Supervisor Foundations · Lesson 9.8
DEVELOP RELIABLE EMPLOYEES
Strong supervisors do not only manage today’s tasks.
They help capable employees grow.
Development may include:
- teaching a new process
- giving appropriate additional responsibility
- allowing supervised decision-making
- cross-training
- involving employees in problem-solving
- giving useful feedback
- preparing someone for a future role
Development should not mean:
“Give the reliable person everybody else’s work.”
Poor
“She is dependable, so I give her everything.”
Better
“She is dependable, so I will give her an appropriate development opportunity with clear authority and support.”
WORKPLACE EXAMPLES
EXAMPLE 1 — RETAIL
Reliable cashier learns how to assist with stock reconciliation.
EXAMPLE 2 — SCHOOL
Experienced administrator is gradually trained to coordinate a routine parent-information process.
EXAMPLE 3 — HOTEL
Front-desk employee who handles complaints well is given supervised opportunity to manage routine service-recovery situations.
EXAMPLE 4 — OFFICE
Dependable team member is invited to lead a small project with clear scope rather than simply receiving extra routine work.
Remember
Do not punish reliability with endless workload.
Develop it.
Workplace action
Identify one employee who may be ready for: - new skill - new responsibility - supervised decision-making - cross-training
Quick Check
Which example best reflects employee development?