All supervisors need training. Even an experienced one needs to keep up on ever changing HR practices. Cardinal offers a variety of supervisor training opportunities ranging from specific classes to articles that delve into a wide variety of HR items.
Supervisors, even with natural leadership abilities, need help getting the most out of their employees. This is vital in any business. The ability of a supervisor to form a positive working relationship with subordinates and motivate them is key. Training can help supervisors learn specific skills in areas they are lacking. They can also learn ways to communicate with employees in a manner better suited to that individual. Employees often cite their relationship with their boss to be a primary motivation for leaving a company. This is good when poor performers find other opportunities but terrible if you bleed talent.
Often supervisors are picked because they work harder or are more competent than others. It is counter intuitive to select a mediocre performer as a supervisor and expect stellar performance. Baron von Hammerstein-Equord, a German general famous for opposing Hitler, was supposed to choose his leaders if they were both clever and lazy.
I divide my officers into four groups. There are clever, diligent, stupid, and lazy officers. Usually two characteristics are combined. Some are clever and diligent — their place is the General Staff. The next lot are stupid and lazy — they make up 90 percent of every army and are suited to routine duties. Anyone who is both clever and lazy is qualified for the highest leadership duties, because he possesses the intellectual clarity and the composure necessary for difficult decisions. One must beware of anyone who is stupid and diligent — he must not be entrusted with any responsibility because he will always cause only mischief
– Baron von Hammerstein-Equord
These qualities allowed the officer to figure out the most efficient manner in which to accomplish the task and remain calm and collected under pressure. Unless we develop an objective test for both cleverness and laziness, we should choose supervisors with the traits that are unique to the position. These include the often cited emotional intelligence, ability to motivate, problem solve, etc. There also may be necessary technical skills or specific knowledge that is required as well.