When people are asked about the most challenging part of their job, one answer often rises to the top: managing people and workplace relationships. Workplace frustrations are frequently tied to interpersonal challenges, and when left unaddressed, these issues can weaken collaboration, morale, and organizational effectiveness. To help leaders build stronger workplace relationships and effectively supervise employees at every level, Larry Kokklenberg of Leath Group, LLC, shared 10 practical guidelines for becoming a more effective supervisor.
1. Build Trust
Few relationships, whether professional or personal, can thrive without trust. Kokklenberg emphasizes that trust is the foundation of positive, lasting relationships, and those relationships are essential for teams striving to perform at a high level.
Behaviors that help build trust include clear communication, consistency, and leading by example. Conversely, poor communication, a lack of integrity, and unreliability can quickly erode trust within an organization.
2. Manage by Influence, Not Power
Kokklenberg distinguishes power from influence by defining power as the authority to make decisions and give orders, while influence is the ability to positively affect the ideas and actions of others.
An overly autocratic, top-down management style can be damaging if not exercised carefully. Instead of relying solely on authority, supervisors should focus on building influence by being knowledgeable, respectful, caring, and adaptable.
3. Create a Culture of Appreciation
Sometimes the simplest actions have the biggest impact. A sincere "thank you" costs nothing but can go a long way toward improving workplace culture.
According to Kokklenberg, 76% of employees say recognition from supervisors motivates them at work. By becoming more personable, acknowledging extra effort, and regularly expressing appreciation, leaders can create a noticeably more positive culture in a relatively short period of time.
4. Be Fair and Just
Employees should not be treated differently based on favoritism or bias. Demonstrating fairness, objectivity, and consistency helps employees feel valued and respected. In turn, this strengthens trust and boosts morale throughout the organization.
5. Be Respectful
Most people would rather work for a supervisor who is considerate, patient, and approachable than one who is harsh or difficult.
When employees fear or dislike their leaders, it often creates unnecessary stress and tension. Respectful leadership helps foster a healthier work environment and encourages stronger performance.
6. Be a Role Model
Whether intentional or not, leaders serve as role models. With that responsibility comes the need to consistently demonstrate the values and behaviors expected within the organization.
By managing themselves positively and living out both personal and company values, supervisors earn trust and respect from their teams.
7. Be Helpful
Employees will naturally look to their supervisors for guidance, support, and advice. In many ways, effective leaders are also effective teachers.
Part of a supervisor's responsibility is helping others succeed by providing clear direction, constructive feedback, and opportunities for growth and development.
8. Be Positive
Attitudes are contagious. The way leaders approach challenges and interact with others often influences the broader workplace culture.
Positive supervisors tend to create positive teams, and positive employees are more likely to produce strong results for their organizations.
9. Build the Team
Every organization relies on teamwork. Success is rarely the achievement of a single individual.
Leaders can strengthen team performance by encouraging collaboration, supporting coworkers, and regularly reinforcing the importance of working toward shared goals. When employees work well together, they are often more productive and more engaged.
10. Link Work to a Higher Purpose
Kokklenberg encourages leaders to do more than assign tasks. Instead, help employees understand the purpose behind their work.
Connecting daily responsibilities to the organization's mission can inspire employees to contribute to something larger than themselves and create a deeper sense of engagement.
About the Expert
Larry Kokklenberg, Ph.D., is an Executive Consultant at Leath Group, LLC. He is passionate about helping organizations drive cultural and organizational change and achieve higher levels of performance through research-based practices. Larry was a featured presenter at World of Asphalt in 2022, 2024, and 2025.
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