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Bruce Rasey, MS and Edward W. Buchs, ACSW, LCSW
Central Baptist Family Services
P. O. Box 1128 / 215 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Lake Villa, IL 60046
Providing adequate and effective supervision to staff is a difficult and time-consuming job. When done correctly,
employees are happier in their position, stay longer, and most important, clients receive better service. All too often,
direct line employees are promoted to positions of supervision because of their competency in the provision of direct
service, and not specifically due to inherent leadership abilities. If they were fortunate enough to have operated under a
supervisor who understood their role, and provided the full spectrum of supervision, they are more likely to succeed. If
not, their program expertise will not be enough to meet the everchanging needs of their employees and clients.
Central Baptist Family Services believes that programs and services are successful due to strong, consistent leadership,
provided by supervisors and senior management. Therefore, a great deal of time and effort is taken to provide
supervisors with the tools and training needed to make them and their teams as successful as possible. The skills and
tools presented should be used as a philosophy of service to clients as well as staff.
Central Baptist utilizes ten (10) "Critical Success Variables" as a philosophy of management, and of service. Critical
Success Variables are key areas, which if performed well, will ensure organizational success. Four (4) examples of these
variables include:
Leadership - ensuring that those entrusted with leading others;
Lead with a servant's heart
Create a participatory climate
Practice situational leadership
Walk the talk, which promotes Trust, Loyalty & Commitment
Are responsive, decisive, accountable, and credible
Management & Supervision - ensuring performance through;
Administrative supervision (policies & procedures)
Educational supervision (impacting skills, knowledge and attitude)
Supportive supervision (staff morale & job satisfaction)
Service Focus - ensuring that product lines are;
Customer driven
Outreach oriented
Permanency planning orientated
Service Quality - ensuring services are consistent with;
The best we can offer with what we have
Meeting licensing and accreditation standards
Following service plans and treatment goals
The critical Success Variables, when added to a participatory management model, and "situational leadership ", can
provide supervisors both new and experienced with tools to improve overall services and staff morale. The proposed
presentation would highlight the Critical Success Variables, Participatory Management and "Situational Leadership ".
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