By analyzing the typical duties and responsi- bilities listed above, you will find that they can be grouped into three broad objectives. 1. Operate with maximum efficiency and safety 2. Operate with minimum expense and waste 3. Operate free from interruption and difficulty While these are the primary objectives of a work center supervisor, it is important for you to keep in mind that it also affords you the opportunity to gain practical experience toward eventual promotion to Chief Petty Officer. Q1. What is the primary concern of a work center supervisor? Q2. The typical duties and responsibilities of the supervisor can be grouped into broad objectives. List  these  three  objectives. OPERATING WITH MAXIMUM EFFICIENCY AND SAFETY The operational efficiency of a work center is dependent to a large extent upon how conveniently the work  spaces  and  equipment  are  arranged.  As equipment in your work center becomes obsolete, new equipment  and  new  models  are  phased  into  the inventory. With this occurrence, efficiency naturally increases. This happens even in a poorly arranged work center, but the full work center potential may not be realized. It may not be economically feasible to make drastic changes in the work center spaces and equipment.   However,   if  drastic  changes  result  in improved use of equipment, personnel safety, and in generally improved working conditions, then the change should be made. The supervisor should make an  assessment  of  the  existing  work  center  layout  to ensure the most efficient arrangement possible. The supervisor, by virtue of the position, has authority over other individuals. The supervisor tells them what to do, when to do it, and if necessary, how to do it. This authority alone is not enough to gain maximum effectiveness performance from the crew. A good supervisor must know the limitations and capabilities of subordinates to obtain the most efficient performance from them. The capabilities of the crew should be exploited. If at all possible, a well qualified person should be assigned to each job. Individuals that are less qualified but who are ready for advanced on-the-job training should be assigned to assist. A good supervisor anticipates the eventual loss of experienced  personnel  through  transfers,  separations, etc. These things can be offset by establishing an effective and continuing training program. Use the Naval  Aviation  Maintenance  Program,  OPNAVINST 4790.2, manual as a guideline for this program. In addition to raising the skill level of the work center, the training program ensures that personnel otherwise qualified will be prepared for the next Navy-wide advancement  examination. A work center safety program must be organized and administered if the work center is to function efficiently. Current Navy directives and local policies are quite specific as to the establishment of safety training  programs. Accurate, complete, and up-to-date records are the primary factors in the efficient operation of a work center. This includes records of usage data, work accomplishments,  and  personnel  qualifications.  The most efficient record keeper is one who has enough information without having records and files bulging with useless and outdated materials. As supervisor, you should schedule your workload in such a way that planned absences of key workers do not interrupt the daily routine. When scheduling the workload, keep in mind the skill level required for various tasks, and assign jobs to individuals in such a way that the work may still progress if any worker is unexpectedly  absent. The discussion thus far indicates that an efficient and safe work center is one in which the supervisor practices  balanced  supervision.  Balanced  supervision means applying sufficient attention to each phase of the  supervisor’s  responsibilities.  Do  not  emphasize production at the expense of safety or training. Also, do not become so concerned with the human element that production is neglected. Keep paperwork current and updated to prevent having to spend long periods catching up at the expense of other important interests. Always strive to place the proper emphasis on each phase  of  responsibility  to  promote  work  center efficiency  and  harmony. Q3.  How  does  work  center  efficiency  naturally increase? Q4. How can an effective supervisor offset the loss of experienced   personnel? 6-2