Examines the effectiveness of Fed. first-level supervisors and how well agencies select, develop, and manage them. First-line supervisors, as the nexus between gov¿t. policy and action, are critical to productivity, employee engagement, and workplace fairness. Supervisory positions -- even at the first level -- have distinctive responsibilities and skill requirements. Therefore, it is essential that agencies have valid selection criteria and processes, comprehensive training programs, good communication and support networks, and sound accountability mechanisms for their first-level supervisors. In addition, this report recommends specific measures to improve supervisors management and performance. Charts and tables.

Join the thousands of supervisors who have stepped up to their new roles with this self-study classic. Join the thousands of supervisors who have learned the ropes with this classic book on mastering supervisory skills. Completely revised and updated, First-Line Supervision, Fifth Edition gives you all the confidence and know-how you need to achieve and maintain supervisory success in the contemporary workplace. Filled with expert information on all the basics of the job—from managing time and stress to motivating and counseling employees— First-Line Supervision, Fifth Edition is light on business-school jargon and heavy on real-world guidance. Using self-assessments, action plans and relevant work examples, it shows you exactly how to apply crucial supervisory skills in your own workplace. Whether a novice or experienced supervisor, you’ll find First-Line Supervision, Fifth Edition inspirational, instructive and encouraging. Just think of the book as a trusted friend—one that will lead you step-by-step along a new path to success and satisfaction. You will learn how to: • Make a successful transition from staff to supervisor • Develop your own leadership style • Establish a partnership with your boss • Give feedback to improve performance • Build a top-performing team • Manage communication technology • Develop the skills to manage a diverse work force • Learn techniques for managing virtual employees and employees at multiple and distant locations. This is an ebook version of the AMA Self-Study course. If you want to take the course for credit you need to either purchase a hard copy of the course through amaselfstudy.org or purchase an online version of the course through www.flexstudy.com.