THERE IS A HELL! - - - IT IS CALLED RETAIL SUPERVISORS | Page 4

Good organisational skills are essential
It is your job to coordinate the work and allocate
resources. You should know where everything is and
be prepared for the task.

Knowledge

Part of the supervisor's job is to train others so it
goes without saying that you should be at least one
step ahead of them.

Accountability

If a mistake is made by one of your team you should
acknowledge responsibility every time unless they
have deliberately disobeyed your instructions.

Efficiency

For your department to work like clockwork you should always have the next task ready to
be allocated to the right person so no-one spends any time doing nothing.

Adaptability

Be ready to manage change efficiently as and when it happens even if you don't agree with
it.

Social skills

You should be courteous at all times. When you have to tell someone off, it should be done
assertively but politely and never in front of other people. Everyone makes mistakes and
nobody needs to be humiliated. Shouting at people is not a good idea as they will become
resentful and unhappy. You will get more done with a smile than with rudeness. Don't be
afraid to praise your team for a task well done. The carrot always works better than the
stick.

Diplomacy

As a supervisor you have loyalty to the company who pays your wages but also loyalty to
your team who are responsible for your results. A difficult balance which requires a great
deal of tact!

Self-discipline

As a supervisor, you should inspire respect so discretion in your private life is essential nor
can you tell people off for lateness if you are always late yourself.

The Life of a Boss

My first year as a boss was one of the roughest years I have ever had in my life.
Supervising people, regardless of their gender, age, race, whatever is always difficult. If you
supervise one employee or one hundred, you have to learn and adjust to each personality. I
dodie ste®eo p®odu©tion ™

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