A supervisor's job is defined as getting things done effectively through
others. Although the definition seems simple, the task at best is
difficult and not for everyone. This section explores the supervisor's
many roles, and what skills, knowledge and abilities a supervisor requires to
succeed.
Supervisors are a vital part of every management team; they are the link
between middle and executive levels of management and the employees who do the
work. Supervisors must have a unique combination of technical competence,
individual energy, and ability to get along with and motivate others.
A supervisors performance is measured by how well they manage the resources
assigned to them and the results they get from the resources in the way of
output, quality, cost control, and customer satisfaction.
- Technical
- Administrative, and
- Human Resources
As a supervisor you are expected to place the organization's goals above
other job-related concerns. This means that a supervisor’s focus is
towards meeting deadlines, quality and cost standards,
customers needs, and employees who do the work. Supervisors plan, organize,
direct, coordinate and control employees work so that organizational objectives
are met.
Federal supervisors are required to perform a number of administrative
duties. They must plan to reduce expenditures; utilize facilities more
efficiently; improve procedures and methods; and secure effective results from
people. Some of the day-to-day duties include Time and Attendance
approval; training employees; developing teams, conducting meetings; performance
appraisals; preparing reports; counseling employees and striving to operate
efficiently.
Supervisors take people with diverse backgrounds, skills, and interests, and
build teams that can get the job done. They work with people at all
levels, both inside and outside the organization and assume a leadership role
for the organization. If that's where your strengths are, then a
supervisory position is for you.
Supervisory roles, responsibilities and skills are covered in detail in
Chapter Five of
Take Charge of Your Federal Career. The complete list
of responsibilities, skills, and
abilities are listed and described in detail in the
workbook. Supervisors have responsibilities throughout
the organization to management, employees, staff, unions, and customers. A
summary follows:
Responsibility to:
- Management
- Employees
- Staff Specialists
- Other supervisors
- The Union
- Customer
Supervisors perform a wide variety of duties depending on their jobs, their
organizations and their individual abilities. Detailed lists of skills and
abilities are included and described in detail in the
workbook. A summary follows:
- Planning
- Organizing
- Leadership and Motivation
- Communicator
- Empowerment and Decision-Making
- Monitor and Controller.
- Change Agent
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In a managerial position, the incumbent directs the work of an organization;
is held accountable for the success of specific line or staff programs; monitors
the progress of the organization toward goals and periodically evaluates and
makes appropriate adjustments; and typically performs the full range of the
duties and responsibilities listed in
Take Charge of Your Federal Career. You will also find detailed lists of
managerial competencies for your personal plans with rating sheets and
developmental assignments. with sample supervisory and managerial IDPs.
The
workbook includes detailed supervisory and management Individual Development
Plans with assessment tools and presents:
- Supervisory Roles
- Self Assessment
- Managerial Competencies & Rating Sheets
- Developmental Assignments
- SES Core Qualifications
This is also a good time to start planning for your retirement.
Visit www.federalretirement.net
for comprehensive retirement planning guidance. You can also request a
"FREE Personal
Retirement Benefit's Summary" from a retirement specialist that will
assist you with your retirement plans.
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SAMPLE
(Supervisory/Managerial)
INDIVIDUAL
DEVELOPMENT PLAN
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Employee Name
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SSN
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Series/Grade
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Position Title
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Organizational Element
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Supervisor’s Name
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John Hancock
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xxx-xx-xxxx
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GS-856-11
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Electronics Tech
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Field Office Unit
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Mary Smith
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Section I - CAREER GOALS
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Short-Term Goals (1-2 Years)
To be a unit supervisor (GS-XXX-12) and to
develop the supervisory KSAs required to perform effectively at the
entry level supervisory position.
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Long-Term Goals (2-5 years)
To advance to the GS-301-13 Staff Manager position
at the Operational Control Center.
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Section II - INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT
PLAN
(Completed by Supervisor &
Employee)
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Development Objectives (KSAs) needed to reach goal
Gain knowledge of the overall agency organization.
Develop leadership skills
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Developmental Assignments, etc., including target
completion dates.
Review the agency’s national Goals and Objectives.
Read planning document Workforce 2007 by 1/15/2007.
Date completed: 2/20/07
Volunteer to participate on the regional office’s Strategic Planning
Committee. by 3/15/08. (No committee vacancies)
Date completed: ________
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Other Activities
Visit the agency's Operational Control Center and review the
agency's strategic plans that outline changes in the organization
by 3/25/07.
Date completed: 7/07/07
Apply for the Executive Potential Program (EPP) in
FY 2008.
Date completed: ________
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Section II - Individual Development
Plan (Continued)
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Developmental Objectives
Improve communications skills, writing and oral
presentations.
Supervisory Skills:
a. Develop ability to coach and council
subordinates.
b. Improve decision making ability.
c. Organization and planning skills.
d. Automation skills improvement
e. Cost Accounting Skills (CAS)
f. Customer Support improvements
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Developmental Assignments
Join local Toastmasters Group to improve oral
communications skills.
Date completed: 6/3/07
60 day temporary promotion to field unit supervisor
from July through August 2007.
Date completed: 7/27/07
USDA GS Correspondence Course 86BX , Assertive
Supervisor. Start 5/08.
Date completed: ________
Read “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey by
2/15/08
Date completed: 4/09/08
120 detail to GS-12 position on regional office
staff by 7/09. (Pending detail availability)
Date completed: ________
Complete tutorials on Windows XP and Microsoft
Office by 12/08.
Date Completed: 2/07/09
Complete Online CAS online course by 4/15/09
Date Completed: 9/07/09
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Other Activities
Identify local evening college oral communications
and report writing courses. Apply for agency evening College
tuition reimbursement by beginning of next semester. (No agency funds
available)
Date completed: ________
Review Headquarters Career Development video lending library resources
and on-line courses. Order supervisory video titles and enroll for
on-line courses by 3/1/08.
Date Completed: 5/03/08
Arrange to take the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. Schedule through career
development office and training branch by 6/08.
Date completed: ________
Purchase a Apple IPad to track tasks, action items,
and scheduled events. (Pending release and funds)
Date completed: 3/12/10
Work with Microsoft online tutorials for Excel by 4/12/09.
Date completed: 4/10/10
Participate in monthly Joint Business Team meetings starting 6/1/2008.
Date completed: 9/1/2008
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