Problem-Solving
Avoid sticking points and work out issues
As with any relationship, supervisors and members can clash over any number of things. Some common sticking points include:
- Different work ethics
- Differences in personalities, work habits, communication styles
- Not keeping each other informed about emerging issues
- Power struggles over responsibilities and credit for work done
- Failure to follow through on commitments
Here are some ways to address these issues:
- Negotiate a solid set of working agreements
- Clarify expectations from the beginning
- Address the behavior, not the person
- Give specific, timely feedback
- Try to understand the situation from multiple perspectives
- Commit to working together for a win-win
- Consult a neutral third party (like your CNCS State Office)
However you tackle supervisor-member conflicts, document every conversation.
Feeling a bit overwhelmed? Don't worry, you're not alone. Read what expert supervisors say "I wish someone had told me... "
See what advice experienced supervisors gave incoming supervisors in one program.
Test your own problem-solving skills with these supervisor scenarios, drawn from actual field experiences.
Go back to Creating Effective Member-Supervisor
Relationships
…
