What often happens when supervisors make observations of their subordinates?

When supervisors make observations of their subordinates, it is common for them to become overly subjective. This subjectivity can stem from personal biases, preconceived notions, or emotional responses to individual performances. Such subjectivity may lead supervisors to interpret behaviors or actions in a way that aligns with their own preferences or perspectives, rather than providing an objective assessment of the employee's performance.

Effective supervision requires a balance between subjective observations and objective standards. While personal insights can enrich understanding of an employee's strengths and areas for improvement, being overly subjective can diminish the fairness and accuracy of performance evaluations. This is particularly significant in law enforcement, where decisions can impact careers, morale, and community trust. Therefore, supervisors must strive to be aware of their biases and seek a well-rounded perspective that incorporates both qualitative and quantitative elements in their evaluations.