Supervisory Leadership Program

Supervisory Leadership Program

In Fall 2024, the Division of Talent & Inclusion will launch its inaugural Supervisory Leadership Program, a seven-week workshop series designed to provide a cohort of supervisors (staff and faculty) at WPI with the insights and tools necessary to enhance their supervisory and leadership skills.

The program’s goal is to help attendees learn to effectively manage, motivate, influence, and resolve conflicts through practical exercises and interactive sessions. This program prepares supervisors for effective team leadership and confident decision-making.

Program Eligibility

The Supervisory Leadership Program is intended for WPI supervisors who seek to enhance their leadership knowledge, skills, and abilities. It will serve a diverse cohort from various departments, disciplines, and functions.

We are seeking experienced managers from your areas who meet the following criteria:

  • Proficient in managerial basics with demonstrated experience in team leadership, performance management, and/or strategic execution.
  • 3+ years of managerial experience with a proven track record of impact.
  • Eager to grow through meaningful professional development.

Program

The program’s curriculum is interactive and will focus on key competencies needed for personal and professional growth.

The first program cohort will begin in Fall 2024 and will run for seven weeks. Each session will run from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm. Lunch will be provided. Please see below for the dates for each program and for session descriptions. 

*The program and schedule are subject to change and will be updated as soon as possible.

Session / Topic

Fall 2024  - Spring 2025
Date

Session Times

Location

Transformational Leadership November 11, 2024

9:30 am to 1 pm

Higgins Library

Managing With Your Strengths November 18, 2024

9:30 am to 1 pm

Higgins Library

Management Priorities December 02, 2024

9:30 am to 1 pm

Higgins Library

Embracing and Managing Emotions January 13, 2025

9:30 am to 1 pm

Higgins Library

Managing Differences January 27, 2025

9:30 am to 1 pm

Higgins Library

Managing and Embracing Change February 03, 2025

9:30 am to 1 pm

Higgins Library

The Art of Giving and Receiving Feedback February 24, 2025

9:30 am to 1 pm

Higgins Library

Nomination Process

Program cohorts will be established via a nomination process. More information on the process will be forthcoming. 

Session Descriptions

Session 1: Transformational Leadership (November 11, 2024)

Learn to inspire and lead your team towards a shared vision. This session will explore the principles of transformational leadership, including modeling desired behaviors, sharing vision and enthusiasm, motivating and supporting your team, and driving innovation. Participants will engage in exercises to develop their ability to lead with passion and purpose, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and high performance.

Session 2: Managing With Your Strengths (November 18, 2024)

Discover how to utilize your unique strengths for effective leadership. This session will explore the concept of strengths-based leadership, helping participants identify their own strengths and those of their team members. Participants will learn how to leverage these strengths to enhance team performance, foster engagement, and achieve organizational objectives. Participants will need to complete the CliftonStrengths for Managers prior to this session.

Session 3: Management Priorities (December 02, 2024)

Identify and prioritize essential management tasks and responsibilities. In this session, participants will delve into their unique management styles and discover how it influences their interactions with team members. They will gain valuable insights into their strengths and areas for growth, learning to adapt their approach to more effectively motivate, guide, and develop individuals on their team. The session will emphasize recognizing and adapting to different work styles, equipping participants with tailored management strategies to improve communication, build trust, and foster strong, productive team relationships. Participants will need to complete the DiSC Management prior to this session.

Session 4: Embracing and Managing Emotions (January 13, 2025)

Gain greater self-awareness, understand how to manage emotional reactions, improve interpersonal communication, and improve decision making. Today’s leaders are expected to lead by example, self-regulate their emotions, and understand the emotions of others – often under continually challenging and evolving circumstances. This session helps attendees understand the foundational pillars of emotional intelligence. Participants will need to complete the EQi-2.0 Leadership prior to this session.

Session 5: Managing Differences (January 27, 2025)

Navigate and leverage diversity to strengthen team collaboration. This session will address the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace, covering topics such as cultural competence, bias awareness, and inclusive leadership. Participants will gain tools to manage diverse teams, promote equity, and create an inclusive work environment where all employees feel valued.

Session 6: Managing and Embracing Change (February 03, 2025)

Equip yourself with tools to lead through organizational changes. This session will focus on change management principles, including understanding the human side of change, communicating effectively during transitions, and leading your team through uncertainty. Participants will learn strategies to help their teams adapt to change and maintain productivity during transitions.

Session 7: The Art of Giving and Receiving Feedback (February 24, 2025)

Learn about techniques for delivering and receiving feedback constructively. This session will cover best practices for providing constructive feedback, receiving feedback gracefully, and using feedback as a tool for continuous improvement. Participants will engage in role-playing exercises to practice effective feedback techniques, ensuring they can build a culture of open communication and trust within their teams.

Questions? Feedback?

For questions or more information about the program, contact Talent & Inclusion (508-831-6783), or Learning & Development (Learning@wpi.edu).