In Search of Authenticity: The Path to Supervisory Excellence

The First Truth: Organizations are never created arbitrarily; they are always created for a reason. They have a purpose, a mission to pursue. Supervisors keep employees focused on the organization's mission.

The Second Truth: No two employees or supervisors are the same. Everyone brings all aspects of their personality and experiences with them when they enter the workplace.

The Third Truth: The setting and structure of workplaces vary, yet they are all complex social structures where employees gather to do the organization's work under the direction of a supervisor.

The Fourth Truth: Women and men of all ages, racial identities, and ethnicities with unique personalities can become effective supervisors. The key to success is finding an authentic style that is compatible with their personality and values, appropriate for the workplace setting, and consistent with proven principles of supervision.

Creative tools for delegation, decision-making, time-management, report preparation, dealing with difficult employees, tracking workplace performance, motivating employees, and assisting with many other aspects of supervision are included. Quigg shares some of his biggest mistakes, hoping it prevents you from making the same mistakes, and explores efficiency versus effectiveness, process and project work, and many other practical topics that supervisors face daily.

You'll evaluate the effectiveness of your supervisory style and review different theories, approaches, and techniques of supervision. Finally, you'll try various techniques in your workplace setting to see what works and feels compatible with your personality. Quigg offers advice and suggestions, but remember, you hold the power to accept or reject anything that is presented because only you know what feels comfortable and authentic.