Guide to Training Supervisors

Screen new hires for leadership skills

Before you hire a supervisor for your small business, look at his experience in managing others, or in leading teams to success. Ask focused interview questions to shed light on his sense of responsibility, respect for his supervisees, and personal integrity.

I recommend: The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers great insight into the qualities of a true leader. Sign up for a free e-course about hiring at About: Recruit and Hire the Best.

Be a role model and mentor yourself

A business mentor is a more experienced professional who gives significant career guidance to a less-experienced professional (the protégé). By mentoring your supervisors, you offer them invaluable, ongoing coaching, and in turn, teach them to follow your example, which can make your job easier.

I recommend: The SBA's resource, "Mentoring: What Goes Around, Comes Around," offers individual assessments for a potential mentor or protégé to determine his ability to succeed in a mentoring relationship.

Walk the Walk

Leaders who make their employees to follow the rules, but don't do it themselves set a bad example and get little respect. Leaders who "walk the walk" are the ones their staff will want to follow.

I recommend: Go to About Human Resources for great tips about setting a positive example for your supervisors, so they, in turn, will set positive examples for their employees.

Grow Your Leaders

Many business executives believe it best to grow their leaders rather than hire them from outside of your business. What better way to assess the person's abilities and potentials than to observe them at work as a supervisee? Do they show uncompromising standards and responsibility in completing their work? If so, your next supervisor is probably right in front of your eyes.

I recommend: Go to Monster, Inc.'s Hiring Center to learn how you can groom exceptional employees into superior supervisors.