What qualities make an ideal supervisor?

A good supervisor is strong but compassionate. I have supervised many people. I enforce the rules with my employees, delegate resposibilities, encourage individualism when it comes to getting the job done.

Most importantly, I get as dirty as the ones I supervise. My employees will never see me sitting around watching them work. Technically I could but I don't find that employees respond fondly to that.

Praise and rewards are another tool that I use. Employees like to feel like the work they are doing is important and that they are important. Let's face it. Although the market is slack on jobs and there are 1000 unemployed for every job available does not mean that they are potentially good workers. So I like to keep the good ones around by showing them that I appreciate their work.

One of the first things to remember in being a good supervisor is not to let the power go to your head. Ruling with an iron fist will get you no where. Respect your employees. Never reprimand them in front of their co-workers. Never talk about employees to other employees unless it is positive.

You have an important responsibility as a supervisor and your work cannot be done without the employees that you supervise. Don't sit at a desk all day unless there is paperwork to be done. Set positive, attainable goals for your employees.

Treat them with respect and you will always have a good crew which will result in positive production.