Supervision skills : a learning and development manual

Getting the best out of staff owes so much to the skill and commitment of the supervisor.

An effective supervisor is able to create win-win situations where everybody is happy: the employee fulfils their potential; the employers get the best return on their investment; and, people who use the organisation AZs services benefit from the quality of the staff member AZs practice.

This important manual in the "Learning for Practice" series shows that supervision is a complex matter, which is sadly often oversimplified.

The deeper and broader our understanding of it, the stronger a position we are in to help establish the highest quality of supervision we can, where managers are able to use their knowledge and skills to help get the best out of people on an individual basis.

It shows that supervision is not simply a matter of making sure the supervisee is doing their job properly.

It also involves helping staff achieve the best quality of work that they are capable of by maximising learning, promoting high levels of well-being, and addressing any conflicts, tensions or other obstacles to optimal practice. This clear and well-written set of resources provides: background information about the role and significance of supervision; a set of learning exercises carefully designed to promote professional development; and, a sound foundation for helping supervisors develop the skills they need to do their job to the best of their ability.

If you are in the business of helping supervisors develop their knowledge, skills and confidence, this manual provides a foundation for: running training courses; carrying out staff development activities; and, planning teaching sessions as part of a college or university programme of teaching.

It can also be used for self-learning. Indeed, it is vital to remember A C and a core principle of this book A C that being responsible for supporting the learning and development of others does not take away the responsibility for our own learning.