3 Answers

Tasks Performed

ACT researchers identified 12 major categories of tasks that manufacturing supervisors perform. According to those who are employed as manufacturing supervisors, the task categories below are listed in rank order by the frequency of their occurrence across jobs and tasks.

They spend significant time monitoring 1) to ensure safety; 2) to ensure product quality; and 3) to evaluate and improve work processes.

In close concert with their monitoring roles, supervisors also spend time "being the expert," 4) mastering and maintaining specialized tools required for the job; and 5) troubleshooting machine and work environment issues and resolving problems.

Supervisors also manage production 6) by receiving direction and orders from management or customers; 7) preparing detailed work assignments; and 8) managing production levels to meet goals.

So, that's eight of the 12 critical tasks -- three-quarters of the way through the list. Have you noticed the missing element? We were surprised to see no mention to this point of the interpersonal relationships associated with the management of people. Remember, this list of tasks came directly from the job incumbents -- those actually performing the tasks each day.

The last four task categories do reflect the interpersonal side of managing people and relationships. These range from handling relationships with employees 9) through using good communication skills and team development and 10) providing feedback, coaching and training for those they supervise; to managing other relationships 11) through using good management communication skills and providing timely management reporting; and 12) building solid rapport and relationships with internal and external customers.

From IndustryWeek

1. Making sure the inmates aren't running the asylum

2. Making sure the fox isn't guarding the hen house.

Making sure your workers have an afternoon snack like milk and cookies.