Compare and Contrast Between Managerial and Supervisory Skills

COMPARE AND CONTRAST BETWEEN MANAGERIAL AND SUPERVISORY SKILLS        

Being a manager is not an easy task as he/she is not only required to perform a job well, he/she is also required to manage, direct and motivate his/her subordinate to perform their job well. Therefore, being a manager requires a certain set of skills. These skills are called managerial skills. Managerial skills are used in formulation and implementing goals outlined in the company strategy. Managerial skills are related to supervisory skills as supervisors report to managers who in turn report to directors (top management).

On the other hand, Supervisory skills are a set of expertise that are required in monitoring or directing the day to day work of subordinates. This write up seeks to compare and contrast between managerial and supervisory skills.  

1. Similarities between supervisory and managerial skills

1. Both managerial and supervisory skills require effective communication. In order for corporate strategy to be implemented there is need for goal congruency. And this can only be achieved by all employees of an organisation. Often, the supervisor is the first person to tell employees about new policies and programs from management.  
2. Both managerial and supervisory skills use sharing of information as an effective tool in order to allow for easy access to information so that tasks are deployed effectively.
3. Managers have the responsibility of training supervisors who in turn are responsible for training junior employees. Therefore both managerial and supervisory skills use demonstrated technical expertise – Understands the production systems necessary to operate the business successfully. This tool helps managers and supervisors to communicate easily.
4. Performs job tasks successfully. Both skills are required in performing tasks successfully.
5. Supervisory skills are more concerned with implementation of changes as set by management using their managerial skills.
6. Both managerial skills and supervisory skills constantly require that managers and supervisors constantly promote key values – consistently demonstrating work ethics and values. An organisational culture is to be adopted by top management down to common employees.
7. Both Supervisory skills and managerial skills require that managers and supervisors use sound judgment – applies knowledge of the business and tasks and uses common sense and analysis to make the best decision.

1. Differences between supervisory and managerial skills are set out as follows;

1. Managerial skills require that managers should possess the ability to work independently, solve problems and move ahead without constant instructions. Supervisors are on the other hand are constantly under the control of managers to ensure that they produce effective results.
2. Supervisory skills tend to demonstrate more leadership ability than managerial skills. A supervisor is required to be confident, know him/herself well, people gravitate to him, and commands respect and trust among peers and others. Managerial skills tend to focus more on getting it done however the means necessary.
3. Managerial skills are tailored around organising time and setting priorities to achieve business results in a timely manner.
4. Managerial skills require adaption and implementation of change in line with changing business environment. This skill indicates acceptance of change has inevitable and embraces change with innovation, courage, and resiliency. Supervisors are mostly tailored to doing the same things and are sometimes not even concerned as to why they enforce certain changes.
5. Supervisory skills mostly will require that supervisors work lager teams unlike managers who coordinate and supervise managers. Supervisors must therefore understand the importance of mentoring and coaching employees. Supervisors must show enthusiasm for helping others improve or develop new skills.
6. Supervisory skills are tailored around supervisor’s ability to do routine work perfectly especially where quality control techniques are necessary. The changes to for instance manufacturing assembly lines are formulated through managerial skills and communicated to supervisors who undergo go training.
7. Strategic planning is a function of top management and middle management. Supervisory skills do not require supervisor’s skill in formulation of corporate and business strategy. On the other hand championing of initiatives is a supervisory skill.
8.  Supervisors are not expected to possess a skill for planning and scheduling as this is a responsibility of management. However they do have a role in managing of quality.
9. Risk management skill is a priority of management functions. This tests an organisations lively hood as a going concern. The risk levels at managerial level have a higher priority compared to supervisory level. The remedial actions taken at management level are more costly than at supervisory levels.
10. Management of change is a function of managerial skill. Supervisory skills allied to this particular aspect through compliance. Managers are viewed as agents of change.
11. Managerial skills require more reporting and accountability to the board of directors. On the hand and in some cases the supervisory skills in some organisations do not require supervisors to possess any reporting skills. For this reason management requirements and qualifications for hiring managers are more professional rather than academic.

Conclusion

In summary, managerial and supervisory positions both require dedication, hard work and an exemplary behaviour to the subordinates but to mention a few .These positions are so involving that it takes an individual to be more tolerant and understanding of the people he or she works with. However, each one of the mentioned positions has its own roles such as being a team coach, a mentor, an advocate for the organisation and an advocate for the employees.