Leadership Training Case Studies

Case Study 4: Supervising
Experienced Workers

Aden is considerably younger than most of the people he supervises. He has a degree, and is mechanically inclined. Right out of college he went to work for a local manufacturer in an on-the-job training program with an eye toward becoming a team leader. Aden learned his trade well and was promoted in just under a year to team leader. He is not only younger than anyone he supervises; he is better educated, too.

How can Aden turn this situation into an advantage? How can he become a good supervisor of his older and more experienced workers? How can he better assure that he does not alienate his team members?


For the Trainer or FacilitatorAden could:
• Observe carefully and show interest in the jobs of all operators whose work he does not know how to do well
• Get them to explain things to him
• Ask simple questions so they can respond and “train” him
• Spend time one-on-one with people
• Ask each worker what he can do to support them
• Advocate for his people with his own boss and upper management
• Make good on promises or explain why he cannot do what was asked
• Apply equitable performance standards and address any performance issues
• Be friendly with his employees and keep his sense of humor

Your group may think of additional appropriate answers. If so, commend them.


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