INITIATIVE People with initiative are always needed in the naval service. Initiative is evidence of an open and alert mind. Individuals with initiative continually look for better ways to do things; they don’t wait for another person to take action. To be a good supervisor, you must show initiative. Don’t put off until tomorrow what you should do today. If you see an unsafe condition, take action to correct it before an accident occurs. If you see that a new form or procedure would simplify a job, devise the new form or procedure. If you see an inadequacy in yourself, try  to  overcome  the  inadequacy.  Weak  people  lack initiative. Leaders are characterized by strong initiative. DECISIVENESS Leaders are able complaint heard from decision  from  them.” to  make  decisions.  A  common subordinates is, “You can’t get a Most  of  the  decisions  that  must  be  made  by supervisors in the naval service concern relatively minor actions. As often as not, the subordinates merely want the  supervisor’s  approval  to  perform  some  action  that they already know should be done. A prompt go ahead from the supervisor is all that is needed. In many trivial matters,  it  makes  little  difference  whether  an  answer  is yes or no. The important thing is to give an answer. The supervisor who stalls, puts off, evades, or refuses to give a decision is a “bottleneck.” Of course, there are times when a decision requires careful consideration of many factors and, therefore, much deliberation. In such cases, you should tell the person when to return for the decision and see to it that you have the decision. TACT AND COURTESY Good  leaders  are  habitually  tactful  and  courteous. Whether in the shop or in the office, supervisors can be thoughtful of others without being considered weak. Tact can be defined as saying and doing the right thing at the right time. It is the lubricating oil in human relationships. It is the regard for the feelings of others based on an understanding of human nature–the little considerations  that  make  the  job  pleasant  and  smooth. Courtesy can be defined as treating others with respect.  It  means  treating  people  as  important  human beings, not tools to be used for your convenience. It means following the accepted rules of conduct and being polite. Courtesy is important to the supervisor. One discourteous act, even though unintentional, can make an enemy–and the supervisor cannot afford to have enemies. If you have one enemy, you have one too many. Remember,  courtesy  is  contagious. FAIRNESS The  personnel  in  a  shop  or  crew  are  extremely sensitive to partiality by the supervisor. (They will even single out little incidents where there was absolutely no intent to show favoritism.) To avoid causing problems, you must think ahead on changes to be made, decisions to   be   handed   down,   work   to   be   assigned, recommendations  for  promotion,  and  the  like.  In  each instance you must try to make sure that your actions are both fair and impartial. SINCERITY AND INTEGRITY You should deal with your personnel squarely and honestly at all times. This will win and hold their respect. Talk to your crew on a one-to-one basis. Don’t be afraid to face the facts and say what you think. You often hear, “Give me the person who looks you straight in the eye and tells the truth every time !” A reputation for being a “square shooter” is worth every effort on your part. Consistency of thought and action are important if your personnel are going to know where they stand. Being too strict one day and too lax the next is worse than being consistently strict or consistently lax. Try not to exhibit good and bad moods to your crew. Your crew tends to reflect your attitudes. Exhibit a firm and positive attitude-and  be  consistent. Dependability,  one  of  the  marks  of  integrity, involves  meeting  obligations  promptly.  A  reputation  for being “on time, every time” is worth every effort on your part. Build this reputation early, even before you become a  supervisor,  and  maintain  it.  Any  violation  of dependability or integrity will cast serious doubts upon your ability to act as a responsible supervisor. One violation of integrity may take months (or forever) to rectify. TEACHING ABILITY A great part of your job will involve instructing personnel in one way or another. Even the giving of orders is a form of instruction. You should learn and practice the art of public speaking, the principles of on-the-job  instruction,  and  the  techniques  of  conference leadership. Supervisors who cannot stand on their feet and express their ideas to an individual or a group of 3-5