In an effective supervisory discussion, what would be considered an opening skill?

Welcoming the employee is a crucial opening skill in an effective supervisory discussion. This initial greeting sets a positive tone for the conversation and helps establish rapport between the supervisor and the employee. It makes the employee feel valued and respected, which can lead to a more productive interaction. A welcoming approach creates an environment where the employee feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and concerns, fostering open communication.

In contrast, other choices such as redirecting the conversation, providing feedback, and setting performance goals are more focused on specific aspects of the discussion that typically come after the opening phase. Redirecting the conversation may be necessary at some point to keep the discussion on track, but it does not contribute to establishing an initial connection. Providing feedback and setting performance goals are also important elements of a supervisory discussion but are part of the process that follows the initial welcoming phase. Therefore, starting with a warm welcome is essential for laying the groundwork for an effective dialogue.