What must a supervisor be an expert in to be a good leader?

A supervisor must be an expert in handling people to be an effective leader because the core of leadership involves the ability to understand, motivate, and guide team members. Supervisors in law enforcement, in particular, face unique challenges when it comes to managing personnel, as they work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Strong interpersonal skills are critical for fostering a positive work environment, building trust, and enabling effective communication within a team. When supervisors excel at handling people, they can inspire their subordinates, address concerns, and collaboratively solve problems, which ultimately leads to improved performance and morale among officers.

The focus on people management reflects the importance of emotional intelligence, empathy, and active listening—all essential qualities that contribute to effective leadership, especially in high-stakes and dynamic environments like law enforcement.