5 Cleaning Supervisor Pitfalls And How To Fix Them

Jean Hanson

# 1 Pitfall: Letting employees manage themselves

    Fix #1: When assiging work, be very specific when giving directions.
    Fix #2: Inspect what you expect (in other words; follow up, follow up, follow up).

#2 Pitfall: Poor training, incomplete training

    Fix #1: Use visuals when training (people remember more when they can see how it's done).
    Fix #2: Avoid being vague.
    Fix #3: Use the following technique: Tell - Show - Do - Review.
    - Tell (about each step)
    - Show (how to perform each step)
    - Do (each step)
    - Review (as the employee performs each step)

#3 Pitfall: Using the excuse "I'm too busy" to train

    Fix #1: Training is ongoing, so be observant when walking through buildings and take a few minutes to give feedback on performance.
    Fix #2: Don't assume employees know how to do something. Realize that the more time you spend training, the better the employee will become at performing their job (and the easier your job becomes).

#4 Pitfall: Acting like a Boss and not a Leader

    Fix #1: DO NOT get things done by using fear tactics (my way or the highway).
    Fix #2: DO take the time to listen to employee viewpoints and praise good work.
    Fix #3: Bosses give criticism. Leaders offer feedback. Know the difference.

#5 Pitfall: Ignoring problems

    Fix #1: If there is a problem, take the time to discuss it with the employee instead of ignoring it.
    Fix #2: Be prepared for the conversation, do it in private, and don't "gang up" on the employee.
    Fix #3: Be clear about what needs to change and get the employee to commit to change.
    Fix #4: Let the employee know what the next step is and then follow up and monitor progress.

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Copyright TheJanitorialStore.com. All Rights Reserved. Jean Hanson helps owners of commercial cleaning companies build a more profitable and successful cleaning business through her online community at TheJanitorialStore.com. Jean is also the host of the popular Web TV show CleaningBiz.tv and author of the newsletter Trash Talk - sign up today!