Supervisor, Manager, Leader: The Basics of Being a Boss

by Mike Kraus

If you are responsible for something or someone, you are also answerable for them as well as their success or failure.

a leader can delegate authority, but he or she cannot delegate responsibility.

Ronald Reagan said it well: “Surround yourself with the best people you can find, delegate authority,

and don’t interfere as long as the policy you’ve decided upon is being carried out.”

traits that set you apart as a professional?

appearance, communication skills, competence, education, self-awareness, and deportment.

good personal hygiene?

well groomed?

clothes or uniform clean a...

uniform fit p...

shoes s...

you only get one chance to make a first impression.

you can’t always judge a book

by its cover.

Communication Skills

Informal Speech:

“When you speak, be sure the things you say are an improvement over silence.”

Listening:

Good listening skills are incredibly important.

improve your active listening skill and listen to learn, you may actually retain something valuable.

Formal Speech:

speaking in front of large groups doesn’t come natural

1. Know your material.

2. Understand that there should be an introduction, a body, and a conclusion to whatever formal speech one gives.

3. Increase the font size and spacing on your script or cheat sheet and use bold print. These tricks will help keep your place.

4. Be aware of your audience; maintain

5. Practice, practice, practice.

6. Ask for honest feedback

Written Word:

How do I get better?

As in formal speaking, your writing should also include an introduction, body, and conclusion.

Always proofread your draft document. If it’s a formal document, have several other people proofread it. The key here is other people; don’t edit your own work.

Practice, practice, practice! It won’t take long before you begin to see improvement in your writing.

face-to-face is usually the most effective method of communication.

Be complete with the information you’re sending.

“Miscommunication” is not “communication.”

Follow up important verbal communication with a written confirmation.

Use texting for its intended use: the transmission of short messages.

Do not use it as a replacement or other more effective methods.

we both totally misunderstood each other through the act of texting.

Take a breath and reevaluate the decision to send an emotional email or text message.

In the end, the best evaluation of your communication skills as a leader is determined by the actions of your subordinates.

Competence

effective leadership skills, it is possible to overcome a lack of history, experience, or the ability to demonstrate technical competence in the basic skill, respect will be more difficult to attain from those subordinates.

Education

I strongly believe that for an individual to grow and continue to develop in life, education must be a constant. In addition, a leader must maintain an open mind and an actual willingness to learn.

leader understands that she

do...

Daniel J. Boorstin said, “Education is learning what you didn’t even ...

Being professional comes with the expectation of being educated.