What Makes a Good Supervisor?

People need require good team leaders and supervisors to remain on track and accomplish their goals.  That's because without a good supervisor, a team can be directionless and struggle to reach their goals in the required period of time.

But what are the characteristics of a good supervisor? What traits do you need in order to motivate your team and ensure that they reach their goals under your guidance?



In this article, we discuss all the traits you need in order to lead a successful sales team, but they're just an example, and apply to all kinds of teams, not just sales teams.  And let me just add, if you get to the end and feel like you don't have the necessary skills, all isn't lost!  You will of course learn from experience, but a much shorter way to learn is through effective supervisor training.

So now let's look at what you need.

1. Knowledge of the Organization's Products and Services

As a team supervisor, you need to know everything there is to know about your company's product and services.

For example, even a well-trained sales team will require some assistance from its team leader when a potential customer asks them detailed questions about the products and services in a way they've not encountered before.

If you aren't able to answer these questions, the sales process will be delayed and you might lose the lead. If you have enough knowledge, you can answer the questions promptly and impress your client.  This will lead to conversions, increases in sales, and help improve your overall reputation.  Customers will recommend your services or products to their connections if they're impressed by the sales process.

And of course, you'll gain the respect of your team.  Not just for your knowledge, but also for the fact that you helped them out.  You're with them, and that in itself will motivate them.

The same applies to other departments, too.

2. Great at Communication

A supervisor is the conduit between the team and the senior management of the company.

They convey the goals, expectations, changes, and other such factors to the team, so that the team can perform according to the required standards.

A good supervisor will have the ability to put goals and instructions across in a clearly and concise manner, and answer any questions team members might have.  In this way, they'll develop a good rapport with their team.

And as part of this, your team should feel comfortable enough to approach you without hesitation if they have a problem.

3. Empathetic and Friendly

Different team members will experience different problems to others, learn at a slower pace than others, make mistakes and fail, or have conflicts with other members of the team.  This means that as a leader, you need to empathize and listen carefully to what they have to say.

If members of your team hesitate to approach you when they have problems, you'll be unaware of issues, and you won't get the chance to resolve them. This will, of course, have an impact on the overall productivity of the team.

On the other hand, if you're always empathetic and friendly to your team members, they'll be more comfortable in your presence and will come to you for advice.  Which will help you as much as them...

4. Assertive When Needed

Being approachable doesn't always mean you need to be soft on mistakes and performance issues.  A team leader must be assertive, know how to deal with problems, and if necessary, show there will be consequences if things don't improve.

You can combine your assertiveness with empathy by addressing your team members in private if needed.

You should also know how to firmly but compassionately deal with any personal conflicts between two or more team members.

If you're assertive, your team will recognize you as the leader and will look to you for direction and support. If you're too soft and passive, you won't be able to establish yourself as a leader.

We also run a great range of assertiveness courses which you may want to look at.  Just a thought...

5. Clear Goals and Vision

Effective team leadership means that a supervisor needs to have a clear vision and realistic goals for their team.  For example, it's a good idea to set up daily challenges and milestones for your team so they're enthusiastic and motivated to get things done efficiently and quickly.  And you should have the ability to gauge whether your team can reach that goal in the time required, without becoming overwhelmed.



You also need to communicate these goals clearly to your team to ensure they know what to do and what is expected from them.

6. Confident About Their Decisions

Team leaders and staff supervisors need to be decisive and confident, because that ensures the team is that way, too.

If your team sees you're uncertain and hesitant to give direction, they'll assume you don't trust your ability to lead them, or maybe even their ability to perform as you expect them to.  That's not a good outcome!

When you're confident and decisive, your team will draw inspiration and determination from how you behave.

7. Ready and Willing to Listen to Feedback

Some supervisors are too focused on their idea of being the team's "leader" and don't actually work with the team.  Needless to say, this can have an impact on team morale and efficiency.

You will have a group of people in your team who will be able to provide valuable solutions and feedback on the issues and obstacles the team encounters.  You should make sure you listen to all of their suggestions and solutions, and consider them seriously.

It's also a good idea to take the opportunity to discuss new ideas and strategies with your team during meetings. This will show them that their input and advice is welcome, which will improve teamwork and productivity levels as well.

8. Ability to Delegate Tasks

Team leaders are often in the habit of taking on too many responsibilities.  They will do this because they believe they're best equipped to handle the tasks.

Well, even if that's the case with you, you need to trust your team to handle different challenges too.  For example, if a salesperson is dealing with a particularly difficult client, but hasn't asked you for assistance, don't leap in.  You may actually demoralize them!  Just observe from a distance and let them resolve the issue on their own.

That's the best way for them to learn and ensures you have time on your hands to focus on more important tasks and responsibilities.  After all, you can always review the situation (in a supportive way) later.

9. Flexible and Adaptable

Change is a part of life, and every company goes through changes as it grows.  As a supervisor, you need to be flexible and adaptable enough to adjust to these changes ... and help your team adjust as well.

After all, anyone can steer a ship through calm waters.  It's when the wind blow and the waves start to rise that a team leader has the opportunity to show their true ability.

Your team members will look to you for direction in times of uncertainty, and will want you to provide instructions on what to do.

If you're adaptable and flexible, you will help them to adjust as well.

Conclusion

Leadership skills aren't innate, and very few people are "born leaders".

You just need to spend some time and effort on your skills and abilities in order to develop the qualities you need to lead a team.  If you keep improving yourself and are self-aware enough to recognize your flaws and your limitations - and do something about them, such as taking a supervisor skills course - you'll find success as a supervisor much easier to achieve.