Chapter XII: COMPARISON
BETWEEN A SUPERVISOR AND
A MANAGER
SUPERVISOR
A supervisor is an individual who
makes decisions approved by the
manager. They work alongside
employees to ensure that they
perform tasks that align with the goals
managers set.
Role of Supervisor
1. Managing workflow
One of a supervisor’s most important
responsibilities is managing a team. Often,
supervisors create and oversee their
team’s workflow, or the tasks required to
complete a job. Supervisors must define
goals, communicate objectives and
monitor team performance.
2. Training new hires
When a new employee joins the team, their
supervisor should help them understand their
role and support them during their transition.
This might include providing workplace
orientation and explaining company policies
or job duties. The supervisor may manage all
onboarding activities, or they may work with
the human resources department to make
sure the new hire receives the guidance and
information they need.
3. Creating and managing team schedules
In some cases, organizations have set
hours for their entire workforce, and
supervisors won’t need to adjust them.
However, when team members work in
shifts, supervisors are usually responsible for
creating schedules.
4. Reporting to HR and senior management
As a supervisor, you’ll often be responsible for
reporting team and individual performance
to human resources and senior
management. You may need to evaluate
each member of your team and record
employee punctuality, performance on
goals, professionalism, disciplinary issues,
adherence to company policies and more.
You may also be required to develop and
administer performance improvement plans.
5. Evaluating performance and providing
feedback
Supervisors are often tasked with developing
or executing employee feedback and
recognition programs. This responsibility might
include setting employee and team goals
and choosing appropriate rewards for
achievements. For example, if a salesperson
exceeds their monthly quota, they may be
eligible for a bonus. This time should also be
used to provide both positive and
constructive feedback.
6. Identifying and applying career
advancement opportunities
Because supervisors work closely with
employees, they often help decide who is
eligible for promotions. In some cases,
supervisors may directly award
promotions. However, even when
supervisors don’t have the authority to
directly promote employees, senior
management professionals often consult
supervisors during the promotion process.
7. Helping to resolve employee issues and
disputes
When employees are unhappy with their
workplace experience, they may
approach their supervisor before
speaking with HR. Supervisors must use
active listening skills to understand
employee complaints and to work with
them to reach a solution.
MANAGER
A manager is an individual who
makes essential decisions that affect
all areas of business operations. They
outline the purpose of their decision,
along with identifying employees and
the duties they need to perform to
ensure the completion of tasks.
Role of Manager
1. Leader
A manager needs practical leadership skills in
order to guide their team towards common
goals. For example, when working towards
an event, it's the manager's responsibility to
ensure that everyone is focused and
collaborates to achieve a successful
outcome. A good leader demonstrates
integrity, honesty and decisiveness in their
decision-making.
2. Coordinator
As the person responsible for their team, the
role of a manager includes effective
coordination. A good manager organises
their team, ensuring that everyone is aligned
and working towards a common goal. If the
group faces challenges or obstacles, the
manager's role as coordinator includes
finding solutions to help keep projects on
track.
3. Team developer
In addition to leading a team to success,
an essential part of management is
encouraging your team's growth and
development. This role of a manager
involves motivating your team to
continuously improve and ensuring
employees find their work valuable,
stimulating and engaging.
4. Administrator
In addition to their role as a coordinator,
managers are also responsible for overseeing
the day-to-day administration of their team.
This management role can differ significantly
depending on the type of manager and
industry sector. For example, a shift manager
on a factory floor might focus on authorizing
timesheets, while a legal team manager
might handle more paperwork and
compliance-related tasks.
5. Motivator
Motivating employees is an important but
sometimes challenging role for managers.
Succeeding in this area can lead to
higher employee satisfaction, increased
commitment to the organization and
improved employee retention.
Manager Vs Supervisor
Managers and supervisors are both
positions of leadership in an organization.
Managers typically play a more strategic
role in a company, making decisions,
setting goals and overseeing the success
of a team while supervisors are responsible
for administering tasks and ensuring they
are done properly and on time.