Supervisor Shift Notes

A supervisor can handle dozens of conversations and decisions in a single shift. By the next shift, the urgent work may be easy to remember while a promised check-in or a deputy's good performance has disappeared from memory.

Keep a useful record of the shift

FLS Supervisor Shift Notes is a digital working tool for capturing employee conversations, performance observations, incidents, decisions, concerns, accomplishments, and follow-up items. It gives those details a place to go before the next interruption arrives.

• Capture conversations and commitments that need another look.
• Record specific performance observations, including good work.
• Keep decisions and outstanding questions visible.
• Identify patterns across shifts rather than relying on the last incident.
• Prepare for employee check-ins, counseling, and evaluations.

Write enough to make the note useful later

Include when the event occurred, what you observed, what action you took, and what remains open. A note that says only spoke to deputy may tell you that a conversation happened, but it will not help you remember what was discussed or promised.

Keep working notes in the approved place and complete required reports or documentation through your agency's process. The tool helps you maintain continuity; the required record still needs to be completed.

Review the open items before the next shift

A recorded commitment is useful when someone returns to it. Review your notes for deadlines, employee follow-up, unresolved questions, and recognition. The Leadership Planner provides a wider planning routine, while the shift organization article shows how to connect preparation, notes, and handoff.

Use the End-of-Shift Leadership Debrief to review decisions, open items, and the handoff after the shift. Shift Notes are also included in the New Supervisor Starter Pack.