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How can I be a good training supervisor?

I will be presenting my case at an assessment center tomorrow. Although I have no formal supervisory experience, I have applied to take part in a process that will eventually pick another Supervisor within our Learning and Development Department. I feel that, although I have no formal experience as my colleagues, I could still do a good job and have been exposed to many a leadership and management course.

However, one of my big areas of opportunity is my temper, my lack of ability to keep a poker face in the face of crisis and the fact that the Director of the department perceives my way of work as being on the insecure side.

Also, another issue that I have is that I am not confrontational, I have trouble saying no or letting someone know that they are not performing well.

In short, in spite all of these shortcomings, I am responsible, proactive and comply with deadlines. How can I overcome my areas of opportunity, so that I can be an effective supervisor

Asked By: elisaus_cr - 6/11/2007
Best Answer - Chosen by Asker
You have some hurdles to overcome and some relationships to mend but it can be done. Even if this one doesn't go to you it will have paved the way or shut the door for future opportunities. One way or the other you will know after this process.

I'm going to tackle your issues one by one but not in the order you presented them here.

1) Supervising is leading people and not often confrontational but it does happen. You need to be ready for it but depending on how you build relationships there may not be a need to be confrontational very often. That being said you need to show the selection committee/people/person that you are interested, that you realize it will be demanding and very different from what you are currently doing in your job now. Think of yourself as the creative rule enforcer - training is showing people how to do things and being a supervisor means that you aren't and/or don't want to be a proactive, responsible, deadline meeting follower any more. Your description is typical of all of us who started out as employees vs. managers, supervisors, VP's etc. You're wanting to shift your responsibilities and the normal ways of doing things and this is great.

2) ask yourself - really dig deep here - why you want to be become a supervisor. (increase in responsibilities, learn new things, become a leader, contribute to the company in a different way)... These are some ideas but the key to this is why you want to become a supervisor - what is really motivating this change. Deadlines are important and at times crucial but you have to work with your staff meet them - you won't be the hands on person on that end in quite the same as a supervisor but the buck stops with you.

3) Everyone has aspects of jobs they hate and performance review is very much one that I detest but it is vital to a successful business venture such as yours. You have to be honest with your employees - it is the only way to build trust (trust runs both ways - from them and from you and you must earn it).

5) Personality issues are the toughest to overcome. You really need to look at your strengths and weaknesses and see if this particular job is the right one for you. When you become a supervisor you will need to check your temper at the door and not bring it to work or home after work. The people you work with deserve better and so do the ones you love. This will be your hardest change and the hardest thing to sell to others.

I'm wondering if your temper issue is related to how insecure you might be feeling in certain situations - whatever they are for you. If so, then you need to figure out new ways of handling both your temper and your insecurities. Not easy but do-able.

6) I keep wondering why you need to keep a poker face in the midst of crisis? If the situation is stressful a neutral face doesn't build confidence but a reflective, thoughtful, and knowledgeable face does.

7) Now for something really important - no one ever comes to their first supervisory position with previous experience but they do come with life experiences that show leadership potential. For example, if you are just out of college (I don't think you are but I had to choose an age here) and you were head of the homecoming parade for the homecoming weekend (football). This shows a willingness to and opportunity for leading others toward a common goal. So think outside the box of the job in this area. I bet you have something to build on (past and near present and present times if you can). And act confidence (insecurity may still be rampant but you act confident in yourself and your abilities and be able to talk about them).

Good luck and hope this helps.
Answered By: Keb - 6/11/2007
Additional Answers ()
It is good that you know your weaknesses and strengths, even leaders are human. When you lead a team, you must have integrity, sense of responsibility, passion, vision and peopleskill.

If you know what it takes to influence people, you will become aware of what you should not do. Be mindful to not be aggressive but assertive. Since you know what your weaknesses are, which is your temper, then work on improving that. Learn to detach, dont get personal - dont allow ppl the chance to see you losing control.

Think positively about people, see their strengths, this will force you to focus on positive things. Often times, we lose our temper because we focus on the negatives.

Hope this helps. I have been there.
Answered By: Nana - 6/13/2007
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