What, if any, has been your experience with the Hawthorne effect on a job?
My experience the Hawthorne effect is mostly positive. I have a job that allows me to work from home and I do go into our call center once a month. During that time, there is multiple supervisors in the call center observing agents. I find that when I know I’m being watched I tend to be more distracted with what the supervisor is thinking about me. I may feel this way because I’m used to be secluded in my office with no distractions. I think I work better in an environment where I’m not being observed.
Describe a supervisor who inspired and motivated you — what were their characteristics or actions that made such a positive impact?
A supervisor that has inspired me is the supervisor I currently have. This supervisor is someone who genuinely cares about her team. She consistently shows empathy and compassion when tough situations arise. She asks questions about her teams’ personal life like what vacations they have planned or if they’ve done anything fun recently. She makes it a point that every month she has a meeting with each employee on her team to do a progress check and see if they have any questions. The way she coaches her team isn’t in a condescending tone like previous supervisors have been. She gives constructive criticism in a way that doesn’t make you feel like you’re in trouble. Overall, I think these are some characteristics that make up a good supervisor.
1 Comment for “M9 (Avise)”
kjswedberg
says:I can see how going from an office environment to the call center can be distracting. In one’s own office, one can control the majority of the distractions. When there are multiple supervisors that are observing one’s work, then controlling any distractions gets harder. Also having a supervisor that takes the time to meet with each employee each month is time consuming. However, it sounds like it turns out to be worthwhile for the employees and the supervisor. It allows the supervisor to learn what each employee’s needs are and allows the employees to ask questions about their work. In addition, it sounds like it allows the supervisor an opportunity to become a mentor to the employees.