Supervisor Development Series I: Leading from the Inside Out

Module 1 | The Role of the Supervisor

This comprehensive module explores the role of the supervisor. Learners will be introduced to the Leadership Competency framework, which is based upon the principles of adaptive leadership and the multidimensional skills that human services leaders should acquire to promote the well-being of the workforce, best serve as effective change agents, and facilitate positive outcomes for families and individuals served by human services agencies.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the Leadership Competency Framework
• Shift your mindset from individual contributor to collective contributor
• Establish new professional boundaries and relationships
• Understand the phases of transition

Module 2| Emotional and Social Intelligence

As we know, the smartest people are not always the most successful in the workplace. You likely know intelligent or skilled individuals who struggle to advance and may only achieve moderate success. While IQ is valuable, emotional intelligence (EQ) enables us to manage stress and emotions effectively in times of adversity. EQ is the key to forging positive working relationships and creating influence. Learners will understand the fundamentals of EQ and the importance of developing skills as they assume the supervisor role.

Learning Objectives:

• Cultivate an understanding of emotional intelligence (EQ)
• Create an understanding of workplace “drama,” learn how to identify it, and remedy dysfunctional

behaviors

• Understand the types and roles of psychological contracts
• Understand the connection between staff engagement and psychological safety
• Gain a foundational understanding of the neuroscience of leadership

Module 3| DiSC in the Workplace: Effective Communication Strategies

Self-awareness enables supervisors to identify gaps in their leadership skills, revealing areas where they are most effective and where growth opportunities may arise. Before attending this module, learners will complete a self- assessment to increase their self-knowledge, becoming more aware of their motivators, conflict styles, stressors, and problem-solving skills. Understanding their styles will improve their working relationships with their team.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn the basics of DiSC and how each style functions
• Identify one’s style and explore its impact through a personal assessment report
• Determine how to utilize DiSC concepts in interactions to meet the needs of one’s team
• Identify insights to be shared with one’s team to integrate DiSC concepts into the workplace

Assessment Tool: The Everything DiSC Workplace is an assessment that provides an in-depth exploration of one’s personality and behavioral drivers in the workplace. It introduces other styles and strategies for effectively communicating and collaborating with others within the organization.

Note: Learners must complete the assessment before attending this module and will bring their report to the training.

Module 4 | Crucial Conversations

Assessing and managing employee performance is a primary responsibility of a supervisor. It is a continuous and complex process. When done correctly, it can enhance the agency's operations by recognizing employees for good performance, encouraging professional development, and providing employees with recommendations for improvement. This module is designed to give learners the skills and confidence to give and receive feedback effectively.

Learning Objectives:

• Inspire high performers to even greater performance and achievement
• Guide low-performers and help them understand the importance of personal and team accountability
• Create emotional and psychological safety in your crucial conversations to maximize results
• Build an understanding of potential triggers as a result of providing feedback and learn how to address sensitive situations appropriately

Assessment Tool: The Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument (TKI) is a user-friendly, self-scoring assessment with interpretation and feedback materials. It helps individuals determine which of the five conflict-management styles is most suitable for them. The evaluation also helps to understand the most appropriate uses for each style and how to increase comfort with less frequently used styles.

Module 5 | The Five Behaviors of Teambuilding

Developing effective teams is a primary responsibility of a supervisor. The early stages of team development focus on establishing the team's purpose and key goals. However, once the team is up and running, the supervisor's role becomes even more prominent. This module will help learners understand the importance of the supervisor's role in guiding the team to success. It will also assist them in developing a shared vision and understanding for a high- performing team, determining critical elements and individual contributions that comprise this vision, and guiding plans or agreements to realize the vision within their agencies. The module will promote the practice of key skills to address inevitable team challenges, including appreciating individual differences, communicating collaboratively, and managing conflict effectively.

Learning Objectives:

• Examine principles and behaviors to guide team performance
• Understand the stages of team development and recognize how to support your team through each stage best
• Acknowledge the significance of the supervisor’s role in team development