Supervisor Foundations · Lesson 4.10

MODEL THE STANDARD YOU EXPECT

Supervisors teach through behavior.

If a supervisor says:

“Treat people respectfully”

but regularly insults employees,

the spoken standard loses credibility.

If the supervisor says:

“Own your mistakes”

but never admits their own,

employees notice.

If the supervisor says:

“Do not argue with customers”

but becomes aggressive whenever challenged,

employees notice.

Supervisors model:

EXAMPLE 1

A supervisor expects employees to receive feedback calmly but becomes defensive when the owner gives them feedback.

EXAMPLE 2

A manager tells staff not to gossip but shares private disciplinary information with favorite employees.

EXAMPLE 3

BETTER RESPONSE

A supervisor expects workers to apologize for mistakes and openly acknowledges their own error when they give incorrect instructions.

EXAMPLE 4

BETTER RESPONSE

A team lead expects employees to communicate delays early and does the same when a management commitment will not be completed on time.

Remember

Employees listen to standards.

They also watch behavior.

Workplace action

Ask: What behavior do I demand from employees that I need to model more consistently myself?

Quick Check

Which action best strengthens supervisory credibility?