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Principles of Supervision

Principles of Supervision is a seven module workshop series focused on the development of fundamental supervisory skills. Through learning, discussion, practice, and reflection, participants learn strategies to effectively lead and manage others.

Two types of cohorts are offered at Sac State. The first cohort Principles of Supervision for Appropriate Administrators is offered for employees in the Management Personnel Plan (MPP). The second cohort is offered for bargaining unit staff who provide lead work direction to other staff or student employees.

Modules

Principles of Supervision is a professional development program designed to provide California State University supervisors with the knowledge and skills they need to effectively lead and manage their teams. The program covers a range of topics, including communication, motivation, recognizing implicit bias, team culture and performance management. By participating in this program, managers, supervisors, and lead staff will build their management skills and gain a deeper understanding of best practices in supervision and will be better equipped to lead effective and engaged teams to success.

Please note that Principles of Supervision for MPPs is not the same as the mandatory MPP 101 series.

Learning Objectives and Outcomes

  1. Introduce the supervisory skills framework
  2. Explore the role of the supervisor
  3. Identify management and leadership characteristics
  4. Begin an action plan.

Module Pre-work

Module 1 Pre-work in CSU Learn

Module Resources

"Lead" work versus "Manager" work

Learning Objectives and Outcomes

  1. Recognize the central importance of self-awareness and self-management in leadership
  2. Explore how personal biases impact supervision
  3. Identify tactics to address personal bias in the role of the supervisor.

Module Pre-work

Module 2 Pre-work in CSU Learn

Module Resources

Module 2 Toolkit

Supplemental Coursework for Module

Module 2 Supplemental Coursework

Learning Objectives and Outcomes

  1. Define performance management and the steps for successful application
  2. Examine best practices for observing employee performance
  3. Recognize common biases in the workplace and how to move beyond them
  4. Practice writing detailed, measurable performance standards
  5. Analyze steps in establishing behavioral expectations.

Module Pre-work

Module 3 Pre-work in CSU Learn

Module Resources

Work Lead Feedback Forms

Module 3 Toolkit

Supplemental Coursework for Module

Module 3 Supplemental Coursework

Learning Objectives and Outcomes

  1. Define two key factors of performance
  2. Analyze ways to evaluate motivation and ability
  3. Identify key drivers for motivation and how these differ by individual
  4. Define key drivers and benefits of employee engagement
  5. Identify ways to connect employees to the university's mission.

Module Pre-workModule 4 Pre-work in CSU Learn

Module Resources

Module 4 Toolkit

Personal Recognition Inventory Form

Supplemental Coursework for Module 4

Module 4 Supplemental Coursework

Learning Objectives and Outcomes

  1. Identify key components of successful development conversations
  2. Evaluate employee performance
  3. Practice using the STAR/AR feedback model
  4. Conduct effective performance reviews
  5. Write SMART goals with your team.

Module Pre-work

Module 5 Pre-work in CSU Learn

Module Resources

Feedback Planner Tool

Module 5 Toolkit

Supplemental Coursework for Module

Module 5 Supplemental Coursework

Learning Objectives and Outcomes

  1. Explore and explain the four basic functions of management
  2. Analyze and recommend delegation styles depending on context
  3. Identify best practices for time management and value-based productivity.

Module Pre-workModule 6 Pre-work in CSU Learn

Module Resources

Module 6 Toolkit

"What's a Priority -- and what's not?"

Supplemental Coursework for Module

Module 6 Supplemental Coursework

Learning Objectives and Outcomes

  1. Identify areas to build and strengthen relationships
  2. Analyze how culture impacts communication
  3. Build essential communication strategies
  4. Develop team culture and relationship goals through action planning.

Module Pre-work

Module 7 Pre-work in CSU Learn

Module Resources

Module 7 Toolkit

Supplemental Coursework for Module

Module 7 Supplemental Coursework

Logistics

Participation Commitments

Before registering for the class, please review the following cohort commitments:

  • Participants commit to attending all in-person classes onsite
  • Participants commit to completing all assigned pre-work modules prior to the class session
  • Participants commit to engaging with the cohort and their Accountability Partner during the sessions
  • Participants commit to completing the supervisory action plan.

Materials and Cost

The Principles of Supervision Learners Guide will be distributed to each participant at the first session. There is no cost to Sac State employees.

Accessibility Information

The Office of Human Resources seeks to ensure that our events are inclusive and that all attendees are able to fully participate. Employees who may require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any workshop or program should email their request to learn-dev@csus.edu no later than five (5) business days prior to the event.

Approval to Attend

All employees are asked to communicate with their administrator prior to registering for this training program to ensure that their unit has adequate coverage and that their attendance is approved.

Registration

Register by clicking the button below.

Principles of Supervision for MPPs - Fall 2024

Principles of Supervision for Lead Staff - Fall 2024