Supervisory Best Practices

Supervisors at the University of Manitoba are responsible for leading their work units/teams to achieve unit goals and for respectful, positive climate for unit members. They also are responsible for contributing to overall excellence in the University of Manitoba through collaboration with other units/teams in achieving university strategic priorities.

The list of best practices below outlines the behaviours demonstrated by excellent supervisors. For each of the best practices, the second column of the table indicates the LDS session(s) particularly relevant for strengthening it. The Assessment Inventory page can help identify those best practices (and sessions) currently of most value for particular individuals.

Please refer as well to the LDS Excellence in Supervisory Practices Accomplishment Program for a complete supervisory development program.

Team Planning

	Relevant Session(s)
Identify/clarify team goals and objectives	Excellence in Supervision
Identify staffing needs	Excellence in Supervision
Identify needed work environment supports	Excellence in Supervision
Clarify individual responsibilities and performance expectations	Excellence in Supervision Performance Review for Supervisors
Hire the best employees	Hiring the Right Person

Team Processes

	Relevant Session(s)
Fulfill legislative, policy and collective agreement obligations - e.g. EHSO, Respectful Environment, Performance Appraisal, Progressive Discipline	Supervisory Due Diligence Respect in the Workplace Performance Review for Supervisors UofM Supervisor: Need to Know
Use effective planning, information sharing, problem solving and decision making processes	Facilitative Leadership Team Effectiveness Making Meetings Work
Use University administrative systems - e.g. human resource, financial, student information	Aurora sessions Administrative Systems at the U of M
Support service excellence for internal and external customers and colleagues	Connections: Service Excellence
Navigate change and provide change support	Leadership: Key Practices in Times of Change

Employee Performance Support

	Relevant Session(s)
Orient new employees effectively	Excellence in Supervision
Demonstrate appropriate flexibility in interacting with unit employees - e.g., leadership styles, intercultural competence	Excellence in Supervision Facilitative Leadership
Foster a positive work environment - e.g., demonstrate employee recognition practices	Recognition: We're All In This Together
Support employee areas of strength and develop areas of potential through coaching, learning plans and other development mechanisms	Excellence in Supervision Performance Review for Supervisors
Deal with concerns regarding employee performance	Performance Review for Supervisors Interpersonal Communication Skills Assertive Communication Difficult Conversations

Communication

	Relevant Session(s)
Communicate effectively interpersonally and inter-culturally	Assertive Communication Interpersonal Communication Skills Effective Presentations Respect in the Workplace
Communicate effectively in writing - e.g., emails, reports	Effective Writing
Demonstrate effective group presentation skills	Effective Presentations
Conduct meetings effectively	Facilitative Leadership Making Meetings Work Team Effectiveness
Deal with interpersonal conflict productively	Dealing with Conflict Interpersonal Communication Skills Assertive Communication

Personal Productivity

	Relevant Session(s)
Fulfill job expectations as outlined in own job description and with their manager	Learning: The Core Skill Key Policies at the U of M
Manage own time, stress and energy effectively	Managing Workload & Priorities
Demonstrate innovation, initiative, collaboration and maturity	Leadership: Key Practices in Times of Change
Engage in continuous self-reflection and development	Learning: The Core Skill
Maintain productive workplace relationships	Assertive Communication Interpersonal Communication Skills Dealing with Conflict Difficult Conversations Respect in the Workplace