A Big Idea for Improving Supervisor-Employee Relations
Congratulations to Kenneth Cox, Administrative Staff Analyst in the Customer Operations Department, who is the winner of the fourth What’s the Big Idea contest. The Challenge Question concerned how to improve the relationship between employees and their supervisors.
Mr. Cox’s winning idea is to initiate a training program that develops supervisors’ skills to build and sustain strong relationships with staff that are fundamental to success at work. Mr. Cox believes that “In an environment of declining resources, supervisors must have the ability to motivate staff to perform even in adverse conditions.”
The challenge question read, in full: “Taking into consideration NYCHA’s financial situation, what organizational tools or processes can NYCHA implement to ensure that employees and their immediate supervisors have a relationship that fosters employee engagement?”
Following up on repair requests for the Customer Operations Department, Mr. Cox recognizes the importance of communication skills in winning cooperation from staff and residents, who both experience stressful situations.
Mr. Cox noted the benefits of his own participation in motivational training programs that have enabled him to increase his awareness of NYCHA’s organizational needs, and enhanced his own sense of well-being. The customized training program that he recommends would incorporate proven employee engagement.
Mr. Cox has volunteered to work with the Professional Development and Training team in the Department of Human Resources to develop and implement the training program. Although supervisors will likely be the target audience, the training will be available to all employees.
