As stewards of the University of Illinois System, system office managers are tasked with overseeing diverse portfolios, including employee and student services, administrative functions, and programs. A well-rounded and specialized training program for these leaders not only enhances their ability to address current issues but also prepares them to proactively lead their teams toward future innovation and success. This program highlights the significance of what every manager within system offices should know, shedding light on their impact on our employees, institutional growth, collaborative leadership, and the cultivation of a thriving learning community.
Training for Managers Classes
Each class will be led by instructors who will guide you through a topic, with a specific focus on group discussion and engagement.
Required classes are marked with an asterisk (*).
To register for a course, click on the course title and select the date you wish to attend.
Note: Registration for 2025 classes will be available in Spring.
Communications & Active Listening
Learning objective: Learn the essential skills and techniques needed to become a proficient communicator and a mindful listener.
Learning objective: Learn the tools and strategies needed to foster the professional growth and motivation of teams; create a positive work environment, provide meaningful development opportunities, and cultivate a motivated and engaged workforce.
- April 9, 1:30 – 2:30 PM
- April 10, 11:00 – 12:00 PM
Employee Relations & Approaching Conflict
Learning objectives: Identify common sources of conflict within higher education organizations, such as academic disputes, resource allocation, and interpersonal tensions. Develop skills in conflict resolution and mediation, including negotiation, compromise, and problem-solving techniques.
TKI Assessment is required before taking this class.
Learning objective: Gain a better understanding of the responsibilities and the skills required to effectively manage and administer leave-time policies.
- March 4, 10:00 – 12:00 PM
- March 12, 1:00 – 3:00 PM
Managing a Hybrid Workforce*
Learning objective: Learn to implement a strategic approach to effectively manage a hybrid workforce, equipping both in-person and remote teams with the necessary skills and tools to thrive. Specifically, participants will develop the capability to empower their teams with the knowledge and skills required to succeed in the era of hybrid work, emphasizing flexibility and adaptability as crucial components for future team success.
Performance Management Process
Learning objective: To provide support and references for supervisors in executing their management responsibilities to working with poor performers.
Recognition & Appreciation
Learning objective: Learn some best practices around employee recognition and appreciation to directly impact employee morale, retention, and overall organizational success.
Recruiting, Hiring & Search Committee
Learning objective: Learn the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively navigate the complex process of attracting, evaluating, and selecting qualified candidates.
Succession Planning & Promotions
Learning objective: Learn the knowledge and skills necessary to implement effective succession planning strategies. This session will help participants proactively identify and develop talent within their unit, ensuring a seamless transition of leadership and critical roles to sustain continuity and success.
Supervision 101*
Learning objective: Participants will develop an understanding of core supervisory responsibilities, including performance monitoring, feedback delivery, policy and compliance and systems.
Assessments
Program participants have the opportunity to complete two assessments: Clifton Strengths Finder and Thomas Killman Conflict Mode Instrument (TKI). These assessments aim to provide participants with insights into their unique working styles and foster meaningful conversations with others in their office.
The Clifton StrengthsFinder assessment, based on the groundbreaking work of Gallup, is a transformative tool that empowers individuals to identify and harness their unique strengths. In a world that often focuses on weaknesses, this assessment provides a refreshing perspective by emphasizing what individuals do exceptionally well. This session will help managers unlock their hidden potential, enhance personal and professional growth, and maximize their impact on the organization.
Please note: To take the assessment and get your top five strengths, you must provide a CFOP to cover the $25 fee for the assessment. Instructions are provided when you sign up for the class.
- April 16, 9:00 –10:00 AM
- April 17, 2:00 – 3:00 PM
Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument (TKI)
Because no two individuals have exactly the same expectations and desires, conflict is a natural part of our interactions with others. Your conflict behavior in the workplace is a result of both your personal predispositions and the requirements of the situation in which you find yourself. The TKI is designed to measure your use of conflict-handling modes across a wide variety of group and organizational settings. This assessment is a prerequisite for the Employee Relations & Approaching Conflict session and is completed on the participant’s own time.
Certificate
To attain a certificate, you must attend six manager training sessions and two Diversity. Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB) sessions. The certificate program is open to University of Illinois System managers and supervisors.