Knowledge Resource Centre

The 21st Century Supervisor: Nine Essential Skills For Frontline Leaders

Brad Humphrey, Jeff Stokes

With a widening education gap between staff, newly emerging work ethics and decreasing company loyalty, the culture of uncertainty in today's workplace looks set to stay. The modern supervisor, in overseeing customer, client and employee relationships, must ensure the proverbial finger is on the pulse, where direct decisions influence bottom-line results.

This 21st Century handbook provides supervisors with a simple and effective tool with which to either run a training course or use for independent self study. Together with a concise discussion of the skills and strategies they will need to survive this changing business landscape, Humphrey and Stokes have created a valuable and hands-on guide. Even the busiest supervisor can learn the skills and techniques required, as the book is full of worksheets and development plans, ready to implement immediately.

The book centres on nine essential skills that supervisors can use to effectively lead employees to increased workplace productivity, performance and success. The book is divided into three main areas of skills development - people, technical and administrative skills – with each chapter addressing one of the nine essential skills required for effective management:

People Skills

• Communication
• Teamwork
• Coaching

Technical Skills

• Business Analysis
• Continuous Improvement
• Technology Savvy

Administrative Skills

• Project Management
• Writing and Documentation
• Resource Management

Building the skills from a people perspective and growing into an operational and then administrative perspective provides a logical and straightforward way to both acquire and implement dynamic supervisory skills. The 21st Century Supervisor gives the novice and the expert supervisor strategies, skills and useful tips they will need to deal with common work situations. The growing complexities of the supervisor's life in the 21st century will be greatly aided by this essential training tool.