The Costly Myth of Untrained Supervisors
"We appoint you as a supervisor – go supervise. There is no time for training." This all-too-common corporate mantra is a recipe for disaster. After years in HR, I've witnessed countless high-performing employees stumble and fail when thrust into supervisory roles without proper preparation. The inevitable lament follows: "But they were such a great employee! What went wrong?"
The answer isn't divine intervention. Effective people management is a learned skill, not an innate talent. While a select few may possess natural leadership abilities, the vast majority of supervisors require structured training, ongoing coaching, and consistent feedback to succeed.
Unfortunately, many organizations prioritize short-term expediency over long-term investment. They neglect to provide adequate training, clinging to the false belief that "there's no time." This shortsighted approach creates a ripple effect of negative consequences:
Demoralized and Disengaged Employees: Untrained supervisors often lack the skills to motivate, communicate effectively, and resolve conflict. This leads to frustrated employees, reduced morale, and increased turnover.
Decreased Productivity and Profitability: Poor management directly impacts team performance. When supervisors don't know how to delegate, provide constructive feedback, or foster a positive work environment, productivity suffers, and profits decline.
Increased Burden on HR: When supervisors fail, HR is left to pick up the pieces, addressing employee grievances, resolving conflicts, and managing the fallout. This diverts valuable HR resources from strategic initiatives.
Even experienced supervisors need onboarding tailored to the specific culture and practices of a new organization. Each company operates with its own unique dynamics, and understanding these nuances is crucial for effective leadership.
Investing in comprehensive supervisor training isn't a luxury; it's a necessity. It's an investment in your employees, your company culture, and your bottom line. By equipping supervisors with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed, you create a foundation for a thriving, profitable organization. Stop perpetuating the myth of "just supervise." Start investing in your supervisors and watch your company flourish.
Read my article published in Associated Equipment Dealers (AED) magazine “Investing in Success: The Positive ROI for Supervisor Training” at this link:
Archive - Associated Equipment Distributors
#SupervisorTraining #LeadershipDevelopment
Is your company ready to train your supervisors to be great leaders? If so, let’s discuss how I can help your HR team develop an impactful program. Reach me at cynthia.keaton@keatonhr.com.