Ep 153: Supervision vs. Management – What’s the Difference? (with Rita Sever)

by Joan Garry

Is there really a difference between leadership and management? And what about supervision and management? In this podcast, Rita Sever and I discuss why these skills are actually quite different — and why nonprofit leaders need to be proficient in all of them.

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Is there really a difference between leadership vs. management? And what about supervision vs. management?

Many of us in the nonprofit sector use these terms interchangeably. But today’s guest, certified professional coach and author of “Supervision Matters”, Rita Sever, is here to explain why these skills are actually quite different — and why nonprofit leaders need to be proficient in all of them.

The ongoing Great Resignation has ignited many leaders to invest in creating equitable workplaces where people feel a strong sense of job satisfaction. But making this a reality within your nonprofit org requires you to not only foster inclusivity and belonging, but also to set up a path for success for those you lead — and that’s where outstanding supervision comes in.

When it comes down to it, leadership is all about values, but supervision is about where those values lead people.

To dig deeper into this topic and learn more about the impact that human connection and relationships have on leadership, management, and supervision, join us in this conversation.

Rita has an MA in Organizational Psychology and is a certified professional coach who now works as a consultant with social justice organizations throughout the country.

Tune in to hear her expert advice on how nonprofit leaders can do to take care of these internal dynamics all while working to save the outside world.

Tune in to Learn:

  • What can nonprofit leaders learn from Rita’s book, “Supervision Matters”? (4:24)
  • What is the difference between leadership and management? (05:47)
  • What is supervision? (07:58)
  • How can first time supervisors build better relationships with their first hires? (12:02)
  • How does micromanaging impact the nonprofit workplace? (13:43)
  • How can nonprofit leaders enable their teammates to have a voice (even if they don’t have a vote)? (25:09)
  • What are some ways a nonprofit leader overcome a “pleaser personality”? (42:00)

Resources

Connect With Rita Sever

About Rita Sever:

Growing up the youngest of six kids in a low-income family, Rita often had the experience of feeling unseen and unheard. She became very focused on hearing and seeing others – as individuals and within the groups that we live and work in. This led her to recognize the uneven playing field that we call “equal.” This awareness has been part of her unified approach to human resources and organizational development for over 20 years. She worked at nonprofits for over 20 years, including nine years at an AIDS organization and another nine years at a community action agency.

Rita Sever now works as a consultant with social justice organizations throughout the country. Rita has an MA in Organizational Psychology and is a certified professional coach. Rita works with individuals, teams, leaders and the entire agency to improve the culture and practice of supervision, thereby helping the organization to be more effective. Rita has taught “HR in a Nonprofit” to graduate students at University of San Francisco and Sonoma State University in California.

Rita’s new book is titled Leading for Justice: Supervision, HR and Culture.