"You really don't need a supervisor." - FALSE
In speaking with a friend and former co-worker recently, he made this statement.
They moved me on the org chart, and during that conversation, they said, 'We had to put you somewhere, and it makes sense to place you here, but really, you don't need a supervisor.'
That is a positive statement about any employee or team member. It shows that the employee is a self-starter, performs their work with excellence, and doesn't need supervision to meet their role's expectations.
FALSE…everyone needs a supervisor, but…
A real supervisor or team leader bears a responsibility far more significant than just an accountability tool.
Leaving an employee alone because you know they will meet the job's expectations is only one aspect of good leadership, and viewing the employee-team member relationship this way is two-dimensional — supervisor as manager.
True leaders should do more than just hold team members accountable for their job expectations.
A leader sees the employee as more than just someone who completes a list of tasks. A true leader views their team members as whole human beings. They should act as the team members' partner for growth and development.
They hold the person accountable to the expectations of the role.
They care for the person, including their emotional well-being at work, in their personal life, and their overall health.
They invite feedback on their leadership and accept advice on how they can improve as leaders.
They partner with the team members to set personal and professional goals.
They advocate for and coach individuals in job advancement.
They should also feel the responsibility to be a listening ear.
Everyone needs a leader who will seek out the hidden potential in everyone and "coach," "empower," "encourage," and "challenge" the person to reach their full potential.
…and it's really sad when an organization believes a team member is so talented that they don't require one.
