The Importance of Timely and Comprehensive Supervisory Training

The Role of a Supervisor

Supervisors play a critical role in the County and Superior Court’s structure. They are responsible for managing teams, ensuring productivity, and maintaining a positive work environment.

Effective supervisors act as the bridge between employees and management, addressing concerns, providing support, and fostering open communication.

Their ability to lead and motivate can significantly impact job satisfaction, employee morale, and organizational success.

SLOCEA is committed to advocating for a positive and productive work environment for our members that includes supervisors and line staff.

A key factor in achieving this goal is ensuring that recently promoted supervisors receive timely and comprehensive supervisory training, so they are well-equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to lead effectively.

By equipping supervisors with the skills and knowledge they need to lead effectively, a more positive, productive, and fair work environment is created for all employees.

Timeliness of Training

Supervisory training should occur shortly after the employee is promoted. Training should be designed to teach and develop leadership skills while equipping supervisors with the tools they need to manage teams effectively.

Training should cover essential areas such as communication, conflict resolution, decision-making, departmental policies, and the important components of public employment. By developing these skills, supervisors can more effectively lead with confidence, build trust, and develop a successful team under their leadership.

Unfortunately, all too often, employees are promoted into supervisory positions and do not receive the essential training they need in a timely manner. To address this issue, during the 2022 County collective bargaining cycle, SLOCEA tabled a proposal that upon promotion, supervisory staff would receive formalized job and supervisory training within 30 days.

The goal was that the County would train new supervisors utilizing their own Supervisory Practices Guide and thereafter provide an annual refresher course. The County rejected SLOCEA’s proposal, providing their counterproposal that instead created a Joint Labor Management Committee to address such matters.

Some supervisors are indeed completing the County HR’s Supervisory Academy and other courses through the Learning and Development Center. However, courses are often not completed until a year or more after being promoted. In addition, basic elements of supervisory training are not covered.

Thorough and Adequate Training

Supervisors need to be well-versed in the agency’s policies, procedures, labor laws, and applicable MOUs. Supervisors need clear understanding of how to complete a performance evaluation correctly and fairly.

In addition, training should ensure that supervisors are aware of their legal obligations and the rights of employees. This knowledge helps prevent potential legal issues such as unfair labor practice charges and ensures that all employees are treated fairly and consistently.

Effective supervisory training programs teach supervisors how to set clear expectations, delegate tasks appropriately, and monitor performance. It further trains supervisors on the importance of open communication, appropriate counseling, and the basic elements and importance of progressive discipline.

Training equips supervisors with conflict resolution techniques, helping to address and resolve issues before they escalate. This results in a more harmonious workplace with fewer complaints and potential grievances.

Importance of a Well-Trained Supervisor

Well-trained supervisors are an essential and vital investment in the overall success of the individual supervisor and the staff they supervise. Positive employee relations lead to higher job satisfaction, reduced turnover, and a more motivated workforce.

SLOCEA will continue to do our part in advocating for timely and comprehensive supervisory training not only for our members in the Supervisory Bargaining Unit, but also for the benefit of the entire workforce.

By Theresa Schultz, Senior Labor Representative