the task. If there is more than one way of doing
a particular job, make sure the method you select
is the best way. After selecting a method, analyze
it to see if it can be simplified with a resultant
saving in time and effort.
When you are planning for surveying opera-
tions, a vital step is the selection of proper
required equipment and supplies. Proper selection
of surveying equipment may greatly affect the end
result of a survey. Forgetting to bring certain
equipment or supplies to the jobsite is one of the
most common mistakes made by supervisors.
Nothing is more frustrating than to arrive at the
jobsite only to discover that someone forgot
to bring a tripod for the transit. The best way to
minimize this embarrassing situation is to prepare
an equipment and supply checklist for each job
assignment and double-check the list after
gathering all the items to make sure nothing was
omitted. If more than one job is planned, include
sufficient equipment and supplies to accomplish
all jobs.
The same planning steps apply to drafting
assignments. Certain drafting assignments are
difficult to accomplish without proper equipment
and supplies. As you gain experience, you will
devise methods that will enable you to improvise
with the equipment and supplies you have on
hand.
Supervision
After a task has been properly planned, it is
necessary to supervise the job carefully to ensure
that it is completed properly, safely, and on time.
Some pointers that will aid you in supervising
work teams are outlined below.
KEEP THE CREW WELL INFORMED.
Before starting a job, make sure your crew knows
what is to be done. Give instructions clearly and
urge your people to ask questions about any
points that are not clear to them. Explain how
the job is related to other jobs and to the overall
mission. Make sure that each crew member knows
exactly what is expected of him and what his
responsibilities are.
A crew performs much more efficiently when
it is well informed. Be sure each crew member
knows all pertinent safety precautions and
wears safety apparel where required. Check all
equipment and tools before use to ensure they are
in safe condition. Do not permit the use of
dangerously defective tools and equipment; see
that they are turned in for repair immediately.
While the job is under way, check from time
to time to ensure that the work is progressing
satisfactorily. Determine if the proper methods
and equipment are being used. If a member is
doing a job incorrectly, stop him and point out
his mistakes. Then explain the correct procedure
and check to see that he follows it. In checking
the work of your crew, try to do it in such a way
that your men will feel that the purpose of your
checking is to teach, guide, and direct, rather than
to criticize and find fault.
When time permits, rotate your crew members
to various jobs. Rotation gives them varied
experience and will help ensure your having
somebody who can do the work if a member is
hospitalized, transferred, or on leave.
SEEK TEAMWORK. A good supervisor
should be able to get others to work together
in getting the job accomplished. You should
maintain an approachable attitude towards your
men, making them feel free to come to you and
seek your advice when in doubt at any time during
the project. Emotional balance is especially
important; a supervisor cannot become panicky
before his men, unsure of himself in the face of
conflicting forces, or pliable with influence. You
should use tact and courtesy in dealing with your
men and not show partiality to certain members
of the work team. You should keep your men
informed on matters that affect them personally
or concern their work. You should also seek to
maintain a high level of morale, keeping in mind
that low morale can have a definite effect upon
the quantity and quality of work turned out by
your men.
The above is only a brief treatment on the
subject of supervision. As you advance in rate,
you will be spending more and more of your time
in supervising others, so let us urge that you make
a continuing effort to learn more about the
subject. Study books on supervision as well as
leadership. Also, read articles on topics of concern
to supervisors, such as safety, training, job
planning, and so forth, that appear from time to
time in trade journals and other publications.
There is a big need in the Navy for petty officers
who are skilled supervisors. So, consider the role
of supervisor a challenge and endeavor to become
proficient in all areas of the supervisors job.
Cooperation
If a project is to run smoothly and be
completed on time, all crew leaders or supervisors
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