Overview of Dr. House

In the show House MD., Dr. House’s bizarre personality brings on a rather unique style of managing and supervising. Most of the time, the results of his techniques are effective, but it seems like he is questioned if his method is full proof. The episode I watched in this series is “Three Stories”, and the plot is Dr. House is teaching interns about three different hospital room situations. The supervisory skills and techniques I will explain about Dr. House is transparency, delegation, listening, and availability.

Ortiz (2011) states, “Not every decision needs a full, 360 degree explanation, but lots of secrecy is frustrating and ultimately dis-empowering to those you supervise.” In this episode, Dr. House walks the students through each scenario, and has the students go through the scenarios with Dr. House correcting them along the way. The students seem to be dumbfounded by some of his techniques through the medical process, and some are questioning him about if the methods are correct. He does a great job sharing is knowledge and experience, but he comes off as being arrogant and sounding like he is always right. One can argue though that it may be a sign of confidence.

The skill of delegation as a supervisor is one that every supervisor needs to possess greatly. This keeps good organization, proficiency, and understanding throughout a work area. Dr. House, as the head of Diagnostic Medicine, needs to ensure that all of his subordinate doctors and nurses understand how he wants the procedures accomplished. Tying into the previous skill discussed, he used the delegation technique to guide the students in the most correct way he knows. He understands the employees and interns under him are looking for answers, and want surety t...

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...ns his methods to the students the same way he explains it to his coworkers, the students may have been more confused than they were to begin with.

With Dr. House’s unique, but effective supervision technique, he is a great example of why supervisors need to develop their own effective methods of supervision. Using the supervisory skills portrayed by Dr. House of transparency, delegation, listening, and availability will help every supervisor reach success.

Works Cited

Barclay, P. (Director), Shore, D. (Writer). (2005). Three Stories (Television series episode). House MD. Universal City, CA. Universal City

Conlow, R. (2001). Excellence in supervision: Essential skills for the new supervisor. Menlo Park, CA: Crisp Publications.

Ortiz, E. (2011). 7 Skills for Supervision Success. Retrieved from http://www.elisamortiz.org/2011/01/7-skills-for-supervision-success/.