First Time Supervisor

Contextual Story:

Meet Michael, recently promoted to a supervisory role, facing the daunting task of managing a team that includes his former peers and friends. One of the most challenging situations he's encountered early in his new role is addressing the habitual tardiness of Emily, a team member and friend, who has been consistently late to work and meetings.

The Challenge:

Michael's dual challenge is not only learning to transition from peer to supervisor but also addressing Emily's tardiness without harming their friendship or her morale. He wants to be fair and assertive yet supportive, a balance he's never had to strike before. The situation is delicate, as it sets a precedent for his leadership style and approach to team management.

Introduction to Practiss:

In search of guidance, Michael turns to Practiss. He's interested in practicing how to address performance issues effectively and empathetically, particularly using the Situation-Behavior-Impact (SBI) method of feedback, which he's read can be particularly effective but has never tried.

The Practice Sessions:

Michael begins his sessions with Practiss, specifying the need to use the SBI model in his feedback. The AI simulates various responses from Emily, ranging from defensive to apologetic, allowing Michael to navigate different scenarios. The AI provides feedback on his use of the SBI method:

Situation: Michael learns to clearly and objectively describe the situation where the behavior occurred, without implying blame or judgment.
Behavior: He practices describing Emily's specific behavior, focusing on what was observed, not on interpretations or assumptions.
Impact: Michael learns to express the impact of Emily's behavior on the team, the work, and on him as a supervisor.

Each session helps Michael refine his approach, making his feedback more precise, empathetic, and actionable. He learns to anticipate and respond to Emily's potential reactions and to steer the conversation towards positive outcomes.

The Transformation:

Through repeated practice with Practiss, Michael gains confidence in his ability to provide clear and constructive feedback. He becomes more adept at maintaining professionalism while showing genuine concern and support. His approach shifts from one of apprehension to one of proactive, positive leadership.

The Feedback Day:

When the day comes to speak with Emily, Michael is prepared. He applies the SBI method, acknowledging the situation without making Emily feel attacked. He clearly states the behavior and its impact on the team's efficiency and morale. Emily is initially surprised but appreciates the direct yet considerate manner in which Michael addresses the issue. They collaboratively discuss potential solutions and agree on a plan to improve her punctuality.

The Outcome:

Emily's behavior gradually improves, and she starts showing up on time more consistently. Michael's approach not only resolves the immediate issue but also strengthens his credibility and respect as a supervisor. His ability to handle such a sensitive situation effectively enhances the team's trust in his leadership.

Conclusion:

Michael's journey from a first-time supervisor to a confident leader is a testament to the power of targeted practice with Practiss. By simulating challenging conversations and providing real-time feedback, Practiss helped Michael master the SBI feedback technique, enabling him to address performance issues constructively and maintain positive team dynamics. His story illustrates how the right preparation and tools can empower new leaders to transition smoothly and lead with confidence.