Supervisory Resources

Below are links to Web-based or PDF articles recommended by the Organizational Effectiveness team, grouped by subject matter. Please think of this information as general advice. If you have specific questions about applying it on your campus or in your college, administrative unit or department, please consult with your HR Pro.

Supervisory Videos

The University of Minnesota Libraries has available a variety of videos (pdf) for use with unit-level supervisory training or management development activities. To preview videos, visit the Learning Resource Center in Walter Library. To request videos for use in meetings, reserve a video online at the LRC Advance Reservation Request page.

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New Supervisors

Creating a Culture that Works

This Web-based article provides advice on how to establish a supportive and aligned organizational culture.
www.kenblanchard.com/Business_Leadership/Management_Leadership_Newsletter/February2010_main_article/

How to Create Mission and Vision

This article (pdf) explains how to help a group develop a mission or vision statement.

Making the Shift from Peer to Boss

This Web-based article illustrates what steps to take when moving into a position where you’ll be managing employees who were once your peers.
http://blogs.hbr.org/watkins/2007/11/making_the_shift_from_peer_to.html

Tips to Help Establish Yourself as Leader

This article (pdf) shares steps a new manager can take to develop a stronger rapport with their boss and direct reports.

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Generational Differences in the Workplace

The Trophy Kids Go to Work

This Web-based article describes the workplace attitudes of the Millenial/gen Y generation and offers employers advice on how to manage them.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122455219391652725.html

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Giving and Receiving Feedback

Accepting Constructive Feedback

This Web-based video from Marshall Goldsmith illustrates the importance of being open to constructive feedback.
http://www.athenaonline.com/knowledge/Containers/sbfree.asp?id=1387

The Johari Window

This Web-based article introduces the Johari Window, a communication model that can be used to improve understanding between individuals within a team or in a group setting.
http://www.mindtools.com/CommSkll/JohariWindow.htm

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Managing Student Employees

Student Employees in Higher Education IT

This Web page provides access to 34 different articles on important issues facing managers of student employees in higher education IT settings.
http://www.educause.edu/Resources/Browse/Student%20Employees/30431

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Managing Methods/Models

Situational Leadership II - The Article

This Web-based article introduces Situational Leadership Theory, which suggests there is no single “best” style of leadership. Effective leadership is task-relevant and that the most successful leaders are those that adapt their leadership style to the needs of each employee.
http://kenblanchard.net/files/pdf/SLII_New_Article.pdf

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Motivating Employees

Recognition Resources

This web page provides access to different recognition resources recommended by Bob Nelson, Ph.D. a leading expert on this topic.
http://www.nelson-motivation.com/resources.html

The Art of Motivating Employees

This article (pdf) illustrates the importance of showing employees the positive impact of their work and how meaningful it is.

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Working with Faculty

How Do Faculty See Us

Steven Bell, Associate University Librarian at Temple University, shares his thoughts on the need for faculty and administration to become more aware of how they perceive each other.
www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6701728.html?nid=2673&source=title&rid=1105906703

Why We Can't Just Get Along

John Frazee, Director of Faculty Relations at the University of Colorado Boulder, shares his thoughts on the origins of conflict between faculty and administration.
http://chronicle.com/article/Why-We-Cant-Just-Get-Along/45742/