Session 1: Understanding the Roles of Supervisors

This session introduces basic functions of supervision and helps participants understand:

• the functions of supervisors
• their own approaches to leadership
• differences in communication styles

Session 2: Improving Communication Skills

Participants will practice essential skills such as understanding non-verbal communication, giving constructive feedback, and using effective listening skills.

Session 3: Creating a Productive Work Environment

Performance management is a key supervisory skill. This session introduces a model managers can use to help employees succeed. Emphasis will be on hiring, orientation, and creating supportive environments.

Session 4: Motivating and Coaching Performance

Effective supervisors are able to create a motivating work environment in which staff are able to perform successfully. This session focuses on skills for creating such an environment, including the effective use of feedback and performance coaching.

Session 5: Problem Solving and Discipline

This session provides an introduction to performance management, with emphasis on problem solving and coaching. Participants will also be given an overview of labor relations at the University, with emphasis on the performance appraisal, discipline, and grievance processes.

Session 6: Managing Differences

This session offers insights and approaches for understanding and working with today's diverse workforce. Emphasis is on understanding one's own perceptions and how they influence the work environment.

Session 7: Planning Your Next Steps

This session discusses steps supervisors can take to create a work environment that encourages staff to be successful and productive in getting the unit's work done. Participants will look at team decision making tools and building consensus. The final section will focus on integrating information from the program into supervisory action plans.