The Power of Supervisors


Traditionally, the responsibility for employee training and development has often fallen solely on the shoulders of HR and trainers. However, recent research has shown that involving supervisors more actively in the training process can lead to significantly better outcomes.

According to a study conducted by Police 1 , officers ranging from newly hired to officers with more than 30 years on the job, all agree they don’t feel recognized for their work and have a lack of trust in taking problems to their supervisors.

That is why in our Woman Up! program, each participant is asked to invite their supervisor to the orientation workshop.

When supervisors actively participate, they are in a better position to play a supportive role in their employee’s development, while strengthening the relationship they have with them. Increasing the involvement of supervisors in the training of their employees is positively correlated with their ability to apply what they are learning from training to the workplace.

Increasing Supervisor Involvement in Women’s Leadership Development

One of the things we have heard from supervisors is they would like to receive guidance on how to support their team members effectively.

Based on that feedback, we developed a Supervisor’s Guide that provides supervisors with practical guidance on how to actively support their direct reports in the Woman Up! leadership program. It outlines specific actions, tips, and best practices, making it easier for supervisors to navigate the support process effectively by equipping them with the tools and knowledge needed to be effective coaches.

When supervisors are equipped with the tools to support women in male-dominated industries, it helps create an inclusive work environment. This fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment for female employees, enhancing their job satisfaction and overall engagement.

What Is in It for Me as a Supervisor?

Multiple studies conducted in the field of workplace training have demonstrated a positive correlation between supervisor involvement and employees’ ability to apply what they learn from training to their daily tasks. Here are some key findings:

  1. Improved Relevance: When supervisors are actively engaged in the training process, they can provide valuable insights into the specific skills and knowledge that are most relevant to their teams. This leads to more targeted and effective training programs.
  2. Accountability: Employees are more likely to take training seriously when their supervisors are directly involved. Knowing that their performance will be evaluated by their immediate managers creates a strong incentive to engage with and apply what they learn.
  3. Ongoing Support: Supervisors who are trained alongside their employees can provide continuous support and coaching. This ensures that the newly acquired skills are not forgotten but are integrated into day-to-day work.
  4. Feedback Loop: Supervisors can provide valuable feedback to the training department on the effectiveness of the programs. This feedback loop allows for continuous improvement in training content and methods.

In Conclusion

Female employees are more likely to stay with an organization that invests in their professional growth and development. By supporting their participation in leadership programs, supervisors contribute to higher employee retention rates, saving the organization resources on recruitment and training.


Enrol Now

Register by September 22nd to receive the early-bird 15% discount before all the seats fill up! There are only 3 seats left.

We have women from CPKN, Peel Regional Police, City of Kelowna, Government of Alberta, Medicine Hat Police, and Calgary Police joining.

Join us for Cohort 4 of the Woman Up! Ignite the Leader in You program to start your leadership journey in a supportive and empowering community of other women leaders.

Sinogap Solutions

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