Essential+qualities+of+a+research+supervisor

Tamara's 5 essential qualities of a Research Supervisor

1. Available for Weekly meeting: This is important so that there can be clear communication and collaboration on the progress of the research. Going over the research once a week can be beneficial as ideas, questions and problems can arise when looking over the research. Having face to face meetings eliminates misconceptions, avoids delays in Reponses and creates a better work environment for the supervisor and researcher. Research can be lengthy and difficult it is Important to develop a healthy relationship with one another in order to have efficient team work. 2. The ability to provide Positive and negative feedback: It is vital that a supervisor follows up with researcher and gives positive and negative feedback, so one can work towards improvement and have an understanding on what is being done properly. 3. Organized to give Clear expectations and direction from the start: At the beginning of the research there should be clear expectations and direction from the supervisor. This will be the foundation of the research project; goals should be made together as a team, and possibly a time table of what should be done on weekly bases. 4. Flexible and open: Flexibility is needed in order for the researcher to contact the supervisor for guidance and questions in a timely fashion. Open to new ideas and methods, as everyone does things differently and both parties need to be open and meet half way. Trying new things can be beneficial, change is good. 5. Reliable and efficient: The researcher needs to be able to relay on the supervisor and vice versa. The work needs to be done and one another need‘s to be able to count on the other to contribute and provide efficient work.

Sunshine's 5 Essential Qualities of a Research Supervisor


 * 1) Knowledgable about the area of interest my research project is on, as well as the type of research I am conducting (i.e. quantiative, qualitative) - One of my friends completed a quantitative research proposal with a supervisor who was purely qualitative, and had no clue what my friend was talking about. She even freely admitted that she didn't understand quantiative research at the research proposal presentation!
 * 2) Open with communication - willing to answer questions via e-mail in a timely manner, as well as having scheduled feedback sessions and checkpoints. I personally prefer e-mail, but am hoping to have some face-to-face contact as well. Provides constructive feedback.
 * 3) Flexible with deadlines. Yes, deadlines are necessary, however, life happens, I would like my supervisor to be able to go with the ebb and flow of life.
 * 4) Able to set boundaries. Gentle and compassionate when necessary, but also someone who is willing to push the envelope. Allows me to make some mistakes to learn from them, but also knows when it is a mistake that should not occur and how to prevent those types of mistakes.
 * 5) Someone who a complementary personality to mine. I want to be able to enjoy the research experience and not feel like I have to walk on eggshells or be on alert at all times.

** Brenda’s essentials in a research supervisor: ** ** 1. Leadership: this essential goes beyond managerial skills. A true supervisor should possess interpersonal skills that inspire and motivate. Keeping morale high (especially in a team setting) and setting reasonable goals when delegating tasks to encourage meeting deadlines. ** ** 2. Mentor: a supervisor should not only monitor but mentor. Being an expertise in their area of knowledge is very important yet being able to share and educate is more important. ** ** 3. Approachable: Everyone in a leadership position should be available to their team at all times. Personnel should feel comfortable about asking for a meeting or offering constructive criticism to the project at hand. ** ** 4. Listener: a leader needs to listen, listen, listen to their team members and then act on the problems encountered by the members or initiate ideas that can improve the research. **

Sandra's essentials in a research supervisor: 1. Driven - I believe a good supervisor needs to be driven to work hard and succeed. A good supervisor must believe in their research and set goals which they and their team must meet. It is important that the supervisor has a lot of energy and enthusiasm which will encourage the rest of the team to work hard. 2. Intelligent - A successful supervisor must be knowledgeable about the research topic and well versed on the subject at hand. 3. Open minded and personable - I think it is very important that a supervisor be approachable and open minded to the rest of the team feels comfortable talking to them and suggesting ideas. A good supervisor will take constructive criticism and learn from team members in order to have greater success. 4. Excellent organizational skills - It is imperative that a supervisor be organized and manages time wisely.

Lucas’ essential qualities of a research supervisor. I believe that research supervisor is not the smartest or well knowledge people for the task at hand, however, supervisor must know and delegate the work to proper people. It is this characteristic that is most important, I feel, research supervisor must possess. Along with that here are some more essential qualities: Well organized. Research supervisor must be realistic on time management and scheduling. Furthermore, research supervisor must keep the research moving in right direction and make sure everyone is on same page. Great leader Research supervisor must be great motivator of his staff. He/she must get his staff excited about the work and even the result comes out not as expected, he/she must keep the staff moving forward to accomplish the task at hand. Also, he/she must be able to access his staff so that no one feels overwhelmed and put the correct people to do the task that needs to be done. Great communicator Research supervisor must be able to communicate with the staff to make sure everyone is on same page and working together to accomplish task at hand. He/she must let his/her message clear so that there is no misunderstanding to task at hand. Follow through Research supervisor must be able to follow through with the decision that was made and make sure the task is going on time and done correctly. In-decision and low self confidence makes the leader look weak and cannot motivate his/her staff do the work. The research supervisor is not the smartest or knows more information than others but he/she must know enough to delegate and make the critical decisions.

**AIMEE'S SUBMISSION OF QUALITIES OF A RESEARCH SUPERVISOR:** This maybe a changing list for me: as I am not too sure what is involved for a research project. i. Barebones format of research ii. What makes good research habits
 * 1) Good knowledge of research, experienced in research
 * 2) Ability to guide/mentor the researcher
 * 1) Answer questions
 * 2) Available or reachable to the researcher.
 * 3) I personally like email
 * 4) In emergencies – phone or face to face
 * 5) Open mindedness (within reason)
 * 6) I think a supervisor needs to realize there is more then one way to do things or perspectives on an issue
 * 7) However, if there is only one way to do something or something specific that a researcher must do the supervisor needs to communicate this
 * 8) Motivation
 * 9) Good with dialogue
 * 10) Supportive
 * 11) Encouraging
 * 12) Challenging
 * 13) I think a research supervisor should also challenge you and your research the way others would challenge it, to prepare you for challenge you will face once your research is complete.
 * 14) For me personally as a new researcher; I would like and encourage many little goals/check points throughout the research project to confirm I am on the right track. As a new researcher there is nothing more frustrating then submerging myself into a project, only to realize it was wasted time or incorrect in someway. By creating mini goals/check point I can ensure I am on the right path and I will be able to discuss concerns from the research supervisor, as well as myself.

__**Evelyn Moreau: Qualities of a Research Supervisor**__ The following are 4 qualities that I believe are essential in a research supervisor:
 * 1) **Positive communication skills**:
 * Create an environment of openness.
 * Clear about objectives, expectations, timetable, mode and frequency of contact.
 * Positive verbal and non-verbal skills.
 * 1) **Knowledgeable**:
 * Willingness to share information and experience to create context and confidence in the learner.
 * Ability to create challenge for the learner.
 * Provide expert guidance, insightfulness, and mentorship.
 * Passionate about the project and their role as your leader.
 * Good problem-solving skills.
 * 1) **Organized**:
 * Collaborate on suitable schedule.
 * Meet frequently to keep project on schedule, provide feedback/encouragement, check on progress, and redirect activity if necessary.
 * Adaptable.
 * 1) **Superior interpersonal skills**:
 * Positive attitude and self-esteem.
 * Create positive learning environment and team spirit.
 * Willingness to listen and encourage.
 * Ability to motivate in a positive way.
 * Display integrity and professionalism by being respectful, punctual, honest, and trustworthy.
 * Display humility if necessary.
 * Emotional intelligence.
 * Have a sense of humour.

=**Mary Mok - Essential Qualities of a Research Supervisor**=

1. __Knowledgeable__

 * Is experienced in doing research studies
 * Able to assist/facilitate student's difficulties/weaknesses with their research project

2. __Approachable__

 * The ability to contact them through a variety of communication methods (e-mail, skype, in person, or phone)
 * Is open-minded and gives their opinion about the research topic the student has chosen

3. __Understanding__

 * Is aware of other obligations the student has (work, family, etc), therefore deadlines are reasonable
 * Is aware that personalities may clash but both parties (student and supervisor) collaborate in a respectable manner

__**Joseph’s view on “Essential quality of a research supervisor” **__ We often hear “being a supervisor is a tough job, being a good supervisor is even harder”, in the team work environment (concept), being a supervisor means there is another skills to master to practice even flow, progression effective team work. 1. Traits of good supervisor must have __skilled traits__, which is how the supervisor takes on his/her job (knowledge based or previous experiences). Second is __character traits__ means supervisor have a slightly different focus (must be trustworthy, good listener, and have charisma). 2. Must have good knowledge of problems solving, decision making, planning and organizational skills. 3. Must be a person (self-discipline and motivated), person who can set the example and a good role model. 4. Person who is care for team’s well-being and understanding the differences (social diversity, generation differences, who is willing to understand the ethnic values and cultures.  5. Good communicator, who can convey the information in simple terms, rather than the mixed up in complexity.   6. Person who value the compassionate, positive views on outlook and optimistic person who approach with positive mind or views.   7. Person who responsible, tell it like it is, share the teams with information, and down the earth quality.   I guess, I am asking for perfect supervisor. -- **<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Teresa Ripley - Five Qualities of a Research Supervisor ** **<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">1. Available - **<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I think it is important that the research supervisor should be available to the researcher. They should have agrred upon times to contact each other. Communication could be thru e-mail, phone, or in person. E-mail would probalbly be the main choice for communication as long as responses were within a reasonable and accepted upon length of time. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">**2. Approachable -** the researcher must feel comfortable in contacting the supervisor when deemed necessary. There may be a time that the researcher needs clarifiication on as issue outside of scheduled check ins. It is important that the researcher has a supervisor they are comfortable with in order for this to be sucessful. **<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">3. Professional - **<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">the supervisor, in a leadership role should set appropriate goals and timelines that the researcher should be meeting. The supervisor should show knowledge and interest in the research. They should also challenge the researcher when necessary. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">**4. Organized -** the supervisor should be organized and have a good understanding of what needs to be done and when. Specific meetings should be set and followed to help the researcher(s) stay focused and on track. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">**5. Clear expectations -** the supervisor should have good communication skills and be able to clearly define all task expectations. They should also be able to provide constructive feedback throughout the research process. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">__---__ <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">M __**<span style="background-color: #ffff00; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0in;">ohammed Javaid -- Essential Qualities of a Research Supervisor **__ Leadership skills in some are natural while others develop them through learning and experience. Whether the leader is a born-leader or develops skills to become a leader, there are a few qualities that are important in them. A good research supervisor has to possess positive leadership skills. Personally, for me, the essential qualities of a research supervisor -- a leader, are:

Communication: Whether it is listening, deciding, directing or resolving, it is important for effective leaders to be good communicators. A group of people working on a research subject together will face conflict at times and a good supervisor should be empathetic towards all parties involved. He should also be very clear in expressing his expectations and directing his team.

Focus: When working in a group setting, where everyone is unique with their ideas and habits, it is easy to lose focus of the task on hand. A good research supervisor should possess the skills to stay focused and have the confidence that their goal is attainable. He should have a clear vision of his team's goals.

Emotional Intelligence: A good research supervisor should always maintain a positive attitude in challenging times and not let his emotions influence his decisions -- not making decisions in frustrating times and making things personal in this work setting. He should be tolerant, flexible and remain calm during challenging times.

Support: Although I believe it is more important for a research supervisor to possess leadership skills than technical skills, it is important that he also be knowledgeable on the topic of research. Having the knowledge of research will allow him to assist his team at the time of need while dividing the work evenly between the group members. Being supportive will also require a research supervisor to be easily available to his team members when needed via telephone, email or in person. A combination of good leadership skills and knowledge makes a good research supervisor.

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Alona Chekhunova:

<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 11pt;">1. What are the essential qualities of a research supervisor? Make reference as to what is important to you personally.

<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 11pt;">The research supervisor has to possess or develop certain personal qualities, such as multitasking, being highly organized, being aware of time frames for each task completion, people skills, in-depth knowledge in the field of research, and lots of patience. <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 11pt;">I think patience is the most important attribute a researcher can possess. Every test/study has to be patiently transcribed, interpreted and it takes time before proper conclusions can be made. <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 11pt;">+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 11pt;">Kate Biggart: <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 11pt;">Ideally a research supervisor is someone who: <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 11pt;">1) Has a strong background in conducting research <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 11pt;">2) Has a strong breadth and depth of knowledge in the field being studied <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 11pt;">3) Is highly organized, task focused and at the very least deals well with paperwork and red tape. <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 11pt;">4) Is open-minded and allows the team to be creative and push boundaries when necessary <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 11pt;">I think the most important qualities are experience in conducting research and being organized. It is essential that the supervisor understand the process in order to keep the team on task and focused on <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 11pt;">producing quality work. <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 11pt;">__ <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 11pt;">Rayhan Quraishi <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 11pt;"> Has previous experience in conducting research Keep the team motivated and on task The supervisor should renew his vision consistently and have a clear sense of direction Maintain integrity whether things are going according to plan or not, honesty is the best policy, and this will build trust and credibility between the research team and the supervisor. Well Organized Good Leader and Strong Role Model Great Communications skills Provides constructive feedback

1. Credible Background:
The research supervisor should have a background in research and understand the important steps to conducting research. The supervisor should have an education background and use only credible sources in teachings.

2. Portray leadership skills:
"Great leaders often inspire their followers to high levels of achievement by showing them how their work contributes to worthwhile ends" -Warren Bennis and Burt Naus. I believe a research supervisor needs to keep their students or team inspired in there focused project to maintain strength and high quality of work outcomes. A supervisor can challenge the team, inspire and share a vision, enable there team to act, lead and model the way and encourage from the heart. These are qualities of an effective leader that need to be reached from a supervisor position.

3. Available/Communicate with their students and team:
Communication is the imparting, conveying, or exchanging ideas, knowledge and information. It's important for the supervisor to maintain clear and direct communication with the team/students. This includes, email, wiki, announcements on WebTC, and a clear course outline. Good communicate will motivate the team and provide feedback to let them know there on the right path. It's important that the research supervisor presents different times and sources they can be available for contact for communicating.

4. Eliminate information overload:
Presenting too much material can be overwhelming and some members may become unclear on certain tasks and where they stand in the team.

5. Passion and Emotions:
A research supervisor should have enthusiasm and maintain positive outlooks. Strong positive emotions can be transmitted to students and help motivate and lead them to maintain a positive vibe. When the supervisor is enthustic and passionate in what they are doing this leads students to feel similar emotions and maintain interest.