The Leading Edge Workshops
MandatoryIntroduction and University Organization
|
Elective (need three)
Customer Service for Supervisors |
| ** Mandatory modules are only offered to Leading Edge participants. Elective modules are open to the university community. To view or register for upcoming electives, please go to our registration page. | |
Introduction and University Organization
The goal of this module is to help set the stage for ongoing learning and organization development at Eastern Illinois University. A general discussion of the characteristics and skills of an effective supervisor are compared to participants own supervisory strengths and weaknesses based on responses to a self assessment tool. The Leading Edge program is explained and supervisors will formulate their personal objectives and goals for this program. The supervisors are introduced to the university's organization and discuss their role in the successful accomplishment of the university's mission. (mandatory)
Managing Resources
This module introduces specific university policies that deal with the management of resources. Specific topics include budget planning and execution and responsibilities for safeguarding university resources. This module is presented by representatives of Procurement, the Business Office, and Internal Auditing. (mandatory)
Adventures in Leadership and Teambuilding
Supervisors will start by defining leadership and discussing the characteristics of "quality leadership." They will also talk about the ways leaders can bring out the best in others, build commitment to goals and the importance of leading with integrity. The workshop will be interactive and lively and the participants will leave with their own personal plan for "quality leadership." (mandatory - this counts as two modules)
Labor Contracts and Discipline
This module examines the supervisor’s responsibility in the discipline process (before, during and after). The workshop offers ways to communicate and work through discipline issues before they become a formal discipline process. "Collective bargaining" and the supervisor’s role in a collective bargaining environment is also discussed. (mandatory)
Legal Responsibilities and Safety
This module identifies the legal and ethical responsibilities of supervisors with regard to managing our diverse work force. The ADA, FOIA, FMLA, discrimination in employment, and harassment on the job are included in specific issues discussed as well workers' compensation procedures and safety issues. (mandatory)
Performance Evaluation
In this module we will look at the performance appraisal "process." As supervisors and employees, we shudder at the thought of a performance appraisal. Through the information and discussion you will find the performance appraisal is an ongoing process that will turn the "shudder reaction" into a healthy communication tool and professional development opportunity. (mandatory)
Interviewing, Hiring, and Retaining Employees
This workshop explores proper interview techniques to ensure a thorough and fair process for choosing the best candidate. After the employee is hired, the most important part begins for the supervisor. The supervisor will learn ways to retain the employee by development and motivation.
The Respectful Workplace
This workshop explores the reasons why we sometimes do not treat one another with respect and what specific actions we can take to ensure our behavior is respectful to our coworkers. The supervisor's responsibilities are stressed. (mandatory)
Customer Service for Supervisors
We discuss the supervisor's role in making sure his or her unit is providing exceptional customer service as well as how to find ways to improve that service.
Ethics for Supervisors
In Ethics for Supervisors, we will discuss how we arrive at our ethical decisions and the supervisor's role in establishing and nurturing an ethical environment for our employees. We will examine the results of the recently completed ethics survey and discuss some common ethical dilemmas that supervisors and employees might face. You will critically examine your own workplace behavior to identify those actions that could be inappropriate.
Communication
Lack of effective communication is often the number one complaint among employees and managers alike. Effective communication takes a lot of thought and effort. This module will explore why we have so much trouble giving or following simple instructions. We will examine how to design our messages to be more effective and how to minimize errors or confusion blamed on poor communication.
Time Management
We identify specific tools and practices that supervisors can use to make better use of their time, as well as methods to reduce stress. The module shows how time and stress management go hand in hand.
Dealing with Difficult People
Dealing with the difficult person — whether an employee, a student or a customer — is one of our biggest challenges today. Why people become aggressive, and what we can do to reduce aggression before it turns into workplace violence is discussed in this module. We also identify agencies available to assist employees and the circumstances and procedures for referral
Creative Problem Solving
Supervisors will learn to use an effective and creative problem solving process to reach sound and ethical decisions.
Working with Student Workers
Student workers are an essential element of the workforce here at EIU. Where do student workers come from? What can you expect from them, and what do they expect from you? Do we have any special obligations when employing our students? Representatives from various EIU departments will identify ways to maximize the benefits of the student-employer relationship.
