Definition of a Good Employee Supervisor by Mary Jane, Demand Media
Supervisors work closely with employees of any given business. While some supervisors act as managers and tell people how to do their work, others work as part of a team and supervise with respect, loyalty and a positive tone of voice. It is often the small characteristics that define a good and enjoyable employee supervisor. Rather than telling people how to work, a good supervisor serves as an inspiration and provides guidance for hardworking employees.
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Supervisors often have the responsibility of training and providing orientation for new employees. A good supervisor trains new employees in a professional manner by asking questions to ensure the employee understands everything being taught. In addition, the supervisor teaches employees in a friendly tone and answers questions, even if they seem basic or general.
Assign Work and Tasks
Part of a supervisor’s job is to assign and delegate tasks to employees. Rather than telling people what to do, a good supervisor delegates tasks based on people’s experience and interests. A supervisor must let them do the tasks they enjoy and give the employees a voice. This makes them feel appreciated. In return, they take responsibility for tasks and the projects will be completed respectfully.
Related Reading: Qualities in a Supervisor That Enhance the Work of an Employee
Taking Initiative
Good supervisors take initiative to get work done. Supervisors answer to managers or department heads, but supervisors do not always have to get permission from managers to do work. Good supervisors get the job done by delegating tasks, handling troubling situations and staying within the company’s budget and operational guidelines. Good supervisors also inform managers about updates, progress and completed tasks.
Positive Thinking
Supervisors must spread positivism among employees to inspire hard work and individual growth. Rather than seeing hardships as problems, supervisors should see them as challenges. In addition, good supervisors think in terms of how things can be done rather than focusing on why they cannot be completed. Supervisors are also open to new ideas and let employees offer feedback and input on new projects.
People Person
Employees and managers must communicate with supervisors without fearing or dreading the conversation. Supervisors must be people persons and have a sense of humor. Good supervisors are friendly, warm, approachable and professional. They must give constructive criticism that leaves employees motivated instead of hopeless, even when the tasks in question are incomplete.

Qualities in a Supervisor That Enhance the Work of an Employee by Miranda Morley, Demand Media

Supervisors can enhance employees' work by giving individual feedback.
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Supervisors aren't miracle workers. If they don't have competent teams of employees behind them, they probably won't be able to steer their units to success. However, supervisors do greatly impact the work of their employees. With a combination of desirable personal and professional qualities, supervisors can encourage their employees to do their best work and constantly strive to develop themselves professionally.
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Relational supervisors enhance the work of their employees by being better able to communicate and encourage them. When supervisors take the time to build real relationships with their employees, they get to know their employees' strengths, weaknesses, learning styles and personality traits. Supervisors who have a strong bond with their employees can phrase directions and praise in ways that ensure a positive employee response. When employees feel valued, they will put greater effort into continuing to earn their supervisors' approval.
Flexible
Change is an inevitable component of any organization. Organizations that want to grow and improve must change -- and their employees must change with them. Flexible supervisors can help employees learn to stay abreast of change and continuing to produce their best work amid changes. In addition, flexible supervisors are also better problem solvers, as they know that each problem is a unique situation that may call for a unique response. According to a survey distributed to the faculty of Cornell University, a good supervisor is one who "knows that if the unit is not changing, evolving, or improving, the unit is falling behind."
Related Reading: What Are the Top 10 Qualities to Build a Successful Work Team?
Humble and Ethical
Supervisors who expect their employees' trust must act humbly and ethically -- making honest business deals, apologizing for mistakes and being as transparent as possible about business dealings. Supervisors who act as if they are infallible will not earn their employees' trust because their employees know they are putting on a facade. Similarly, supervisors who do not conduct themselves ethically will not earn their employees' trust because their employees will not respect them. Supervisors who do not have their employees' trust will not be able to guide them through difficult situations -- employees will simply refuse to do their best work; they may even go above the supervisor with a complaint.
Knowledgeable
While character traits are certainly an important part of being a good supervisor, a supervisor who enhances the work of her employees must also be knowledgeable in her field. Without the knowledge to guide employees, answer questions or spark new innovations, supervisors will not be able to help employees produce their best work. Supervisors should be experts in their area, and they must be committed to increasing their knowledge through professional development.