This program is designed for the new supervisor, one who has received limited supervisor training, or one who needs to strengthen their leadership skills. Effective supervisors must possess many different qualities such as flexibility, adaptability, strong leadership skills and commitment to each goal at hand. Supervisors are often seen as teachers, counselors and mentors.
The Supervisor Development Program at the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce, offers 7 different courses in 7 distinct areas that will give new supervisors the necessary tools to become more effective.
In order to receive the Supervisor Development certificate, participants are required to attend 6 of the 7 courses. There are five required courses, and participants choose between one of two elective courses. Interested participants may attend individual courses, without signing up for the certificate, to the extent room is available. Space is limited and preference is given to certificate participants.
“Supervisors who want the best out of people have to lead, not push. It’s harder to do, and takes a lot more skill. But it is worth the effort."
Leadership With a Human Touch, January 18, 1994.
Course Descriptions
SESSION I: Employment Law -Keeping You and Your Employer Out Of Trouble
Speakers: Melinda Sanders and Cally Kjelleberg, Quinlivan & Hughes
Description:
State and federal laws affecting the work place are pervasive and ever-changing. Supervisors need to be aware of their rights and responsibilities under these laws, as well as the rights and responsibilities of the employees they supervise. In this workshop you will be introduced to a number of legislatively-enacted and judge-made laws that should govern the way you treat, pay, and supervise your employees, or at the very least raise your awareness level with respect to these laws. In this session interaction is involved and demonstrative aids will be used to illustrate basic concepts and techniques that will help you stay out of trouble.
Length: 4 hours
Date: Thursday, January 19, 2012, 8 a.m. - Noon
SESSION II: Hiring for Retention
Speakers: Lynn Holmvig, GNP Company
Description:
One of the most important things a supervisor does is hire employees. Making the right hiring decision will result in reduced employee turnover, better department morale, and fewer discipline issues. This course will cover several steps you can take to ensure that you find the right person for the right position, including how to write an accurate position description, recruiting, and interviewing.
Length: 2.5 hours
Date: Thursday, February 2, 2012, 8-10:30 a.m.
SESSION III: Supervising Others -A Team Approach
Speakers: Nancy Myers, GNP Company
Description:
In this course you will examine the process of training and orientation used in your workplace, and how to create a welcoming environment for all employees. Earning the trust of employees will be explored through exercises in communication, dealing with conflict, and problem solving.
Length: 4 hours
Date: Thursday, February 9, 2012, 8 a.m. - Noon
SESSION IV: Helping Employees Achieve Peak Performance
Speakers: Gail Ivers, St. Cloud Area Chamber
Description:
What do you want your employees to accomplish this year? How will they-and you-know if they have achieved the desired perfomance? During this course you will learn how to write employee performance expectations and how to tie job descriptions and performance to staff evaluations. In addition, we will discuss motivating employees and correcting poor performance. Sample job descriptions and performance appraisal tools will be shared.
Length:2.5 hours
Date: Thursday, March 15, 2012, 8-10:30 a.m.
SESSION V: Conflict Management
Speakers: Bruce Miles, Big River Group, LLC
Description:
Human relationships involve conflict. Understanding the causes of conflict and your conflict management style will help you turn uncomfortable situations into potential learning and teaching experiences. This course will help you learn to apply strategies for improving the skills needed to effectively manage conflict and bring it to a satisfactory resolution.
Length: 3 hours
Date: Thursday, April 5, 2012, 8-11 a.m.
ELECTIVES: Choose one
SESSION VI: Leadership in the Workplace
Speakers: Donelle Hintermeister, Signature Training Solutions and Gail Ivers, St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce
Description:
Leadership. Power. Influence.What do these terms really mean? How can they be used most effectively to enhance your leadership role? We’ll discuss the key elements of influence, power and negotiation and offer tips and techniques to apply them in the workplace. We’ll also tie these key leadership skills to effective and creative problem solving. Participants will learn creative problem solving techniques that can be done at any level in your business or organization.
Length: 4 hours
Date: Thursday, February 23, 2012, 8 a.m. - Noon
-OR-
SESSION VII: Interpersonal Communication Skills for Managers
Speakers: Robin Robatcek, Anoka-Ramsey Community College
Description:
Communication is the foundation of good management skills. This course will identify effective communication skills and instruct the participant on how to identify and overcome communication barriers and conflicts. The importance of delegation, empowerment and constructive feedback will be discussed, as well as the importance of open, honest communication in order to promote trust. This communication workshop will assist individuals in the transition from worker to supervisor.
Length: 4 hours
Date: Thursday, April 12, 2012, 8 a.m. - Noon
SESSION I begins at 7:45 a.m. All other SESSIONS will begin at 8 a.m. in the Chamber President’s room, located at 110 6th Ave. S., St. Cloud. MN, 56301.
NOTE: Participants may miss one class but must make it up the following year to receive a certificate. Those who miss more than one class are not eligible to receive a certificate under any circumstances.