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.