“So, what do you make of this mess I seem to have made with Phillip?” Joyce asked.

I took a deep breath. “Based on what you have told me, Phillip’s current capability is greater than one month. That Time Span holds up to the task of a Team Leader. Phillip’s next step would be a transition to a Supervisor. But don’t think this is simple. You don’t sprinkle fairy dust and think Phillip is a Supervisor.

“Up to now, Phillip has been doing the work along with his team members. Being a Supervisor is a different role with a different skill set. Phillip will need training and coaching. Even beginning Supervisor tasks generally carry Time Spans of three months.”

“How much of a difference could that be for Phillip?” Joyce asked. “How different could the skill set be for Phillip to begin to be a Supervisor?”

“Let’s take a look at the Tools of the Trade for Phillip,” I began. “Up to now, the tools for Phillip in the warehouse have been real tools, forklifts, picking baskets, picking tickets, staging tables, shipping boxes, cartons, packing tape.”

Joyce nodded.

“The role for a Warehouse Supervisor is no longer doing the work, but now, making sure the work gets done. It’s a completely different role and requires a completely different skill set.”

Joyce continued to nod. She was ready for more. –TF

Our next Leadership program in Fort Lauderdale begins July 16. For more information, visit www.workingleadership.com.

Our next Leadership program Online begins in September. Watch for details. –TF