Although there are numerous definitions of management, we define it as the process of getting things accomplished through people by guiding and motivating those people’s efforts toward common objectives. Supervisors should look at themselves as enablers, that is, by clarifying expectations for employees and giving employees the right tools, training, and opportunities to succeed. In short, supervisors should do all those things that enable their employees to be the best they can be while achieving organizational objectives.

The five major managerial functions are planning, organizing, staffing, leading, and controlling.

These functions are viewed as a continuous flow—

the functions flow into each other, and each affects the others.

Planning is the first function of management.

The performance of all other managerial functions depends on it. The five managerial functions are universal regardless of the job environment, the activity involved, or a person’s position in the management hierarchy. Typically, supervisors spend most of their time leading and controlling. A supervisor’s planning covers a shorter time and narrower focus than that of a top-level executive. P-369