Leadership Skills Training

Leadership Skills Training

Come with me, and bring Jay with you! These were my words very early that morning.

That day, I trained two of my supervisors in a different way. I brought them along with me in a high-level meeting.

When we entered the venue, I noticed that I was the only one who brought her staff along. I think I overdone it this time. I do not know what the other attendees thought about me, making my very young supervisors tag along. But why not?

The agenda was not very clear, they said t was about some new projects. It turned out that these projects was heavily involved with people. It was about service quality and implementing new rules.

After we've gone through some of the items, I was beginning to tell myself that I did the right thing bringing my guys. The supervisors should really be the ones sitting in that meeting, taking in all the information, including the emotions and passion of the presenters. That way, they get a feel of the importance of what is being taken up.

Even the top brass spoke in front of us about his particulars and his expectations. Now, my supervisors knows the significance of why we will be implementing these new rules. The rules are not really new, they are more of a discipline issue, more stringent controls and proper implementation of SOPs (standard operating procedures).

Now, I don't have to stress to my supervisors what has been discussed by the big boss. It made my life easier, though I felt queasy earlier that day remember? I just have to support them during the roll-out of these information to the line people.

Do you know how difficult and challenging it is to discuss to the rank-and-files the basics? If things are not really new, and it is more of a "Back-to-Basic" thing, the people take these for granted. They are not hot on the topic of discipline and SOPs. However, these are the very backbone of success of a unit.

I asked my supervisors to leave earlier than me so they can go back to work. The remaining time, which also lasted for another hour, was devoted to responding to questions. The inquiries were not really relevant to the topic, it was more personal. The questions were very specific for the person asking it. So, I believe it was okay for my supervisors not to stay for that reason alone. However, they missed the snacks.

As night came, I felt superb before I went to bed. I am certain I have accomplished something worthwhile for the day. Tomorrow, I am excited to talk about our plans on how we will be able to comply with the requirements as a team, and that includes how to achieve a higher level of customer service.

It was an excellent management training for my supervisors. It was good for them and good for me as well. They have been equipped with the proper knowledge and this made them feel important for they are assured that I consider them the key to our team's journey to excellence.

Sleep tight, I told myself, as I closed my eyes in great satisfaction.

Any supervisor worth his salt would rather deal with people who attempt too much than with those who try too little.
Lee Iacocca