and clerical staff. I’ve personally had both good and bad supervisors and have learned from both. Having done some reflection, here are some of things you should know about me if I were your boss...

1. I hate to supervise. My long held belief is that the secret of successful supervision is to hire people who don’t need supervision. I don’t like being micromanaged nor do I want to have to micromanage others.

2. I want people aligned to a simple mission. When you work in my department and anyone asks you what your job is I hope you say “Educating children.” I don’t care if you are a network manager, accounts receivable clerk, media specialist, or tech integration specialist. Your primary job, the basis of all decisions you make, is simple - what's best as it applies to educating kids.

3. I am not a mind reader. I don’t do subtle. I don’t get hints, looks, or attitudes. You have a problem with me, a coworker, a decision, or a situation, you have to tell me. I will absolutely respect you for your honesty.

4. I'd rather steer you than spur you. I love ideas and new approaches to getting things done. Take initiatives. Suggest policies and new approaches. Seth Godin writes: "It's the boss's job to continually ask, ‘is this the most daring vision of your work?’“I have to try to remember that as well.

5. I believe in families first. Your children will only play t-ball for so many years. Your mom may really need you as she ages. Your husband may require a ride to work. I get that. Honor being a parent, a son/daughter, or a spouse. You only get one chance really to be a good family member.

6. Never put in unpaid overtime. ‘Nuf said. I believe in flexibility and measuring outputs not inputs. It’s never about how long you spend working, it’s about how much you accomplish.

7. The only thing I like better than a compliment is a compliment about someone in my department. Any department I run should be noted for its friendliness and communication skills. We can’t always fix problems but we can always let people know we’ve heard their problems and are trying.

8. Formal evaluations are bullshit. I will do my best to give you feedback on a continuous basis. (And I know I never say thank you or recognize the efforts of others enough.) Let’s figure out together how to turn the formal evals into some kind goal setting plan that actually might make sense.

9. No surprises. I want to know the good stuff that’s happening as well as potential problems. We will meet regularly to share, but if something comes up, let me know. I don’t like looking clueless. And no end runs - you regularly go to my boss instead of me with a problem, don’t ever ask me for a recommendation.

10. We are interdependent. If we focus on making each other successful, we will all thrive and feel satisfaction. The thing I love most about being a supervisor is being asked for help and being able to give it. I will make sure your voice is heard by my boss and will do my best to get you the necessary resources for you to be successful. All I want in return is that you make me look good. Is that too much to ask?

11. Make me the bad guy. If somebody gets on you about a policy you didn’t make, don’t take any abuse. Just send them to me. I believe disagreement is a healthy thing in an organization, but I also believe in professionalism.

12. Happy workers are good workers. I’ve worked for assholes and I’ve worked for decent human beings. I don’t just believe happy people are more productive, I believe workers can’t be productive at all unless they are happy. I want everyone looking forward to work every day.

Reading this might make you think I am a pushover. You’d be wrong. I have high expectations of the people in my department. 

Comments

[Alicia Duell]

Doug,
Words can't express how much I love this list. I agree with pretty much with everything you've said, but have never thought explicitly enough about my management values to state them so coherently. I was going to tell you my favorites, but upon reviewing the list I realized that I love them all, and really appreciate the humanity with which you approach your management responsibilities. Thank you so much-- this is a keeper for sure!
Alicia

[Dominic Reigns]

I really like your post, from my concern I think a supervisor should treat his team members as members not like machine, not so hard on them, the hardness wont raise the productivity. Anyways, good post it was, keep up the good work :)

[Beverly McBrayer]

Doug,
Absolutely brilliant!!! Was soaking up and enjoying the first seven when #8 hit my eyes. "Formal evaluations are bullshit." Approving laughter exploded from the depths of my soul. Indeed, it seems much more logical to, "...figure out together how to turn the formal evals into some kind goal setting plan that actually might make sense." Guess it was especially on my mind because this afternoon our staff met to begin the time consuming process of formal evals for the year. Thanks for all 12 and especially #8 with your suggestion for how to make evaluations more professionally meaningful.
Beverly McBrayer