This Essay cassifies some different types of supervisors who can be encountered at workplaces.
Types of Supervisors
Every workday all employees set out to their workplaces. Whatever means of transport they use, they take the time to see into their day ahead; what are some of the duties they will engage in, do they have deadlines to meet among others. This all comes to the expectation of the various types of supervisors, their system of administration and hope to deliver for the staff. From the different types of leadership styles employed, supervisors can be divided into six categories, these include:
Coach- this is one whose major focus is on the employees. They indulge their members in the decision-making process, event planning and setting timelines to meet their goals. This support of the employees and participation creates positivity in the workplace as all work to the interests of the organization (Conger & Stuart 371-375). The supervisor delegates’ duties offer guidance throughout until completion of the task. The style of leadership adopted is democratic.
Team player- is competent, truthful and takes into account the role of the employees. They can get their staff to open up to them for any ideas as well as make tough decisions without disrespecting others (Oliva, et al. 2013). They understand that goals are shared with employees; thus their success depends on the staff and vice versa. They give credit where it is due hence are regarded as the kind of bosses everyone would want to work with.
Mentor-. Having a better understanding of the employees’ profession is the primary requirement to give guidance and direction in their careers. This is efficient if the supervisor takes the responsibility of mentorship for the employees. This kind of Supervisors significantly impacts on the career development of their employees which makes them easy to work with. Leading by example; transformational leadership.
Laissez-faire- are the kind of supervisors who exercise little follow up on employees trusting that they will perform to expectation. The employees do not expect to learn from them as much given their inactiveness. It is high risk working with this supervisor unless one has a knowledge of research skills (Conger & Stuart 371-375). As a result, the employees need to be independent and determined to achieve what they want.
Control freak- needs always to be in the loop of all that happens. Here the staff members are not engaged in calling shots. As an employee working with this supervisor, you must know how to deal with them by just ensuring a constant flow of information on the progress of your project. Asking lots of questions makes them open up and thus give one a vivid image of their expectations as they hold onto knowledge for their power.
Autocrat- has total authority and is fully in control of decision making. This one has his objective and hardly pays attention to the employees. They are very hard to please so, to get along with them you are tasked to make them share what their focus is.
Both the control freaks and autocrats use the authoritative style of leadership. They have more in common, but their only difference is; the autocrats are definite on what they want while the control freaks are less clear mainly to have open options for future changes if the need arises.
In conclusion, we need to keep in mind that in any organization there are objectives to be achieved. Whatever the nature of your boss, employees should learn to work with them for the set goals.
Work Cited
Conger, Stuart. "Fostering a career development culture: reflections on the roles of managers, employees and supervisors."Career Development International 7.6 (2012): 371-375.
Frequently asked questions
What are the different types of supervisors discussed?
The text identifies six types of supervisors: Coach, Team player, Mentor, Laissez-faire, Control freak, and Autocrat. Each type has a different leadership style and approach to managing employees.
What are the characteristics of a "Coach" supervisor?
A Coach supervisor focuses on the employees, involves them in decision-making, event planning, and setting timelines. They delegate duties and offer guidance, creating a positive and participative workplace environment. Their leadership style is democratic.
How does a "Team player" supervisor operate?
A Team player supervisor is competent, truthful, and considers the role of employees. They encourage employees to share ideas and make tough decisions respectfully. They understand that success is shared between employees and supervisors.
What defines a "Mentor" supervisor?
A Mentor supervisor has a good understanding of their employees' professions and provides guidance and direction in their careers. They significantly impact the career development of their employees, leading by example using transformational leadership.
What is a "Laissez-faire" supervisor like?
A Laissez-faire supervisor exercises little follow-up on employees, trusting them to perform to expectations. Employees may not learn much from them due to their inactivity, requiring employees to be independent and determined.
What are the defining traits of a "Control freak" supervisor?
A Control freak supervisor needs to be involved in everything that happens. Staff members are not engaged in making decisions. Dealing with them requires constant information flow about project progress and asking questions to understand their expectations.
How does an "Autocrat" supervisor operate?
An Autocrat supervisor has total authority and is fully in control of decision-making. They focus on their objectives and pay little attention to employees. To work effectively with them, it's important to understand and align with their focus.
What leadership style do Control freaks and Autocrats have in common?
Both control freaks and autocrats use the authoritative style of leadership.
What is the key difference between Control freaks and Autocrats?
Autocrats are definite on what they want, while control freaks are less clear, mainly to have open options for future changes if the need arises.
What is the overall conclusion about working with different types of supervisors?
Employees should learn to work with whatever type of supervisor they have to achieve organizational objectives.
What sources are cited in this text?
The text cites two sources:
- Conger, Stuart. "Fostering a career development culture: reflections on the roles of managers, employees and supervisors."Career Development International 7.6 (2012): 371-375.
- Oliva, Peter F., and George E. Pawlas. Supervision for today's schools. Jossey-Bass, An Imprint of Wiley. 10475 Crosspoint Blvd, Indianapolis, IN 46256, 2013.
- Quote paper
- Selina Kolls (Author), 2016, Types of Supervisors, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/341148
