Avoiding Supervision Mistakes ©Connie Sitterly The information contained in these responses should not be considered legal advice. Consult an attorney if you have any legal questions.

Dear Workplace Doctor,

I was recently promoted to supervisor with 18 employees, without experience or training. I'm excited, but scared. I don't really know what my employees want from me. I don't want to make the mistakes I've seen my managers make over the years, but I am willing to learn. Can you tell me what employees want and at least what NOT to do?

Tom J.

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Dear Tom, 

Congratulations on your promotion. You're showing signs of a promising supervisor already- willing to learn. You can learn what NOT to do from those managers who made mistakes. 

Poor managers can teach us what NOT to do and what NOT to be. Recall how they managed and make a list of their poor management practices. Make a list of what you would have done differently, how you would have behaved differently, how they demotivated you, etc.. 

Your success as a supervisor will largely depend on your ability to effectively deal with people. Employees want to be listened to, treated fairly and with respect, have their ideas and suggestions acted upon, and involved in changes and decisions affecting them. They also want to be appreciated, challenged, valued and trusted. Just as you will set high expectations for your employees, they will also have high expectations for you.

Employees want clear, concise directions and expectations, and to be informed. Recognize their extra effort, share your goals and help them to achieve their goals and, stay approachable and flexible.

I'll bet some of those poor managers you've had over the years made some of the following top ten mistakes. You will not have to model their behaviors. Your willingness to learn will help you avoid these mistakes.

Top 10 Mistakes Managers/Supervisors Make

1. Criticizing in front of others.
2. Failing to give undivided attention.
3. Not valuing differences.
4. Showing favoritism.Taking credit for employee's ideas or team's accomplishments.
5. Procrastinating and not delegating or completing your part of the work in a timely manner.
6. Failing to encourage creativity.
7. Failing to reinforce, reward and recognize employees informally and formally.
8. Failing to provide feedback in a timely manner.
9. Failing to give accountability in terms of expectations and consequences as well as responsibility.

Ask your employees what they want, need, expect and prefer, but only if you intend using any input or making any changes. Keep asking, and keep learning.

The Workplace Dr. ^TM