Supervision Essentials

Supervision Essentials

Employee retention and engagement are key to successful companies. The Supervision Essentials program, developed by a faculty team with both academic and managerial experience, is designed for first-level supervisors, managers new to supervising others, and/or individuals likely to move into a supervision role. The program features four courses; each course consists of four half-day modules (for a total of 16 modules). All classes are instructor-led and held virtually, using Zoom video conferencing technology. This program is being held in partnership with Penn State Wilkes-Barre campus. Feel free to take just one course, or earn the Penn State Non-Credit Supervision Essentials certificate by completing all four!

Questions? Contact our office at [email protected] or call 724-334-6011.

Scroll down or click on the course titles below for course descriptions:

    Courses to be offered in Spring 2022

      Supervisor Roles & Responsibilities (MDEV 6000)

      Course Content

      Module 1: Meeting Supervisory Responsibilities

      • The Transitions to Supervision
      • Supervisory Roles and Skills
      • Values and Ethics
      • Management Approaches and Styles

      Module 2: Communicating Effectively

      • Interpersonal Communication
      • The Elements of a Message
      • Communication Barriers and Problems
      • Effective Listening

      Module 3: Building Work Relationships

      • Interpersonal Styles
      • High Quality Work Relationships
      • Strengthening Work Relationships
      • Building Trust with Employees

      Module 4: Leading Others

      • Characteristics of Effective Leaders
      • Leadership Focused Areas
      • Providing Excellent Direction
      • Delegating Effectively

      Logistics

      Dates: Wednesdays, February 2–February 23, 2022
      Times: 5–9 p.m.
      Location: Virtual instructor-led training via Zoom videoconferencing
      Cost: $745 per person
      Registration: Please contact Continuing Education at [email protected] or 724-334-6011.

       

      Managing Employee Performance (MDEV 6001)

      Course Content

      Module 1: Setting the Stage for Excellent Performance

      • Performance Management
      • What Motivates Employees
      • Supervisor as Performance Manager
      • Expectations for Excellence

      Module 2: Clarifying Expectations and Observing Performance

      • SMART Performance Objectives
      • Setting Standards and Measures
      • Communicating Expectations
      • Observations and Performance Data

      Module 3: Coaching and Providing Feedback

      • Supervisor as Coach
      • Providing Effective Feedback
      • Developing Coaching Skills
      • Planning a Coaching Session

      Module 4: Dealing with Challenging Performance Situations

      • Performance Improvement Sessions
      • Positive Approach to Discipline
      • Planning for Performance Improvement
      • High-Quality Performance Evaluations

      Dates: Wednesdays, March 9–March 30, 2022
      Times: 5–9 p.m.
      Location: Virtual instructor-led training via Zoom videoconferencing
      Cost: $745 per person

      Solving Problems and Managing Priorities (MDEV 6002)

      Course Content

      Module 1: Managing Time and Priorities

      • Identifying Priorities
      • Maintaining Focus
      • Dealing with Time Wasters
      • A Goal-Based Approach to Time Management

      Module 2: Solving Problems

      • Problems Faced by Supervisors
      • The Six-Step Problem-Solving Process
      • Tools and Techniques for Solving Problems
      • Applying Tools to Current Problems

      Module 3: Resolving Conflicts

      • Causes and Nature of Interpersonal Conflict
      • Conflict Resolution Styles
      • Planning Positive Resolutions
      • Guidelines for Positive Interactions

      Module 4: Supervising Projects

      • What is a Project?
      • Project Stages and Elements
      • Tools for Project Planning, Coordination and Monitoring
      • Reducing Project-Related Problems
         

      Developing Individuals and Teams (MDEV 6010)

      Course Content

      Module 1: Interviewing and Selecting Employees

      • Behavioral Interviewing
      • Planning the Interview and Developing Questions
      • Conducting Effective Interviews
      • Legal Considerations in Employee Selection

      Module 2: Developing Employee Skills

      • The Supervisor’s Role in Skill Development
      • Determining Employee Needs for Development
      • On-The-Job Training and Coaching
      • Tips for Effective Classroom Training

      Module 3: Developing a Team

      • Characteristics of Effective Teams
      • Developing Teams for Success
      • Reducing Barriers to Teamwork
      • Virtual Teams

      Module 4: Building a Positive Work Climate

      • Employee Interactions, Work Climates and Performance
      • Respect in a Diverse Workforce
      • Dealing with Difficult Behavior in Others
      • Keeping on Top of Stress