Can Supervisor Behaviors Be Viewed as Human Nature or Just Survival Mechanisms?

Since World War II, colleges and universities have promoted what is known as Business Management schools. The general idea is that managers do not necessarily need in-depth knowledge of the products or services their company offers. Instead, they focus on how to handle people and manage inventories. However, this knowledge alone does not translate into effective supervisory skills.

Education and Real-World Skills

Upon graduation, many managers go to work with little to no understanding of the actual operations. They may be familiar with concepts like FIFO, LIFO, Kanban, and JIT, but this knowledge does not make them effective supervisors. They often revert to the methods they learned in school, even when such approaches are ineffective in the real world.

Even as workers face impractical directives, they must continue to keep the business running. The rest of this article will explore the behaviors of supervisors, examining whether these actions reflect human nature or are survival mechanisms. Let's dive into the example that sparked this conversation.

A Supervisor's Dilemma

A manager instructed a supervisor to rotate the workers in the finishing room. When the supervisor reasoned that rotating Sally, who was the most productive worker, would decrease productivity, the manager insisted on rotating everyone every week. The supervisor's argument relied on the fact that Sally's productivity was consistently high, while no one else in the room could match her output.

Survival Mechanisms vs. Human Nature

Many managers and supervisors, like the one in this example, struggle with the transition from textbook knowledge to practical management skills. In doing so, they often adopt survival mechanisms that are more about protecting themselves from the threat of being seen as incompetent rather than improving efficiency or productivity.

These actions can be seen as natural human behaviors rooted in a fear-based reaction. When faced with the prospect of incompetence becoming apparent, individuals might lash out or shift blame to avoid exposure. However, this behavior is not effective or conducive to a productive work environment.

The Role of Adaptability

Effective supervisors and managers must adapt to their environment. They need to know how to handle unexpected situations and make decisions based on the realities of their workplace. They must prioritize the well-being of their team and the productivity of the company.

Instead of following orders blindly, supervisors should conduct their own research, gather data, and make informed decisions. They should also communicate with their team to understand their needs and challenges. This approach not only supports team morale but also fosters a more productive and efficient work environment.

Conclusion

In summary, while some supervisor behaviors may stem from human nature or survival mechanisms, most of these behaviors should be evaluated within the context of their effectiveness and adaptability to real-world scenarios. Effective management requires understanding, empathy, and a willingness to adapt. Only then can supervisors truly support their teams and businesses.

Keywords: supervisor behavior, human nature, survival mechanisms, management skills, business efficiency