What should a supervisor prioritize when leading a team?

When prioritizing the leadership of a team, balancing oversight and empowerment is crucial for fostering a productive and positive work environment. This approach encourages team members to take initiative and feel ownership of their responsibilities while still providing the necessary guidance and support. By empowering subordinates, a supervisor can enhance team morale, promote creativity, and increase job satisfaction, leading to better performance.

Maintaining oversight ensures that team objectives are met and that there is accountability for tasks and outcomes. However, overly controlling or micromanaging can stifle team morale and dependence, preventing employees from developing their problem-solving skills and confidence. Striking the right balance allows supervisors to be effective leaders who can motivate their team while also steering them towards achieving their goals.

In contrast, other approaches such as making friendships with subordinates may compromise professionalism, while involving oneself in every task can lead to burnout and underutilization of team members’ skills. Ensuring responsibility is shared is a beneficial practice but is part of the broader strategy of balancing oversight and empowerment, rather than a standalone priority. Thus, balancing oversight with empowerment encompasses the essential skills a supervisor should cultivate.