Administrative staff at the College of Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) have been encouraged to better understand and meet the expectations of their Heads of Department to enhance productivity and workplace harmony.
Mr. Henry Harry Akosah, a Former College Registrar made the call during an administrative retreat organised for staff of the College, where he spoke on the theme, “Meeting the Expectations of Your Head of Department.”
He explained that departments are established to perform specialised functions that support the university’s mission and vision, stressing that staff must align their roles with these objectives.
According to him, a key source of workplace tension is the misunderstanding of supervisors’ personalities. He urged staff to study and understand the unique traits of their Heads to avoid miscommunication and conflict.
Mr. Akosah noted that personality influences behaviour and leadership style, highlighting traits such as extroversion, emotional stability, agreeableness, conscientiousness and openness to experience as important considerations in professional interactions.
He also cautioned against habits that could undermine performance, including lateness, misuse of office resources, poor writing skills, carelessness and failure to follow instructions. Disrespectful conduct, misinformation and negative perceptions about supervisors were also identified as harmful to workplace relationships.
Touching on expectations, he emphasised effective communication, encouraging staff to seek clarification when instructions are unclear and to provide accurate and timely information. He added that punctuality, competence, adherence to deadlines and maintaining a positive attitude are essential.
He further called for continuous skills development, teamwork, flexibility, honesty, emotional intelligence and attention to detail, as well as the ability to work with minimal supervision.
On conflict management, Mr. Akosah said disagreements are inevitable but can be constructive if well managed, leading to innovation and improved understanding. However, he warned that poorly handled conflict can escalate into hostility, stress and reduced productivity.
He concluded that building trust and demonstrating reliability are key, noting that Heads of Department are more likely to support staff who prove themselves dependable and committed to their duties.
Story/Photos by: Edith Asravor
