Advanced Supervision Skills and Your Development Plan: Part 2
- linnearader
- Sep 10
- 5 min read
Welcome back to the exploration of the five essential soft skills every new supervisor must master. In Part 1, we covered the foundational skills that form the bedrock of effective leadership: active listening, emotional intelligence, and clear communication.
Today, we're diving into the two advanced skills that separate good supervisors from great ones, plus I'll give you a concrete plan for developing all five skills systematically.
Soft Skill #4: Adaptability
The only constant in today's workplace is change. Believe me, I wrote like 7 blog posts about change! Technology evolves, regulations shift, priorities change, and unexpected challenges arise. Your ability to adapt, and help your team adapt, is crucial for long-term success.
Adaptability isn't just about being flexible when change happens. It's about being proactive in anticipating change, helping others navigate transitions, and finding opportunities within challenges.
"Your ability to adapt, and help your team adapt, is crucial for long-term success."
What Adaptability Looks Like in Practice:
When our organization implemented a new compensation program, I could have focused solely on the technical training aspects necessary for employees to move up in the compensation program. Instead, I recognized that the change represented a significant shift in how our team operated. I spent time helping team members understand not just how to use the new system, but why the change was necessary and how it would benefit their work, and pay, in the long run.
Adaptable leaders don't just survive change, they help others see change as an opportunity for growth and improvement.
Building Adaptability in Your Team:
• Communicate the "why" behind changes, not just the "what"
• Involve team members in planning for transitions when possible
• Acknowledge that change is difficult and validate people's concerns
• Celebrate small wins during transition periods
• Model the adaptability you want to see
How to Develop This Skill:
Practice saying "How might we..." instead of "We can't..." when faced with challenges. This simple language shift opens your mind to possibilities rather than focusing on limitations.
Seek out new experiences and learning opportunities. The more comfortable you become with being uncomfortable, the better you'll handle unexpected changes.
Soft Skill #5: Conflict Resolution
"The more comfortable you become with addressing tension, the better you'll handle major conflicts."
Conflict is inevitable when people work together. Different personalities, competing priorities, resource limitations, and varying communication styles naturally create tension. Your ability to address conflict constructively will determine whether these tensions become destructive or productive.
Many new supervisors avoid conflict, hoping it will resolve itself. This approach almost always makes problems worse. Unaddressed conflict spreads, impacts team morale, and ultimately affects performance.
Understanding Conflict Sources:
Most workplace conflicts fall into a few categories:
• Task conflicts (disagreements about goals, procedures, or work distribution)
• Relationship conflicts (personality clashes or communication breakdowns)
• Process conflicts (disagreements about how work should be done)
Understanding the source helps you choose the right resolution approach.
The Conflict Resolution Process:
Step 1: Address Issues Early Don't wait for conflicts to escalate. When you notice tension, address it promptly and directly. Have difficult conversations. Without you, the conversation likely won't happen. Have it, your team depends on it.
Step 2: Listen to All Perspectives Give each person involved the opportunity to share their viewpoint without interruption. (Remember active listening.)
Step 3: Find Common Ground Identify shared goals or values that everyone can agree on.
Step 4: Focus on Solutions Move the conversation from blame to problem-solving.
Step 5: Follow Up Check back to ensure the resolution is working and the conflict hasn't resurged.
How to Develop This Skill:
Practice having difficult conversations in low-stakes situations. The more comfortable you become with addressing tension, the better you'll handle major conflicts.
Learn to separate the person from the problem. You can disagree with someone's approach while still respecting them as a person.
Putting It All Together: Your Soft Skills Development Plan
Developing soft skills requires intentional practice and self-reflection. Here's how to approach your development systematically:
Week 1-2: Self-Assessment
Honestly evaluate your current abilities in each area. Ask trusted colleagues for feedback on your strengths and growth areas.
Week 3-4: Choose Your Focus
Select one or two skills to focus on first. Trying to improve everything at once rarely works.
Month 2: Practice with Low Stakes
Look for opportunities to practice your chosen skills in less critical situations.
Month 3: Seek Feedback
Ask team members and colleagues for feedback on your progress.
Ongoing: Continuous Learning
Read books and blog posts, attend workshops, find mentors, and continue practicing.
The Compound Effect of Soft Skills
"The ripple effects of your soft skills development will impact not just your immediate team, but your entire organization."
Here's what's amazing about soft skills: they compound. The better you become at listening, the more effectively you can resolve conflicts. Strong emotional intelligence improves your communication. Adaptability helps you navigate the challenges that arise from difficult conversations.
As you develop these skills, you'll notice that leadership becomes less exhausting and more fulfilling. Instead of feeling like you're constantly putting out fires, you'll be preventing problems and creating positive momentum.
Your team will notice too. They'll trust you more, communicate more openly, and take more ownership of their work. The ripple effects of your soft skills development will impact not just your immediate team, but your entire organization.
The Investment That Pays the Highest Returns
Technical skills might help get you promoted, but soft skills determine whether you'll be successful and fulfilled in your leadership role. They're the difference between managing tasks and leading people, between surviving in your role and thriving in it.
The investment you make in developing these skills will pay dividends throughout your career. You'll be more effective, less stressed, and more satisfied with your work. More importantly, you'll have a positive impact on every person you supervise, helping them grow and succeed in their own careers.
Start today. Choose one skill to focus on, find one way to practice it this week, and begin the journey toward becoming the leader you want to be.
Your Next Steps
Now that you understand all five essential soft skills, here's your homework:
Rate yourself on each skill from 1-10
Choose your focus area - which skill would have the biggest impact on your current challenges?
Identify one specific action you can take this week to practice that skill
Find an accountability partner - someone who can give you honest feedback on your progress
Remember, becoming an effective supervisor isn't about perfection. It's about continuous growth and authentic connection with the people you lead.
Which of these soft skills resonates most with your current challenges? What strategies have you found helpful for developing emotional intelligence or communication skills?
Share your experiences in the comments below.
As always, carry social kindness with you everywhere you go. The world needs you and your positive mindset!
Connect With Me
If you want to consult on training or coaching for your team, please reach out.
269-621-5282
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