By analyzing the typical duties and responsi- bilities listed above, you will find that they can be grouped into three broad objectives. 1. Operate with maximum efficiency and safety 2. Operate with minimum expense and waste 3. Operate free from interruption and difficulty While these are the primary objectives of a work center supervisor, it is important for you to keep in mind that it also affords you the opportunity to gain practical experience toward eventual promotion to Chief Petty Officer. Q1. What is the primary concern of a work center supervisor? Q2. The typical duties and responsibilities of the supervisor can be grouped into broad objectives. List these three objectives. OPERATING WITH MAXIMUM EFFICIENCY AND SAFETY The operational efficiency of a work center is dependent to a large extent upon how conveniently the work spaces and equipment are arranged. As equipment in your work center becomes obsolete, new equipment and new models are phased into the inventory. With this occurrence, efficiency naturally increases. This happens even in a poorly arranged work center, but the full work center potential may not be realized. It may not be economically feasible to make drastic changes in the work center spaces and equipment. However,   if drastic changes result in improved use of equipment, personnel safety, and in generally improved working conditions, then the change should be made. The supervisor should make an assessment of the existing work center layout to ensure the most efficient arrangement possible. The supervisor, by virtue of the position, has authority over other individuals. The supervisor tells them what to do, when to do it, and if necessary, how to do it. This authority alone is not enough to gain maximum effectiveness performance from the crew. A good supervisor must know the limitations and capabilities of subordinates to obtain the most efficient performance from them. The capabilities of the crew should be exploited. If at all possible, a well qualified person should be assigned to each job. Individuals that are less qualified but who are ready for advanced on-the-job training should be assigned to assist. A good supervisor anticipates the eventual loss of experienced personnel through transfers, separations, etc. These things can be offset by establishing an effective and continuing training program. Use the Naval Aviation Maintenance Program, OPNAVINST 4790.2, manual as a guideline for this program. In addition to raising the skill level of the work center, the training program ensures that personnel otherwise qualified will be prepared for the next Navy-wide advancement examination. A work center safety program must be organized and administered if the work center is to function efficiently. Current Navy directives and local policies are quite specific as to the establishment of safety training programs. Accurate, complete, and up-to-date records are the primary factors in the efficient operation of a work center. This includes records of usage data, work accomplishments, and personnel qualifications. The most efficient record keeper is one who has enough information without having records and files bulging with useless and outdated materials. As supervisor, you should schedule your workload in such a way that planned absences of key workers do not interrupt the daily routine. When scheduling the workload, keep in mind the skill level required for various tasks, and assign jobs to individuals in such a way that the work may still progress if any worker is unexpectedly absent. The discussion thus far indicates that an efficient and safe work center is one in which the supervisor practices balanced supervision. Balanced supervision means applying sufficient attention to each phase of the supervisor’s responsibilities. Do not emphasize production at the expense of safety or training. Also, do not become so concerned with the human element that production is neglected. Keep paperwork current and updated to prevent having to spend long periods catching up at the expense of other important interests. Always strive to place the proper emphasis on each phase of responsibility to promote work center efficiency and harmony. Q3. How does work center efficiency naturally increase? Q4. How can an effective supervisor offset the loss of experienced personnel? 6-2