METHODS OF EFFECTIVE SUPERVISION

Presented to:Professor Anita Manders

Business Studies DepartmentBucks County Community College

Prepared by:Carey Grigsby

Business Communication Student

June 30, 2015

Carey GrigsbyBedminster, PA 18910

***-***-********@****.com

June 30, 2015

Dear Professor Manders,Business Studies DepartmentBucks County Community CollegeNewtown, PA 18940

Dear Professor Manders:

The attached report, requested by the Business Studies Department dated June 30, 2015 explores the different methods of effective management within a business. I am sure that you will find this information interesting and useful whether you are in a management position or an employee.

This report was designed to examine these key points used by management in three areas:

Investigate upper management methods utilized to motivate employees Analyze effective and non-effective techniques involved in a successful business environment Examine managerial communication skills as applied in broad spectrum business techniques

Primary research consisted of an interview with Denise Timofai, president of Xeryis, Inc. Secondary research sources included a survey of various people employed in the area. Results of this research, discussed more fully in this report, brings out great tips that someone of a managerial role can use within the work environment.

I would be pleased to discuss this report and its conclusions with you at your request. I thank you for your confidence in selecting me to prepare this comprehensive report.

Sincerely,

Carey Grigsby, StudentBusiness Communication

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION: THE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT …...…………………………………….. 1

BACKGROUND: GIVING DIRECTION ………….……………………………………………... 2

DISCUSSION: MOTIVATING EMPLOYEES, THE SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS

ENVIRONMENT, AND MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES USED …...………...…………... 2

Motivating Employees ………..………………………………………………………………… 3 Communication ……………………………………………………………………….……... 3 The Successful Business Environment ………………………………………………………… 4 Encourage Creativity and Productivity …….………..………………………………………. 4

Management Techniques Used ……...……….……………………………………………...…. 5 Effective Techniques ………………………………………………………………………... 5 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ………………………………………………… 6

REFERENCES …………………………………………………………………………………….. 7

LIST OF FIGURESAPPENDIX AAPPENDIX B

Figure1 Survey of Employees ……………………………………………………………….……... 22 Research Article Results …...…………………………………………………………....…. 3

3 Core Interview Points ……………………………………………………………………… 5

INTRODUCTION: THE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT

This informational study was designed to analyze the business environment and the effective ways in

which a person in a managerial position would employ them. In recent years the trend to let employees

work from home was taking root within many businesses. The benefits for the employees were less

commute time, working in a comfortable environment and for some an increase in productivity.

Businesses noticed that with the employees out of managements reach lead to a more lax approach to

working and bigger issues for management when problems arose. As a result many businesses have

brought the employees back to the work place and have had to address the decline in morale and

productivity. This study will prove to be essential in assisting management in improving their skills and

making the work place more enjoyable. This study specifically seeks answers to these key areas:

Investigate upper management methods utilized to motivate employees

Analyze effective and non-effective techniques involved in a successful business environment

Examine managerial communication skills as applied in broad spectrum business techniques

BACKGROUND: GIVING DIRECTION

The Business Studies Department at Bucks County Community College requested this study on the

methods of effective supervision. This study was created to assist those that strive to or are currently in a

managerial position to be more effective. The goal is to give current Business Administration students

that wish to pursue a career in a managerial position some insight and direction on this subject matter.

Students looking for ways in which to gain and sharpen the skill set needed as a manager will find many

useful points to work on. Honing in on your core skills will help you be better able to handle difficult

situations with ease. Many of the topics brought out in this study will not only help those in a managerial

position but also in their current position as they climb the ladder of success.

Data for this report came from an interview with the Denise Timofai, president of Xeryis, Inc; a survey

of local employees in various positions and online articles and resources.

DISCUSSION: MOTIVATING EMPLOYEES, THE SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS

ENVIRONMENT, AND MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES USED

The results of this research will prove to be an invaluable tool for all levels of management.

Employing the information contained within this report will lead to a happier, productive and more

motivated work environment. The research findings presented here fall into three categories: (a)

motivating employees, (b) the successful business environment, and (c) management techniques used.

Motivating Employees

One of the secrets to attracting and retaining employees is to set practices in place focused on

increasing happiness in the work place. Many employees respond favorably when they are recognized for

their achievements which can be as simple as a post in the monthly newsletter or perhaps a gift certificate

(Fallon, 2014). Offering employees additional benefits like additional health coverage, flexible schedules

and on-site child care are ways that can improve their work-life balance. Companies that make employees

feel valued as is shown in Figure 1 is important to many employees. The benefits of having employees

that feel valued results in them staying employed with the company longer, increased productivity and

higher morale.

Figure 1

SURVEY OF EMPLOYEES

Feel Valued

Assista

nce to

Advance

Job Securit

y

Successf

ul Envir

onment

Approachable M

anagement

Management Perfo

rms W

ell

Motivational M

anagement

Open Communication

0%40%80%

Workplace Satisfaction

No Yes Occasionally/ Not Sure

Source: Survey of various local employees

Communication

Many in management will agree that keeping the lines of communication open is the lifeblood of the

business. Many of the topics in Figure 1 supports the fact that good communication in the work place

between employees and upper management is crucial. Those in a managerial role who strive to keep the

lines of communication open have found that taking time out of their busy schedule to touch base with

employees just for a few minutes goes a long way (Prive, 2012). Making employees feel like an integral

part of the company by getting their input will get them involved in creating a positive and productive

work environment. More importantly getting their input can guide a manager to where the focus needs to

be to make the work place more enjoyable and more successful.

The Successful Business Environment

One of the most important factors to consider is if management is creating a successful business

environment for their employees. Asking employees about the work environment can open the door to

improvements that may need be made. The research articles used in this study highlight five key points

listed in Figure 2 that would result in a thriving business atmosphere. Honing in on one or more key

points at a time will help improve morale within the business environment.

Figure 2

RESEARCH ARTICLE RESULTS

31%

24%20%10%

16%

Top 5 Key Points for Successful Management

CommunicationRecognitionBe availableCreate career goalsMake work place fun

Source: Results gathered from online research articles

Encourage Creativity and Productivity

Adding a spark of creativity in the day-to-day routine will make things fresh and interesting.

Encouraging each person’s personality to shine through will result in a more diverse culture and an open

and enjoyable work environment (Zaslow, 2013). As a result this will raise the morale, make the work

place fun as shown in Figure 2 and make the employee want to come back to work. One of the keys to

maximizing productivity is simply completing the most important items on your to do list (Oritz, 2011).

By encouraging employees to adopt this small task first thing in the day will help increase overall

productivity and free up time for unexpected issues that may arise.

Management Techniques Used

Management is about addressing the employee’s needs and the challenges that come up within the

business. It is about guiding them along the pathway of professional grow to be the best that they can be.

Managers will need to make some tough decisions at times like letting an employee go or handling a

crisis situation.

Effective Techniques

Keeping productivity up is one of the main tasks a manager must face. Setting objectives will help make

the direction clear for all team players as well as listing the work needed to reach those goals.

Encouraging positive teamwork and harmony among employees is essential to the success of the business

(Murray, 2009). Keeping an open line of communication and being accessible to employees is necessary

especially if an issue arises and needs immediate attention. Remaining fair and honest and holding

employees accountable are all essential tasks of successful manager as seen in Figure 3. Helping

employees to be the best they can be may involve encouraging them to take a few classes or further their

education with a degree as the end result. Figure 3 are the top five points that were brought out in the

interview with Denise Timofai. Communication is by far the most important key as everything else in the

work place hinges upon it.

Figure 3

CORE INTERVIEW POINTS

Source: Interview with Denise Timofai

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Analysis of motivating employees, the successful business environment, and management techniques

used leads to the following conclusions and recommendations for a person in a managerial role to use in

the work environment:

1. Communication is the most important aspect within the work environment. Paying careful attention on improving your communication with employees on a daily basis will reap great results in all other areas of the work place.

Communication Structure Accountability Fair and Honest Training and Education

2. Being available to employees throughout the work day will help keep the lines of communication open with work related questions and issues that may arise.

3. Recognition is such a simple task with the potential of great benefits. An employee that is recognized for a job well done will feel valued and as a result may be more productive.

On the basis of the findings of this study, it is recommended that management use these tips to hone in

on their skills. Doing so will make them better able to address the needs of the people and the business

they are leading. It will in turn benefit morale, productivity and overall employee satisfaction within the

work environment. The end result will be a more enjoyable work place, satisfied employees and

potentially a more prosperous business.

REFERENCES

Oritz, Elisa M. Jan 12, 2011 Seven skills for supervision success. Retrieved June 2, 2015. Retrieved from http://www.elisamortiz.org/2011/01/7-skills-for-supervision-success/

Prive, Tanya. Top 10 qualities that make a great leader. Retrieved June 2, 2015. Retrieved from http://www.forbes.com/sites/tanyaprive/2012/12/19/top-10-qualities-that-make-a-great-leader/

Zaslow, Bryan J. Nov. 29, 2013 37 ways to keep your employees motivated from A 37-year-old entrepreneur Retrieved June 19, 2015. Retrieved from http://www.forbes.com/sites/theyec/2013/08/21/37-ways-to-keep-your-employees-motivated-from-a- 37-year-old-entrepreneur/

Murray, Alan Leadership Styles April 9, 2009 Retrieved June 19, 2015. Retrieved from http://guides.wsj.com/management/developing-a-leadership-style/how-to-develop-a-leadership- style/

Fallon, Nicole. March 18, 2014 8 Secrets to Keeping Employees Happy." Business News Daily. Retrieved June 19, 2015. Retrieved from http://www.businessnewsdaily.com/6084-employee- happiness-without- raise.html

APPENDIX A

Interviewed June 21, 2015Denise Timofai, PresidentXeryis, Inc.Information Technology Placement

1. In what ways do you motivate your staff to be more productive?I feel that training is important so if they would like to take some classes I encourage that.I also try to make them happy as a happy worker is more productive.

2. What have you found to be the best way to handle difficult employees?Have a heart to heart talk with them to understand what is going on as sometimes there are circumstances that cause the issue. If I can understand the issue there may be ways to work around it. If there are no issues then I will be very up front with them as to the repercussions of their actions when/if they happen again.

3. What would you say is your management style?Straight forward but somewhat laid back.

4. What management methods or strategies do you use that are successful?Being honest is important and holding people accountable for their actions is also important.

5. If there was an employee that was driven, what steps would you employ to support them?I would help them with a career path and further education.

6. In a productive business environment what techniques would you say are necessary?Some structure and rules so that everyone knows what is expected, however, I feel it is important that everyone focus on the common goal of the company.

7. In yearly reviews or monitoring an employee’s progress, have you ever had to take action (fire, train, etc.)? With what results?I have had to let people go. Most times I felt it was deserved and I wished them well with their new endeavor.

8. What are some major challenges you have faced in your position and what did you do to overcome them?It is always a challenge to not take things personally and to make decisions that are fair and honest and in the best interest of the company. I continually work on this and try to make this a focus.

9. How do you make sure that the lines of communication remain open between you and your subordinates? Are there tools in place to improve employee communication skills in the workplace? I keep an open line of communication between myself and my employees. If I feel there is not enough communication I seek them out and just have a conversation with them. They are welcome to have a conversation with me at any time.

10. What techniques do you use to build up your team?We have off site meetings- dinners-lunches. I also listen to their suggestions and implement them whenever I feel they should be.

11. What steps have you taken to improve your managerial skills?I read managerial books, analyze other successful companies and take classes.

APPENDIX B

I am currently a student at Bucks County Community College majoring in Business Administration. The purpose of this survey is to gather information on the topic of Methods of Effective Supervision to be included in a research report for my Business Communication Course. Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey.

1. Where you are currently working do you feel like you are valued?

_______ yes ___________ no _______ occasionally

2. Is management successful in motivating employees?

________ not at all ________ yes a little ________ usually ________ always

3. Are there tools in place to assist someone that wants to advance in the company?

______ no _______ yes _________ not sure

4. What is the happiness level where you currently work? 0 = unhappy 5 = very happy

_____1 _____2 _____3 _____4 _____5

5. Do you feel that you have job security?

_____ yes ____ no ______ occasionally

6. Is management successful in keeping the lines of communication open?

_____ not at all ______ sometimes ________ usually ________ always

7. Is management successful in maintaining a successful business environment?

_____ yes ______ no _______ occasionally

8. Do you feel that you can freely approach management if an issue would arise between you and another employee? 1 = not confident 5 = completely confident

______ 1 ______ 2 _______ 3 _______ 4 ________ 5

9. How would you rate your supervisor at work overall? 1 = underperformer 5= excellent

_______ 1 _______ 2 _________ 3 ________ 4 _______ 5

Carey Grigsby

5/30/15

Methods of Effective Supervision

Informational Research Report

When someone is in an upper management position sometimes the hardest hurdle to overcome is using the proper techniques to be a successful leader. Some in management may struggle with the appropriate ways in which to guide those that rely on them for direction. Those who are looking to or are already in a management position would benefit by looking at ways to improve their skills. The following is a few points that we will investigate further.

1. Investigate upper management methods utilized to motivate employees2. Analyze effective and non-effective techniques involved in a successful business environment3. Examine managerial communication skills as applied in broad spectrum business techniques