Supervisory Management articles from October 1991

Supervisory Management archives from October 1991

Creativity tools: versatile problem solvers that can double as fun and games.
October 1, 1991... By now, supervisors may find staffers suffering from a case of post-summer blahs. In October, with Labor Day, vacations, and long evenings over, people start to hunker down, as if shoring up resources to get through the winter. While...

Using brainstorming to identify creative solutions.
October 1, 1991... Upper management has called together the "best and the brightest" from several departments to come up with creative solutions to a pressing problem in the company. Everyone has heard these individuals come up with brilliant ideas in other...

Knowing when to brainstrom solo.
October 1, 1991... In the spirit of participative management, supervisors looking for fresh ideas to improve operations or solve problems often call a meeting. Usually, that's a sound approach. When Not to Call a Meeting But the group approach is not...

Fact finding: the key to innovation.
October 1, 1991... Why is it that some people find it easy to solve tough problems with simple, "elegant" solutions while others find this feat nearly impossible? You've no doubt looked at solutions to problems after the fact and said, "I could have thought of...

Ask questions first to solve the right problems.
October 1, 1991... Supervisors who take the time to ask thoughtful and probing questions improve the odds of making a good decision. When you talk to the people closest to a problem, you can gather more relevant information, gain a better perspective, and be...

Understanding - and combatting - groupthink. (tendency for members of a group to not express independent ideas)
October 1, 1991... Want to make a stupid decision? It's easier if you have help. Just gather four or five like-minded colleagues together in an atmosphere that values getting along over getting things done, and you're on your way. As leader, be sure to voice...

Selling your ideas to management.
October 1, 1991... Do you have difficulty selling your proposals to other people in your organization? If so, perhaps you aren't putting your proposal in a form that demonstrates it was carefully evaluated and developed. Your Own Evaluation Before...

The supervisor as a project leader. (excerpted from SUPERVISORY SENSE article, 'The Supervisor as a Project Manager')
October 1, 1991... So you've been asked to manage a project. You and your staff came up with an idea for a new operating procedure that will reduce operating costs and your boss wants you to head up the project. Cheer up! Heading a project can be extremely...

Overcoming the fear of decision making.
October 1, 1991... Are you paralyzed with fear when faced with a decision? Are you often plagued by questions such as the following: * Did I make the right decision? * What will happen if I make a mistake? * Will people think I am incompetent? ...