Join a Live Empower Session

When:

Thursday 15th January 9:30am-1pm

On Zoom

Recording available to Empower members for 12 months

Who It's For:

Library staff who supervise others (e.g. during shifts, rotas, or tasks) but don’t hold formal line management roles — including senior library assistants, duty supervisors, weekend/evening leads, or newly promoted team leads.

What You’ll Learn:

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Recognise the key differences between supervision and management

• Lead with confidence, even without formal authority

• Set clear expectations and boundaries with peers or junior staff

• Address minor issues or conflict with kindness and clarity

• Delegate and give direction without micromanaging

• Build trust and credibility as a supervisor

• Know when and how to escalate concerns appropriately

Course Overview:

1. Understanding Your Role

• Supervision vs. management

• What authority do you actually have?

• Navigating the middle ground: neither “one of the team” nor their “boss”

2. Leading Without Formal Power

• Influence vs. authority

• Building respect through communication and consistency

• Balancing approachability with accountability

3. Everyday Supervision Scenarios

• Giving instructions clearly and kindly

• What to do when someone isn’t doing what’s expected

• Peer relationships: supervising your friends or former equals

4. Micro-boundaries & Escalation

• “That’s not ok” moments – how to step in calmly

• When and how to involve your manager

• Maintaining your own wellbeing and confidence

Learning Methods:

• Scenario-based discussions

• Realistic role-play (optional but encouraged)

• Reflective prompts for your own context

• Downloadable worksheet: Your Supervision Toolkit

“You don’t need to be the boss to lead. This practical session helps library supervisors feel confident, kind, and clear in their role — even without formal management training.”