Sometimes it seems like supervisors are constantly looking over the shoulder of workers and other times supervisors are at too great a distance (literally, when working remotely). Workers may want or need more or less supervision but are unsure how to ask for it or make use of it. Not being in the same building does not erase the need for effective management of the supervisor-worker relationship. Career counselors can help both navigate the distance gap, prepare for important conversations, and fix bad habits.
~ Melanie Reinersman, M.A., insights@careerdevelopmentalliance.com
Photo by Amy Hirschi on Unsplash
FOCUS ON: Remote Micromanagement
Monitoring, rather than managing, is the ineffective process of trying to control employees. This is a common result of being anxious about accountability. Career experts suggest employees who are being micromanaged should first try to understand the irrational behavior. Next, the employee could ask for more autonomy. As a reminder, especially when distance is a factor, be mindful of the medium – a conversation works better than an email for sensitive issues such as micromanagement. Read more.
FOR THE PRACTITIONER: Tools to Support Reporting Relationships
New supervisors may turn to career coaches for help in relating to new team members. Worksheets, flowcharts and lists of authentic questions can be valuable resources. Practitioners who share these tools, such as the Setting Expectations Worksheet, may help supervisors with transparency, communication, and collaboration goals. Get free tools from WhereWithAll.com
BONUS!
FOR THE PRACTITIONER: Three Bad Habits
Training middle management to become leaders involves changing old habits. The desired outcome is achieved after the manager learns new habits and beliefs, such as “improving control by focusing on one important thing at a time” and “my effectiveness increases by prioritizing.” Read all three habits and fixes.
GENDER IN THE WORKPLACE: Developing the Skills for Success
Women who are successful leaders think with an open mind, are trustworthy, and bring innovative working styles to challenges. These are skills that can be developed with practice. Read each skill and the tips for development to become a Leader in Heels.
TOP TEN: Ways to Survive a Promotion to Supervisor
Becoming a new manager requires learning from missteps. While building relationships with the team, be sure to show appreciation, stay humble, and create your rules to match the goals. Read all ten tips for new supervisors.
QUOTES
“Micromanagement is the destroyer of momentum.” - Miles Anthony Smith
“A good manager is a man who isn't worried about his own career but rather the careers of those who work for him.” - H. S. M. Burns