What Qualities Do People Respect Most in a Supervisor?

This question has no concise answer. One management professor and business writer asked hundreds of employees about the qualities they most respected in a boss; here are two dozen answers that he heard most often.

A good supervisor:

1. Keeps up-to-date on situations that affect future projects.
2. Maintains a positive attitude.
3. Has sound oral and written communications skills.
4. Explains actions and decisions that affect employees.
5. Doesn’t play favorites.
6. Delegates authority and creates depth in management by allowing employees to do some of his or her job.
7. Is specific when giving instructions about delegated assignments.
8. Gives employees incentives to improve their job knowledge and efficiency.
9. Cross-trains employees so they can cover each other’s absences.
10. Gives praise for work well done, and compliments as well as criticizes.
11. Is aware of problems that employees are having with each other.
12. Asks questions frequently, and is a concerned and active listener.
13. Organizes work schedules and assignments as effectively as possible.
14. Displays a professional attitude toward the work and employees.
15. Shows a human side; isn’t compelled to act like “the boss” all the time.
16. Works with lower-level employees occasionally to understand what they do.
17. Takes time to listen to new ideas.
18. Pays attention to broader problems; avoids nit-picking.
19. Keeps people informed about changes.
20. Discusses problems with subordinates as soon as possible instead of letting things reach a boiling point.
21. Expresses feelings honestly.
22. Attempts to know each employee as an individual.
23. Uses new strategies that will make the organization more productive and competitive.
24. Shows confidence in subordinates.

From: The Rookie Manager by Joseph T. Straub