In this insightful episode of Big Blend Radio’s SUPERVISION MATTERS Podcast, organizational coach and author Rita Sever (Supervision Matters & Leading for Justice) explores one of the most important questions supervisors can ask themselves and their staff: “Is this impacting the work—and how?”

This powerful question encourages reflection, clarity, and accountability, helping supervisors navigate performance challenges, communication breakdowns, and personal or technological factors that may influence productivity. Rita discusses when and how to ask these questions, why “no” answers can sometimes be harder to handle than “yes,” and how documenting and communicating effectively strengthens workplace relationships and results.

🎙️ Key Takeaways:
• Supervisors should regularly reflect on how their actions and team dynamics impact the work.
• Asking about the impact of personal or external issues clarifies priorities.
• Technology can both support and disrupt productivity.
• Communication and documentation are key to effective supervision.
• Supervisors must balance empathy with accountability.
• Cultural awareness helps prevent misinterpretation of behavior.
• “Is this impacting the work?” keeps conversations grounded and constructive.
• Understanding and addressing issues early prevents escalation.
• Supporting staff means listening, observing, and following up consistently.

📌 Resources & Links:
🔹 Visit Rita Sever: https://supervisionmatters.com/

🔹 Listen to all SUPERVISION MATTERS episodes: https://supervisionmatters.podbean.com/

🔹 Explore more business & career podcasts on Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

Essential Questions for Effective Supervision

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s SUPERVISION MATTERS Podcast, organizational coach and author Rita Sever (Supervision Matters & Leading for Justice) discusses why supervisors must address workplace issues early—before they escalate, spread, or damage trust.

Rita explains the ripple effect of ignoring problems, how open communication strengthens teams, and why leaders must create a safe environment for honest dialogue. This episode also ties directly into her foundational work on feedback, highlighting how giving and receiving timely feedback helps employees succeed and keeps organizations healthy.

🎙️ Key Takeaways:
• Ignoring problems causes bigger issues later.
• Addressing concerns early prevents escalation.
• Open communication builds trust and transparency.
• Feedback is essential for employee success.
• Leaders must be proactive, not avoidant.
• Difficult conversations are part of healthy supervision.
• Safe environments encourage honest communication.
• Trust takes time to build but can be lost quickly.
• Ignoring feedback leads to disengagement.
• Reflective leadership practices support continual improvement.

🔗 Related Feedback Episodes:
• Benefits of Feedback: https://supervisionmatters.podbean.com/e/feedback-basics/
• Giving Feedback: https://supervisionmatters.podbean.com/e/giving-feedback/
• Receiving Feedback: https://supervisionmatters.podbean.com/e/receiving-feedback/

📌 Resources & Links:
🔹 Rita Sever: https://supervisionmatters.com/
🔹 All SUPERVISION MATTERS episodes: https://supervisionmatters.podbean.com/
🔹 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Success Express" Podcast Channel. Explore the Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork


Deal With It Now: Why Leaders Must Stop Ignoring Workplace Problems

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