Why High Performance Matters
When teams have clear expectations, strong trust, and the right support, they can achieve better results with less friction. As a supervisor, you set the tone for HOW your team gets work done. Below you’ll find 5 areas with specific actions to help you create an environment where your team can thrive.
Area 1: Actions for Supervisors
Actions for Supervisors
- Define Your Team’s Purpose and Direction: Write down the purpose of your team and the direction you are going. Share it with your team to give meaning to their work and help clarify what's expected.
- Clarify Roles: Ensure each team member understands their role and responsibilities. Use the Clarifying Expectations Tool to assist and evaluate if you've communicated expectations clearly enough.
- Define Success: Explain how progress will be measured and what good performance looks like in daily operations.
Area 2: Actions for Supervisors
Actions for Supervisors
- Identify Core Behaviors – Define the behaviors your team agrees are important (e.g., collaboration, ownership, positive conflict).
- Integrate Core Behaviors – Keep them visible. Use them in hiring, performance reviews, and daily feedback.
- Recognize & Redirect – Reinforce positive behaviors through praise and recognition, and address misalignment quickly.
Area 3: Actions for Supervisors
Actions for Supervisors
- Hold Regular Check-Ins – Use 1:1 meetings to track progress and remove barriers.
- Foster Open Communication – Encourage candid feedback and problem-solving.
- Review and Adjust – Throughout the year revisit responsibilities and goals to keep your team aligned.
Area 4: Actions for Supervisor
Actions for Supervisors
- Encourage Skill-Building – Offer stretch assignments, mentorship, and training opportunities.
- Promote Peer Learning – Create space for team members to share insights and best practices.
- Leverage University and External Resources – Take advantage of professional development opportunities available at UI including the full LinkedIn Learning catalog. Join the Learning and Development Opportunities Listserv to get updates with the latest opportunities.
Area 5: Actions for Supervisors
Actions for Supervisors
- Make Recognition a Habit – Call out good work regularly, both in meetings and privately.
- Celebrate Milestones – Acknowledge key achievements and team successes.
- Use UI Recognition Programs – Utilize the university’s tools for rewarding employees.