On Leadership

This is something I've been thinking about for the past few years.  I've seen examples of good leadership and bad and amazingly atrocious.  I've seen moral cowardice, and I've seen outstanding inspiration.  For the most part, I think of most organization jobs as taking part in a feudal system: the subordinates obey the supervisor, and the supervisor protects the subordinates.  And that is part of it, but not all.  So here are my thoughts in an essay in bullet point form:

The Duties and Decorum of a Supervisor 

v  To be available to and supportive of subordinates

§  To be physically present when needed

§  To be ever patient and kind, consistent and trustworthy

§  To never criticize subordinates for seeking help

§  To never show temper or dislike or preference.  Where dislike or preference is shown, injustice will be more likely and will be assumed whether present or not.  This will make subordinates despise the supervisor, which above all must be avoided

§  To recognize, encourage, and direct towards individual talents

§  To protect subordinates from bullying and injustice from customers and colleagues alike

v  To teach and train subordinates

§  To do so using positive reinforcement insofar as possible

§  To encourage questions

§  To stay up-to-date and accurate on all functions over which one has supervision, or at least to be aware of the resources for finding answers.  To never invent answers when a true answer is readily available, but to reach out when necessary and without pride

§  To make sure subordinates are aware of regulations and procedures, are properly trained, and are aware of their resources

§  To correctly set expectations

§  To set an example through dress, timeliness, and willingness to go the extra mile

§  To give feedback without personal criticism or any show of dislike or preference

§  To refrain from criticizing any employee or the organization to a subordinate

v  To support fellow supervisors and the organization

§  To provide a united front with other supervisors.  To bring concerns directly to fellow supervisors and never criticize them before or undermine them to subordinates

§  To share the workload and provide backup when necessary, including for aggressive or otherwise inappropriate customers

§  To uphold the regulations and honor of the organization.  To never criticize the organization to subordinates or customers, to follow the rules and legal necessities, and to properly report illicit or questionable incidents