How to Lead, Motivate, and Supervise Subordinates Effectively

As a manager, leader, or supervisor, your ability to lead, manage, supervise, and motivate your subordinates or staff—the people under your purview—is of great importance.

This leadership and supervisory skills article highlights key tips on how to lead, motivate, and supervise your subordinates effectively. 

1. Be Fair to Everyone

Treat each of your subordinates or staff fairly and respectfully.

Some people are by nature more likable than others, but as a supervisor, you have to avoid even the slightest hint of favoritism; and be fair to everyone.

You may have to be flexible in your leadership approach to each of your subordinates.

2. Develop Everyone

Everyone is unique. Each subordinate has unique strengths and weaknesses.

So, work on developing the abilities or potential of every employee. Never overlook the need to provide the necessary resources or training for the employees to do their jobs.

By doing so, they will perceive that you care for their well-being. In return, they will be more respectful of you and work better.

3. Know and Like Your Subordinates

Learn the individual strengths and weaknesses of the people you supervise.

It will aid you in assigning tasks based on skills rather than randomly.

It will make them feel good about working with you.

4. Show Continuing Interest in Your Subordinates

Show continuing concern for your subordinates by providing feedback on their performance, not just at performance evaluation time.

Be honest, whether they are doing well or badly. It means praising when it is right, not when it isn't.

5. Criticize with Care

Be diplomatic whenever you criticize any aspect of an employee's performance.

Never jump to any judgment or conclusion without thinking first about the consequences for your critics.

So, be tactful with your subordinates at all times. They will surely appreciate you for being a considerate leader and manager.

6. Be Flexible

Be flexible in dealing with employees' concerns.

Going strictly by set procedures won't always give you the flexibility you need to resolve individual performance.

So, always use your good common sense.

7. Give Simple Directions

Give simple but specific job directions anytime you assign a new task to a worker.

Make things not so difficult in the eyes of your subordinates if it is a challenging task.

It will make them feel good and confident about doing the job.

8. Defend Your Subordinates

Defend your subordinates against unfair criticism; be with them.

Make them think and feel that you are a reasonable or supportive leader, manager, or supervisor.

9. Be a Coach - Not a General

Remember! 

You are at work, not at war. So, be loyal to your subordinates and the company, organization, or employer.

Invite them to the decision-making process whenever feasible.

You can also show your leadership qualities by working to obtain promotions, pay raises, and awards for deserving employees.