Customer Reviews

Supervisor's Script Book

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My predecessor left this behind, and I glanced at it a moment ago. This is, perhaps, the most useless book I have ever laid eyes upon. ANYONE's gut instincts would have to be better than the scenarios laid out in this book.

The supervisor script book is the real time role playing that every new supervisor should try at least once. These workshop allows you to test the water and get your feet wet, and examine the results.

Many of the scripts in this book are words that I advise our managers not to use. (I'm in HR.) In some cases, the statements are illegal. For example, in a script on the topic of matching a person to the job, the supervisor is directed to say, "How old are you, Bill?" When the employee responds that he is 61, the supervisor is to say, "That's not so old. You still have four good years on the job; you can still earn merit increases and bonuses." When the employee says that he plans to retire in the next year, the supervisor is to say, "Hmmm, that puts a whole different light on things. I wish I knew about that before assigning the lab project...I'll get someone else for the poject and assign you to something else."

Yow! That response is definitely one that is begging for a age discrimination claim.

Another example, re: talking to an employee who, according to the author, "doesn't know when to shut up", the script states, "I've come up with three possible solutions to your problem: I can tape your mouth shut with sealing tape; I can issue ear plugs to all employees; I can fire you. The first two aren't practical. The third choice is up to you. This is your last warning, pal."

Oh yeah, threatening an employee always works to develop loyalty and improve performance.

While the author's intention is good in that he is offering ideas on words a supervisor can use, many of the scripts in this book are not recommended.