TRAINING & CERTIFICATION What is a Supervisor? By Paul James, WTIA Training Manager Most people in our industry understand what welding supervisors are. But, have you ever really thought about what the ‘supervisor’ part of this role really entails? A ‘Supervisor’ (and other similar titles) is generally a low level management position, primarily based on authority over a worker or a specific part of a workplace. The basic function of any kind of supervisor (not just welding supervisors) is to observe and direct the execution of specific tasks and activities. To be an effective supervisor, you need to understand your role and know the scope of your duties, responsibilities, and limitations. The role you perform will interact with other management positions so you need to know your boundaries, as well as your authority. The best way to articulate this authority is via a detailed Position Description. However, just because a supervisor supervises, this doesn’t mean that they need to be looking over the shoulder of the people they are supervising. Varying levels of supervision should be used, depending on the task, person and standards being followed. There are key skills which supervisors should possess. Usually, these skills have been
developed over years, which is why the person has been appointed. Alternatively, these skills may need to be learned through further training. These skills include: • Time management: the ability to achieve required supervision tasks in an allocated time period. • Situational awareness: the ability to identify, process and comprehend the critical elements of information about what is happening to the team. More simply, knowing what is going on around you. • Adaptation: adjusting to and understanding changes in the workplace, including work performed as well as the business environment. • Leadership: this must be developed if a supervisor is to succeed or advance their career. A leader steps up in times of crisis and is able to think and act effectively in difficult situations. • Trade knowledge: supervisors need to know and understand the activities for which they are
responsible, so they can make informed decisions, understand processes, and articulate issues to a higher level of management. • Accountability: a good supervisor must step up and take some responsibility when things go wrong. Supervisors are often promoted to the role because of their subject-matter knowledge and expertise. However, sometimes their managerial skills need to be developed. This can take place in the form of mentoring from other supervisors or management, or through formal education provided by training organisations. There are many qualifications and programs in Australia that are excellent in terms of delivering the skill set needed by Supervisors, such as a Certificate IV in Leadership and Management, or a Certificate IV in Competitive Systems and Practices. In many instances, government funding may be available to support these programs.
WTIA Newsletter April 2017
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