Question

A supervisor must allow his employees to undertake difficult investigations in order to grow in experience and confidence. The supervisor does this by

A. allowing employees to fail and then criticizing them in front of others.
B. rarely tackling difficult investigations on his own but delegating them to subordinates.
C. allowing employees to successfully complete investigations and then taking the credit.
D. being available to offer advice to employees, as needed.
E. not criticizing employees for any mistakes, but pointing out employees' mistakes to their peers so that they will not make the same mistake.

Answer 1

A supervisor should allow employees to handle difficult investigations while being available to offer advice as needed, fostering a supportive environment conducive to growth and confidence building.

Step-by-step explanation:

A supervisor should cultivate a growth environment by being available to offer advice to employees, as needed (Option D). This approach acknowledges the importance of supporting employees through difficult investigations while recognizing their need for autonomy. It aligns with the understanding that the presence and interaction of a supervisor can positively influence employees' performance, known as the Hawthorne effect.

It also connects with the concept of providing opportunities for employees to learn from and respond professionally to feedback. By allowing room for independent problem-solving and valuing employees' successes, a supervisor can foster a sense of trust and respect, essential components in the manager/employee relationship that promote an open and transparent culture which is pivotal for the development and confidence growth of the employees.

Moreover, the practice of offering advice, as needed, encourages employees to take initiative while still feeling supported. It helps maintain a balance where employees often feel confident about tackling challenges independently but know that guidance is available.

This approach respects the employees' competence and provides an environment for professional growth and building credibility through actions, reinforcing the trend of an equal partnership in the workplace.