By Mark Dolinski, VP of Training & Professional Development, GRCA
Peter Drucker, known as the “Father of Management” once said, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.”
The impact of a high-performing supervisor on an organization’s success cannot be overstated. From driving operational efficiency to enhancing employee engagement, supervisors are at the heart of team performance and workplace culture.
The COVID-19 pandemic served as a wake-up call for many organizations, exposing the growing importance of soft skills such as communication, empathy and adaptability. In today’s workplace, supervisors are expected to do more than manage tasks—they must cultivate a culture of collaboration, encourage initiative, support problem-solving and remove barriers so their teams can thrive.
Investing in supervisor training is no longer a luxury—it’s a strategic necessity. High-quality training can reduce employee turnover, improve morale, enhance quality and positively impact both revenue and operational costs.
Despite this, many new supervisors are promoted based on technical expertise alone, without the leadership training needed to succeed in their new role. The transition from peer to leader is one of the most difficult professional shifts an employee can make. Without adequate support, even the most talented individuals can struggle—leading to disengagement and high turnover among team members.
As the global leadership consulting firm DDI notes, “People leave managers, not companies.”
In fact, 57% of employees have left a job specifically because of their manager. This powerful statistic highlights the critical need for supervisors who are not only competent, but also inspiring and supportive leaders.
Effective supervision requires more than technical skills, it requires a new mindset. New supervisors must learn how to empower others, communicate with clarity, manage conflict and focus on team success rather than individual contribution. One of the most effective ways to build this foundation is through structured supervisor training.
The Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA) offers a thoughtfully designed supervisor training program that equips leaders with the tools they need to guide high-performing teams. This comprehensive program supports not only new supervisors transitioning into leadership roles but also experienced supervisors looking to refine their approach and stay current with evolving leadership practices.
In today’s fast-changing workplace, even seasoned supervisors benefit from ongoing development. Leadership isn’t static—effective supervision requires continuous learning to stay responsive, relevant and resilient. GRCA’s program acknowledges this by offering a structure that promotes both foundational learning and advanced growth.
The training is divided into three distinct modules, an intentional design choice that supports progressive learning without overwhelming participants. Participants are exposed to approaches such as DiSC, which provides a framework for the supervisor to understand their employees and improve communication, teamwork and leadership skills.
Other core competencies integrated in the training program include communication skills, conflict resolution, delegation, problem solving, performance feedback and emotion intelligence, through self-awareness, self-management and empathy enable supervisors to manage their own emotions and understand and respond to the emotions of their team members, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
This modular approach allows for longitudinal development—where skills are built gradually over time—enabling deeper understanding and retention. It also offers flexibility, allowing supervisors to balance their learning with day-to-day responsibilities while continuing to grow as leaders.
So, should you invest in supervisor training? If you’re looking to build a resilient, engaged and high-performing workforce, the answer is clear: you can’t afford not to.