Putting the super back in supervisor (Proceedings)

Are you struggling to balance all your job duties as supervisor? Do you feel overwhelmed and stressed when it comes to staff issues? Are you struggling with communication and conflict? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you need some super put back in supervisor. Being a supervisor is a hard and demanding job. Often times we receive very little training on how exactly to do this effectively and efficiently. It can be challenging not to lose track of what being a supervisor is all about- taking care of your team members. A great supervisor knows, motivates, encourages, and supports their team members.

Knowing your team members

Who is on your team?? What are their strengths and weaknesses? To get to know people you have to talk to them. It is important to touch base at least once a quarter with all the members on your team. Discussions between the supervisor and a staff member shouldn't just occur at the annual review. There should always be often and open communication occurring. A SUPER supervisor knows who their team really is.

Motivate/encourage your team members

As a supervisor it is so important to praise your team members. It is human nature to focus on the negative, but as a SUPER supervisor you need to remember to praise more and gripe less. To praise them you must give them things to do. People like autonomy and a lot of your stress can be alleviated by delegating some of your responsibility. This allows people to feel important and have a say in what is happening in their work environment. It also promotes a staff that is invested in your team and also more importantly in your hospital. Learning is a huge and important part of veterinary medicine. It is important to recognize the need for education and support your team member in this pursuit. A SUPER supervisor is able to get their team members to grow as people and employees

Support your team members

Supporting your team takes communication, listening, conflict resolution, feedback and practice. It you're able to balance those things your team will be stronger and more productive. Communication can be as simple as a conversation between two team members or as complex as a full hospital staff meeting. Regardless of the type of communication occurring it is important to do so in a direct, professional and straightforward manner. A SUPER supervisor spends a great deal of time listening to their team members. Inevitably there will be conflict in a hospital. It is important as the supervisor to remain neutral and take into account all sides of the situation. Often times you will have to be the voice of reason in these situations. All of these things are skills that take practice!! Practice!! Practice!!! A SUPER supervisor recognizes this and always keeps practicing.