Supervision Matters with Rita Sever

We’re building the Big Blend Media House pixel by pixel, room by room, and we’re reintroducing our Big Blend Radio experts so you can get to know your friends and family. In this "Getting to Know You" interview, organizational coach and author Rita Sever joins Lisa D. Smith for seven fun questions. Rita is the author of "Supervision Matters," the book Big Blend first met her through about ten year...

Happy Global Company Culture Day!  Company culture isn't what's written on your website or printed on a poster — it's how your people feel walking in the door on a Sunday night. On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Supervision Matters" Podcast, HR and organizational culture expert Rita Sever joins Lisa D. Smith to break down what culture actually is, how it's built (and eroded), and why it has to...

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s SUPERVISION MATTERS Podcast, organizational coach and author Rita Sever exploreS what it really means to create an inclusive workplace culture — and why building a real team is healthier than thinking of coworkers as a “work family.” Rita explains why employees who feel included and connected are more engaged, committed, and likely to stay, while organizations...

In this practical episode of Big Blend Radio's SUPERVISION MATTERS Podcast, organizational coach and author Rita Sever (Supervision Matters & Leading for Justice) shares a simple but powerful framework for creating stronger, more collaborative teams. Effective teamwork doesn't happen by accident. Rita explains how the four essential components of successful teams—connection, clarity, feedback,...

In this thought-provoking episode of Big Blend Radio’s SUPERVISION MATTERS Podcast, organizational coach and author Rita Sever (Supervision Matters & Leading for Justice) examines one of the most common—and potentially problematic—workplace metaphors: the idea that coworkers are "family." While the concept is often intended to foster connection and belonging, Rita explains how the family metap...

In this insightful episode of Big Blend Radio’s SUPERVISION MATTERS Podcast, organizational coach and author Rita Sever (Supervision Matters & Leading for Justice) explores the critical role supervision plays in employee engagement, retention, and organizational success. Rita explains why effective supervision is rooted in partnership, trust, and support—not micromanagement—and how supervisors...

In this uplifting episode of Big Blend Radio’s SUPERVISION MATTERS Podcast, organizational coach and author Rita Sever (Supervision Matters & Leading for Justice) explores the power of play in the workplace—and why it’s more than just fun. Drawing from her master’s thesis research on the impact of play on workplace community, as well as her experience as a supervisor and HR director, Rita shar...

In this insightful episode of Big Blend Radio’s SUPERVISION MATTERS Podcast, organizational coach and author Rita Sever (Supervision Matters & Leading for Justice) dives into the complex and often misunderstood role of Human Resources. HR professionals walk a delicate line—balancing trust, fairness, legal compliance, and organizational priorities. Rita discusses the challenges of “doing HR,” f...

In this empowering episode of Big Blend Radio’s SUPERVISION MATTERS Podcast, organizational coach and author Rita Sever (Supervision Matters & Leading for Justice) shares practical, sustainable self-care strategies for leaders, supervisors, employers, and employees alike. In today’s demanding work environments, self-care isn’t optional—it’s essential. Rita discusses how daily routines, support...

In this insightful episode of Big Blend Radio’s SUPERVISION MATTERS Podcast, organizational coach and author Rita Sever (Supervision Matters & Leading for Justice) explores the critical difference between being nice and being kind in supervision and leadership. Rita explains how a culture of niceness can actually undermine communication, accountability, and trust, while kindness—rooted in auth...

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 env...

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 naviga...

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...

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-a...

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 mainta...

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 orga...

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 feedb...

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...

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 ti...

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...

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: Su...

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,...

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 i...

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 fa...

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 ca...