Supervision Matters with Rita Sever

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 

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 

In this insightful episode of Big Blend Radio’s SUPERVISION MATTERS Podcast, organizational coach and author Rita Sever (Supervision Matters & Leading for Justice) discusses the value of one-on-one meetings in the workplace. These regular check-ins are essential for building relationships, clarifying expectations, and fostering open communication. Rita shares how one-on-ones can help navigate organizational change, strengthen supervisor-employee trust, and provide a consistent forum for feedback and support—even in remote work environments. 🎙️ Key Takeaways: • One-on-one meetings are vital for relationship building. • Regular check-ins help address issues before they escalate. • Scheduling and honoring meetings demonstrates respect. • Two-way conversations are critical for effective communication. • Feedback drives continuous improvement and engagement. • Meetings prevent burnout and disengagement. • Structure and consistency enhance productivity. • Listening is just as important as speaking. • Supervisors must foster supportive, communicative environments. 📌 Resources & Links: 🔹 Visit Rita Sever: https://supervisionmatters.com/  🔹 Listen to all SUPERVISION MATTERS episodes: https://supervisionmatters.podbean.com/  🔹 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Success Express" Show. Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Discover why self-awareness is one of the most powerful leadership skills you can develop. In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Supervision Matters” Podcast, organizational coach and author Rita Sever shares how self-awareness helps leaders build trust, improve communication, set healthy boundaries, and create stronger, more effective teams. You’ll learn practical strategies for increasing self-awareness, fostering it within organizations, and using it to enhance workplace performance and innovation. 📄 Key Topics: - Self-awareness in leadership - Building trust and team culture - Communication and personal boundaries - Conflict resolution and self-management - Encouraging self-awareness in teams 🔗 Resources & Links: 🌐 Visit Rita Sever: https://supervisionmatters.com/  🎙️ Listen to all SUPERVISION MATTERS episodes: https://supervisionmatters.podbean.com/  📚 Discover more business & career podcasts on Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Supervision Matters" Podcast, organizational coach and author Rita Sever (author of Supervision Matters and Leading for Justice) explores the complexities of workplace culture, focusing on what distinguishes a healthy environment from a toxic one. She dives into how leadership, communication, HR, and employee feedback play essential roles in shaping and maintaining a positive work culture. Rita shares actionable insights on building inclusive, value-aligned organizations and emphasizes that culture is not static—it requires continuous reflection and evolution. She also discusses the influence of external societal pressures on internal dynamics and highlights the crucial role HR professionals play in sustaining a thriving workplace. 🎧 Whether you're in leadership, HR, or part of a team looking to create a better workplace, this episode delivers practical and powerful guidance. 🔑 Key Takeaways: - Feedback is essential for fostering a healthy workplace culture. - External societal issues can influence workplace dynamics. - Leadership plays a crucial role in shaping organizational culture. - Culture is defined by how employees interact and align with values. - Hiring practices should reflect the desired culture of the organization. - Workplace culture is not static; it requires ongoing assessment. - Identifying signs of a healthy culture is as important as recognizing toxicity. - Effective communication is key to maintaining a positive culture. - Employee feedback should be collected and acted upon regularly. - HR professionals are vital in promoting a healthy work culture. 📄 Download Rita’s Free Workplace Culture Guide: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/rysh/  🔗 Resources & Links: 🌐 Visit Rita Sever: https://supervisionmatters.com/  🎙️ Listen to all SUPERVISION MATTERS episodes: https://supervisionmatters.podbean.com/  📚 Discover more business & career podcasts on Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

In this eye-opening episode of Big Blend Radio’s SUPERVISION MATTERS Podcast, organizational coach and author Rita Sever (Supervision Matters & Leading for Justice) explores the often-overlooked impact of hidden rules in the workplace. From inclusion to exclusion, hidden rules shape our daily interactions—often without us realizing it. Rita breaks down how these unspoken norms function in organizational and cultural settings, why they can create challenges for newcomers, and how leaders and HR professionals can address them to build healthier, more transparent work environments. 🎙️ Key Takeaways: • Hidden rules can both foster belonging and cause exclusion. • Cultural misunderstandings often stem from unspoken expectations. • HR plays a vital role in uncovering and addressing these silent norms. • Transparency and communication help prevent workplace inequities. • New employees should feel empowered to ask about unwritten rules. • Mentorship or a buddy system can help ease integration. • Organizations must align stated values with actual practices. 📌 Resources & Links:  🔹 Visit Rita Sever: https://supervisionmatters.com/  🔹 Listen to all SUPERVISION MATTERS episodes: https://supervisionmatters.podbean.com/  🔹 Discover more business & career podcasts on Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Stop dreading feedback and start using it to skyrocket your career! In this insightful episode of Big Blend Radio's SUPERVISION MATTERS Podcast, organizational coach Rita Sever ("SUPERVISION MATTERS" & "LEADING FOR JUSTICE" author), you'll discover a powerful 10-step process for effectively receiving feedback in the workplace. Rita breaks down how to truly listen, understand, and utilize feedback – even when it's tough to hear. Learn practical strategies to remain open, clarify concerns, and transform critiques into actionable steps for professional growth. Key Takeaways You'll Gain: - Step-by-step guidance on how to approach feedback conversations. - Tips to manage your defensiveness and cultivate a growth mindset. - How to ensure you understand the feedback you're receiving. - The importance of considering power dynamics in feedback situations. - Actionable strategies for responding and following up on feedback. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your career, mastering the art of receiving feedback is a game-changer. Tune in to gain valuable insights from leadership expert Rita Sever! 🔗 Resources Mentioned: - Rita Sever's Website: https://supervisionmatters.com/  - Part 1: Feedback Benefits & Basics: https://youtu.be/fSAi0EAWgWg  - Part 2: The Formula for Giving Feedback: https://youtu.be/PYS22Z0SZaQ  Listen to the full SUPERVISION MATTERS Podcast: https://supervisionmatters.podbean.com/  Explore more business and career podcasts on Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

On this episode of Big Blend Radio's SUPERVISION MATTERS Podcast with Rita Sever we dive into the art of giving effective feedback—especially in supervisory roles, though the strategies apply across many relationships and settings. We start by reflecting on last month’s insights and move into what brain research tells us about how people receive feedback—spoiler: negative feedback hits harder than the positive kind. You’ll learn why preparation is key, how to shift the dynamic from confrontation to collaboration, and why brevity and conversation matter. We also introduce the powerful J-O-I-N formula (Join, Observation, Impact, Need) to help you structure feedback in a way that builds understanding instead of defensiveness. We walk through real-world examples, share two common pitfalls to avoid, and explore common reactions and how to respond effectively. Whether you're leading a team or navigating everyday communication, this episode will give you practical tools to deliver feedback that actually makes a difference.                         LISTEN TO LAST MONTH'S PODCAST ON THE BENEFITS OF FEEDBACK: https://youtu.be/fSAi0EAWgWg?feature=shared                           Rita Sever is the author of “SUPERVISION MATTERS: 100 Bite-sized Ideas to Transform You and Your Team,” and “LEADING FOR JUSTICE: Supervision, HR, and Culture.”  Learn more at https://supervisionmatters.com/  Big Blend Radio's SUPERVISION MATTERS Podcast features new episodes every 3rd Friday at 12pm PT / 3pm ET. Follow the podcast here: https://supervisionmatters.podbean.com/  This episode is also  featured on other Big Blend Radio's "Success Express" Business & Career Channel. Check out our network of podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Would you tell a coworker they had spinach in their teeth?  How about someone you supervise?  How about your supervisor?  This episode of Big Blend Radio's SUPERVISION MATTERS Podcast with Rita Sever focuses on Feedback  Topics of discussion include: * What is feedback and why does it matter *  Benefits of feedback, and relevant brain research * Feedback is both positive and negative  * General tips to provide feedback and keep it informative, and objective                                                        Rita Sever is the author of “SUPERVISION MATTERS: 100 Bite-sized Ideas to Transform You and Your Team,” and “LEADING FOR JUSTICE: Supervision, HR, and Culture.”  Learn more at https://supervisionmatters.com/  Big Blend Radio's SUPERVISION MATTERS Podcast features new episodes every 3rd Friday at 12pm PT / 3pm ET. Follow the podcast here: https://supervisionmatters.podbean.com/  This episode is also  featured on other Big Blend Radio's "Success Express" Business & Career Channel. Check out our network of podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

This episode of Big Blend Radio's SUPERVISION MATTERS Podcast with Rita Sever focuses on Communication for Supervisors and Individuals.  Learn essential skills such as I Statements and Active Listening; Tips on Word Choice and Positive Framing; and Traps like Assumptions, Gossip, and Ignoring Problems. Rita Sever is the author of “SUPERVISION MATTERS: 100 Bite-sized Ideas to Transform You and Your Team,” and “LEADING FOR JUSTICE: Supervision, HR, and Culture.”  Learn more at https://supervisionmatters.com/  Big Blend Radio's SUPERVISION MATTERS Podcast features new episodes every 3rd Friday at 12pm PT / 3pm ET. Follow the podcast here: https://supervisionmatters.podbean.com/  This episode is also  featured on other Big Blend Radio's "Success Express" Business & Career Channel. Check out our network of podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

This episode of Big Blend Radio's SUPERVISION MATTERS Podcast with Rita Sever focuses on how supervision is about setting up your team for success. Rita explains how to follow SCOPE: S - Set Up for Success C - Communicate O - Oversee P - Partnership E - Expectations  Rita Sever is the author of “SUPERVISION MATTERS: 100 Bite-sized Ideas to Transform You and Your Team,” and “LEADING FOR JUSTICE: Supervision, HR, and Culture.”  Learn more at https://supervisionmatters.com/  Big Blend Radio's SUPERVISION MATTERS Podcast features new episodes every 3rd Friday at 12pm PT / 3pm ET. Follow the podcast here: https://supervisionmatters.podbean.com/  This episode is also  featured on other Big Blend Radio's "Success Express" Business & Career Channel. Check out our network of podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

This inaugural episode of Big Blend Radio's SUPERVISION MATTERS Podcast with Rita Sever focuses on how HR professionals can work with employees to reflect on 2024, and get prepared for a successful 2025. Rita Sever is a regular expert guest on Big Blend Radio. She is the author of “SUPERVISION MATTERS: 100 Bite-sized Ideas to Transform You and Your Team,” and “LEADING FOR JUSTICE: Supervision, HR, and Culture.”  Learn more at https://supervisionmatters.com/  Big Blend Radio's SUPERVISION MATTERS Podcast features new episodes every 3rd Friday at 12pm PT / 3pm ET. Follow the podcast here: https://supervisionmatters.podbean.com/  This episode is also  featured on other Big Blend Radio's "Success Express" Business & Career Channel. Check out our network of podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

This episode of Big Blend Radio's SUCCESS EXPRESS Business & Career Show features author, professional coach, and organizational trainer Rita Sever who discusses the good, the bad, and the possible when it comes to human resources. Topics of discussion include: - What does a good HR department cover?  - What are some traits of a good HR person?   - When and how does HR not work?   - How does it impact staff when HR is not trusted?   - What is the best possible role of HR? - What does HR need to do their best? - What impact does effective HR have on staff, leadership, bottom line?   Rita Sever is a regular expert guest on Big Blend Radio. She is the author of “SUPERVISION MATTERS: 100 Bite-sized Ideas to Transform You and Your Team,” and “LEADING FOR JUSTICE: Supervision, HR, and Culture.”  Learn more at https://supervisionmatters.com/ 

This episode of Big Blend Radio's SUCCESS EXPRESS Business & Career Show features author, professional coach, and organizational trainer Rita Sever who discusses HR in small organizations.  Along with sharing her career background in HR, she talks about: * When a small organization should invest in HR  * What are some of the dangers if they don't have HR * What are some of the challenges HR face Rita Sever is a regular expert guest on Big Blend Radio. She is the author of “SUPERVISION MATTERS: 100 Bite-sized Ideas to Transform You and Your Team,” and “LEADING FOR JUSTICE: Supervision, HR, and Culture.”  Learn more at https://supervisionmatters.com/ 

This episode of Big Blend Radio's SUCCESS EXPRESS Business & Career Show features author, professional coach, and organizational trainer Rita Sever who discusses how to lead, create, and cultivate a compassionate workplace. Points of discussion include: *  What is compassion at work?   * How are compassionate workplaces different?   * What does compassion look like at work?   * What are the caveats and limits in leading with compassion? * The differences between kindess and "just being nice." Rita Sever is a regular expert guest on Big Blend Radio. She is the author of “SUPERVISION MATTERS: 100 Bite-sized Ideas to Transform You and Your Team,” and “LEADING FOR JUSTICE: Supervision, HR, and Culture.”  Learn more at https://supervisionmatters.com/ 

This episode of Big Blend Radio's SUCCESS EXPRESS Business & Career Show features author, professional coach, and organizational trainer Rita Sever who discusses the Whys & Hows of Showing Sincere Appreciation in the Workplace.  WATCH THIS INTERVIEW ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/a3lVJSFlSNQ  Points of discussion include: * Why and how does it matter that we express gratitude?         * How does gratitude impact work? * What role does a supervisor or leader have in showing appreciation, and how can they do that in a way that is authentic?   * What does it mean to have a culture of gratitude, and how does that impact productivity and retention?     Rita Sever is a regular expert guest on Big Blend Radio. She is the author of “SUPERVISION MATTERS: 100 Bite-sized Ideas to Transform You and Your Team,” and “LEADING FOR JUSTICE: Supervision, HR, and Culture.”  Learn more at https://supervisionmatters.com/ 

Supervision is a critical function of leadership that is often overlooked, and yet the quality of supervision is often what makes or breaks a leader—and an organization. Along with being a certified professional coach and speaker who works with social justice organizations, Rita Sever is the author of “SUPERVISION MATTERS: 100 Bite-sized Ideas to Transform You and Your Team,” and “LEADING FOR JUSTICE: Supervision, HR, and Culture.” On this episode of Big Blend Radio, Rita Sever discusses her career and her answers to our "Success Insider Q&A" which you can read here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/success-insider-rita-sever-organizational-trainer/  WATCH THIS PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/M8rhav4pEgs  Rita has an MA in Organizational Psychology and is a certified professional coach. Rita approaches supervision as a primary leadership function. In addition, she sees the function of human resources and the culture of an organization as essential components of organizational effectiveness. She works with individuals, teams, and entire organizations to help the organization be in alignment internally as they work to achieve justice externally. She is also a regular Big Blend Radio guest and expert contributor. More: https://supervisionmatters.com/ 

Supervision is a critical function of leadership that is often overlooked, and yet the quality of supervision is often what makes or breaks a leader—and an organization. This episode of Big Blend Radio's SUCCESS EXPRESS Show features Rita Sever who discusses her latest book, “LEADING FOR JUSTICE: Supervision, HR, and Culture.”  Rita is a certified professional coach who works with social justice organizations. Her first book is “SUPERVISION MATTERS: 100 Bite-sized Ideas to Transform You and Your Team." More: https://supervisionmatters.com/  With this second interview, we were excited to have Rita Sever join the Big Blend Radio family as a regular guest and expert contributor. 

Big Blend Radio interview with Rita Sever, author of  ‘SUPERVISION MATTERS: 100 Bite-sized Ideas to Transform You and Your Team.’ Rita is a certified coach, and has been a human resources professional for over 20 years. Visit https://supervisionmatters.com/