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Supervisory Skills - Competency

Definition: Supervisory skills encompass a broad set of leadership competencies that enable managers to effectively guide and support their teams. These skills involve clear communication, decision-making, and interpersonal abilities to foster collaboration, accountability, and professional growth, while also ensuring structured performance management, disciplinary action, and conflict resolution when necessary. Strong supervisors lead by example, empower employees through delegation, provide constructive feedback, and create a positive, high-performing work environment built on teamwork, recognition, and stability.
Leadership Skills
Leadership
Management
Establishing Focus/Direction
Managing Performance
Supervisory Skills
Persuasion and Influence
Project Management
Delegation
Performance
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360-Feedback Questionnaires Measuring Supervisory Skills:
Survey 1 (4-point scale; Competency Comments)
Survey 2 (4-point scale; Competency Comments)
Survey 3 (5-point scale; Competency Comments)
Survey 4 (5-point scale; radio buttons)
Survey 5 (4-point scale; words)
Survey 6 (4-point scale; words)
Survey 7 (5-point scale; competency comments; N/A)
Survey 8 (3-point scale; Agree/Disagree words; N/A)
Survey 9 (3-point scale; Strength/Development; N/A)
Survey 10 (Comment boxes only)
Survey 11 (Single rating per competency)
Survey 12 (Slide-bar scale)
Survey 13 (4-point scale; numbers; floating anchors)
Survey 14 (4-point scale; N/A)
Performance Assessments that include Supervisory Skills:
Assessment 1 (5-point scale; IDP Comments)
Assessment 2 (3-point scale with Comments)
Assessment 3 (Manager Assessment; 360-Feedback)
Assessment 4 (3-point scale; Rating Limits)
Assessment 5 (3-point scale; Rating Limits)
Assessment 6 (5-point scale with Comments)
Assessment 7 (Comment Boxes Only; IDP)
Assessment 8 (Comment Boxes Only)
Assessment 9 (3-point scale with Letter Grade)
Assessment 10 (360-Feedback; Bonus/Merit Pay)
Assessment 11 (Core Values & Job Competencies)
Assessment 12 (4-point scale; 6 Comment Boxes)
What are Supervisory Skills?
Supervisory skills help coordinate the work of others. These skills include delegation, empowerment, coaching and development. Supervisors need to be good communicators, make important decisions, resolve conflicts and lead by example. Another important aspect of supervision is holding employees accountable for their work, to enforce discipline if necessary, and to evaluate performance of the employees.
What questions can be included on a survey to measure supervisory skills?
The questionnaire items below will measure supervisory skills. These questions are grouped into different facets of supervisory skills. When creating a 360-degree or other performance assessment, try to select one or two items from each group.


Delegation and Empowerment
Delegation and Empowerment focuses on assigning tasks appropriately and giving employees autonomy to perform their roles effectively. This dimension highlights the ability to distribute responsibilities based on skills, seniority, and job requirements while fostering trust and independence among employees. It ensures that teams are empowered to make their own decisions within their scope of work, increasing engagement and productivity.


Coaching and Development
Coaching and Development focuses on actively guiding employees to improve their skills, knowledge, and decision-making abilities. This dimension highlights mentorship, structured learning opportunities, hands-on training, and tailored development initiatives to help employees reach their full potential. It ensures continuous learning, providing individuals with the tools and direction necessary for long-term success.


Communication
Communication focuses on effectively conveying information, expectations, and feedback to employees. This dimension highlights clear directives, active listening, daily interactions, and fostering an environment where employees feel heard. It ensures that supervisors maintain strong messaging and understanding, minimizing conflicts and promoting transparency


Decision Making
Decision Making emphasizes evaluating information and making informed choices that impact workflow, staffing, and operations. This dimension centers on assessing risks, prioritizing tasks, determining necessary actions, and ensuring objectives are met efficiently. It prioritizes judgment and strategic thinking, ensuring leaders make timely and well-considered decisions that drive success.


Interpersonal
Interpersonal focuses on building and maintaining positive relationships with employees, peers, and teams. This dimension highlights empathy, respect, communication, and trust. It ensures that supervisors foster a collaborative environment, understand employees' strengths, and resolve conflicts effectively, creating a productive and cohesive workplace.


Accountability
Accountability focuses on ensuring employees take responsibility for their tasks, actions, and overall job performance. This dimension highlights setting clear expectations, overseeing work execution, enforcing deadlines, and holding individuals accountable for their contributions. It prioritizes structured oversight and responsibility, ensuring that goals are met and standards are upheld.


Disciplinary
Disciplinary emphasizes enforcing workplace rules and addressing violations in a fair and constructive manner. This dimension centers on maintaining compliance with policies, documenting infractions, intervening when necessary, and ensuring corrective actions are applied equitably. It prioritizes accountability and behavioral guidance, aiming to correct issues while fostering a positive work environment.


Performance Management
Performance Management focuses on monitoring and enhancing employee productivity through regular evaluations and structured feedback. This dimension highlights assessing job performance based on established criteria, scheduling follow-ups for underperformance, and using benchmarks to guide improvement. It prioritizes continuous growth and development, ensuring employees receive timely assessments to maximize their effectiveness


Feedback
Feedback emphasizes providing employees with specific evaluations of their performance, strengths, and areas for improvement. This dimension centers on constructive discussions, regular check-ins, performance assessments, and specific recommendations for enhancing job execution. It prioritizes real-time assessment and accountability, ensuring employees receive the insights needed to refine their work.


Rewards and Recognition
Rewards and Recognition focuses on motivating employees by acknowledging achievements and reinforcing positive behaviors. This dimension highlights strategies for encouraging high performance, offering incentives, celebrating milestones, and ensuring employees feel valued. It prioritizes engagement and morale, fostering a workplace culture where contributions are appreciated.


Conflict Resolution
Conflict Resolution emphasizes handling disagreements and workplace tensions in a fair and effective manner. This dimension centers on listening to grievances, mediating disputes, reaching mutual agreements, and ensuring workplace relationships remain constructive. It prioritizes communication and problem-solving, creating an environment where conflicts are managed with professionalism.


Self-Control
Self-Control emphasizes the ability to remain composed and professional in stressful or tense situations. This dimension centers on emotional regulation, maintaining a calm demeanor, and making measured decisions rather than reacting impulsively. It prioritizes personal stability and resilience, ensuring that supervisors lead with confidence and steady composure.


Teamwork
Teamwork emphasizes creating a cooperative and high-performing team environment through leadership and support. This dimension centers on motivating employees, promoting collaboration, enhancing group dynamics, and ensuring that supervisors provide effective guidance for teamwork to thrive. It prioritizes group cohesion and synergy, ensuring employees work efficiently together.


Leads by Example
Leads by Example emphasizes demonstrating professionalism, commitment, and work ethic to inspire others. This dimension centers on setting the tone for the workplace through consistent actions, enthusiasm, and dedication to the department. It prioritizes leadership through action, encouraging employees to follow a strong role model rather than just responding to directives.


Exemplary
Want more Supervisory Skills items?
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