Supervisor Challenge Program

"Never be afraid to try something new, because life gets boring when you stay within the limits of what you already know." 

Do you strive to be an effective supervisor? Are you challenged by your supervisory responsibilities? Is it your goal to provide clear direction and expectations? Do you want to build your skills and abilities as a supervisor? Are you up for the challenge?

The topic of developing leadership skills on campus has come up in many past staff development surveys, and it took on renewed resonance during the development of the university’s Strategic Plan 2025. One of the three pillars in that plan includes: “Enhance the status of staff on campus, with a focus on management and leadership training….” Towards that strategic goal, a new series has been developed by CMU’s Professional Development Services to meet the needs of supervisors.  

A six-part series will be held once a month (except December), designed for individuals who currently have supervisory responsibilities, and it will include content on onboarding, performance management, organizational development, and rewards and recognition. The content will be framed through Kouzes and Posner’s book The Leadership Challenge.

This training goes beyond the ‘how’ to the ‘why,’ and will include experiential exercises to give participants exposure to situations encountered as a supervisor. Elements of the training include self-assessment, goal setting, practice activities, and supervision simulation.

If you are interested, call Professional Development Services at 412-268-9099 for more information, or sign up online.