People You Work With Know More Than You Do

First, there’s nothing to gain by pretending to know more about someone’s job than they do. Your job as a supervisor is to oversee the whole operation and bring it all together on schedule. Employees are the experts and know what can or can’t be done in their areas. If you want to be successful, you must be able to depend on them to get the job done efficiently. Asking them for their ideas will give them a sense of involvement, and ultimately a greater chance of buy in. You should see people, machines, and processes as an engine. One part doesn’t make it run, but all parts working together, simultaneously does. If one part fails, so will the engine.

The supervisors that are most comfortable in their positions are those that know all the jobs in their area of responsibility. If you don’t know something, find out. Learn everything you can about each job and you will be able to manage it much better.

Second, include the employees in the decision making process. If you are pressed for greater productivity, let the employees know that. Also, let them know how it benefits them. If their jobs are at risk because of low productivity, or a reduction in hours, many will respond to that. I’ve always had employees come to me with their ideas following such conversations.

Who knows the job better than those close to it? 

Third, include the employees in follow up discussions regarding progress or lack of progress. Post the results as often as they become available.

Fourth, monitor the process as closely as possible. Reward those that are making it work and deal with lagging employees appropriately.

The maximum contribution of a person to the organization and his own personal development is possible only when viewed as an expert in his or her job.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe.” (Proverbs 28:26)

Why is self-confidence foolish? (Proverbs 28:26) - - We are warned here against thinking that we have all the answers, needing no counsel or discipline. Such a mindset is foolishness. We may be self-confident, knowing our capabilities and acting accordingly. But in order to be wise, we must also be aware of our sinfulness and weaknesses, submitting ourselves to wise counsel and discipline.