ABSTRACT
Supervisors in industry, health care settings, or government are the most important part of the management team, since they carry out the major functions of leading, coordinating, and directing the work of others in order to achieve the groups’ goals. They are closest to the actual work being performed and therefore are in a position to understand quickly whether or not problems exist, and recommend how to handle them. The primary function of supervisors of all types is leadership and management in a people-oriented environment. The supervisor has responsibility to subordinates, to peers, and also to supervisors. The supervisor has responsibility to managers who are both in a line and staff function. There are six qualities important to success as a supervisor, namely thoroughness, fairness, initiative, tact, emotional control, and enthusiasm. One of the supervisor’s most important assets is the ability to make time work in his/her favor.
