Supervision- Session 7 Flashcards
What is the purpose of field training?
A check on the hiring process
What is the main goal of on job training?
To train officers how to competently perform their duties
What should you do first if an officer on probation refuses an assignment?
Find out the reason for the objection
This applies to all officers
What is a conference?
Interchange of views between people with common problems or interests, pooling of ideas for exchanging ideas and problem solving
Who should be involved in a problem solving conference?
Subject matter experts who should be of similar rank
Does a conference need to solve the problem to be considered a success?
No
Conferences can illuminate the complexity of a problem to high ranking officers or at least bring you closer to solutions even without completely solving a problem
What are some limitations of conferences?
- Costly
- Scarcity of skilled leaders
What is the most common reason for failure in a conference?
New supervisor fails to control the conference or exhibits too much control
Other reasons:
* Improper selection of subject matter
* Failure of preparation
* Failure of clear purpose
* Failure to summarize opinions and keep focus
* Over-structuring
* Improper attendee selection
* Leader takes role of expert instead of moderator
What should be prepared in advance of a conference?
- Objectives
- Familiarity with the topic
- Charts, stats, and evidence
- Anticipated questions
- Forecast possible solutions
- Problem statement
- Maintain permissive attitude
- Core objective of conference
- Respect ideas
- Remain neutral
What are some pitfalls in a conference?
- Overly talkative participant
- Hostility towards participants or the agency
- Unwilling participants
- Obstructionists (person always saying NO but giving no alternatives)
- Lack of group interest
- Making promises
Where should contentious issues be placed in a conference?
In the middle of a conference
What should not take place during a brainstorming session?
Ideas should not be criticized
Should be a free flow of information without fear of criticisim
What can group discussions wrongly focus on?
Coming to a consensus rather than solving problems
Are staff meetings considered conferences?
No
- However they are a good way to disseminate info and training
- New unit or new unit supervisor should have these more frequently
- These meetings are superior in coordinating units (BEST)
- They are also an excellent forum for officers to discuss department issues
What should a group leader do if the group comes to a quick consensus after initial disagreements?
Ask the initial objectors why they changed their minds
