Being a supervisor means overseeing the daily activities of those employees and helping guide them through their responsibilities. Supervisors usually perform the following duties: Schedule work shifts. Train employees for their roles. Give employees feedback on their performance. Solve workplace challenges or conflicts.

As a middle-management employee, a supervisor answers to higher management and oversees other employees. This is a leadership role that plays an important part in company morale and employee confidence. When supervisors provide moral, emotional and professional support, they can help facilitate employee growth.

Sponsors are people who are accountable for others' actions, skills and behaviours. As a supervisor, you ensure that all members of the team have the skills and abilities to perform their jobs well. Often, you support employees on their career development path, which might mean arranging training or other learning opportunities.

Supervisors may collaborate with the human resources department in their company to ensure new hires receive the support and information they need. Supervisors should also provide continous training for current employees, ensuring they have the tools and resources for success.

The five key supervisory roles include Educator, Sponsor, Coach, Counselor, and Director. Each is described below. Note that in your role as a supervisor, you will be using these five roles, in some combination, simultaneously, depending on the needs of the team members.