Welcome | What is The Leading Edge? | Certificate | Schedule | Graduates

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)
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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 External Relations, Budget and Purchasing. (mandatory)
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Adventures in Leadership

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)
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Labor Contracts & Discipline

Supervisors review the labor contracts of employees for which they are responsible. A representative of Employee and Labor Relations discusses the supervisor's responsibilities with regard to the contract. Grievance procedures and employee rights under the contract are stressed. (mandatory)
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University Systems

Guest speakers from Payroll, Employment, and Telecommunications provide information on how to use current university systems, and explanations on why specific procedures are important to supervisors. (mandatory)
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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)
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Team Building & Goal Development

Specific steps are identified that a supervisor can take to encourage and support team efforts, even when formal teams are not established. We examine how a team is able to accomplish objectives that a group of individuals could not. Development and monitoring of goals are discussed, both for the supervisor and for his or her employees. (mandatory)
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Performance Evaluation/Motivation

This module examines the technical requirements, as well as the psychological effects of a well thought out and effectively carried out evaluation, discipline, and rewards system. (mandatory)
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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)
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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.
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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.
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Communication

This module examines how to give effective written and oral instructions and what words to avoid when trying to win someone over to your side. We also discuss effectively using Email. Listening skills are practiced. Specific steps are identified for each supervisor to improve his or her current communication techniques.
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Franklin Covey's - FOCUS: Achieving Your Highest Priorities

This 8-hour course teaches you productivity skills integrated with a powerful planning system that will help you clarify, focus on, and execute your highest priorities – both personally and professionally. The workshop includes Focus Assessment – a pre- and post- workshop evaluation – to infuse in you a greater meaning of the course content. You will learn how to integrate and use planning tools that you already have. You will gain a clear understanding of how to generate passion and engagement in your professional life and the workshop will establish a goal-setting process to help you become more focused in your day-to-day activities. We will also provide technology tips and best practices to help you manage information as you receive it.
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Time and Stress 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.
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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.
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Creative Problem Solving

Supervisors will learn to use an effective and creative problem solving process to reach sound and ethical decisions.
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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 the Lumpkin School of Business and Student Employment will identify ways to maximize the benefits of the student-employer relationship.
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Train the Trainer

This workshop is for the employee who is responsible for training other employees. Whether in a large group of individually, training another employee can be a daunting task that, if not done properly, can produce disastrous results. Come to this workshop to see how to avoid some of the common pitfalls and take advantage of adult learning principles.
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Healthy Lifestyles

Today, we all expect to live longer than previous generations.  Unfortunately, for some, our lifestyles may be dooming us to a long and unhealthy life.  Wouldn't’t it be wonderful to live a long, healthy, active, and rewarding life?  In collaboration with the School of Family and Consumer Sciences and the Recreation Center, Human Resources is preparing for the presentation of a series of 1-hour programs on Healthy Lifestyle issues.
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Professional Writing Skills

Are you one of the many professionals here at EIU, who HATE to write?  Do you spend hours agonizing over the wording of your letters, memos, and reports?  Do you sometimes make embarrassing mistakes?  These series of workshops provide some assistance for those who may be in this situation.  These workshops will be presented by Daiva Markelis, Director of the Writing Center. Topics included but not limited to: Proofreading, Word Usage, and Punctuation.
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Caring for the Aging Family Member

Caring for an aging family member is a challenge that many of us will face at some time during our life.  This is often a task that falls to us without time or resources we need for which to prepare. In this series through the collaboration of The School of Continuing Education, School of Family & Consumer Sciences and Master of Arts in Gerontology, and Human Resources, Training and Development, we examine a wide variety of topics such as balancing work life, reviewing caring facilities, maintaining your health and vitality, decisions about long-term care, and grief support.
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Responsibilities of Account Manager Series:

The job of an Account Manager is fraught with complicated procedures and requirements. One wrong step and you could find yourself in a difficult and embarrassing situation. Even if you don’t fill out the forms, you need to know what you are signing. What are the quickest ways to find out the correct way to do things and avoid trouble at the end of the year?

If you are an Account Manager or if you perform the duties for one, you need to attend these one-hour workshops. Fiscal responsibility cannot be taken lightly and should be clearly understood.

We will examine a different topic each month and give you an opportunity to ask questions and get answers from the experts. The Account Manager Toolbox holds the information "tools" from each session such as handouts or presentations.
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