Supervisor Essentials Program

July 8, 2025 3:15-5:00 p.m.
Bringing new team members on board can be a challenge to navigate, but if done effectively, it is an exciting opportunity for both the new team members and the organization. From the application process, to interview procedures, and onboarding this session will provide an easy-to-follow checklist to assist in ensuring Washburn University continues to be the employer of choice!

(Christa Beemer, Talent Engagement and Development Partner)

July 17 3:15-5:00 p.m.
"The strength of the team is each member. The strength of each member is the team."-Phil Jackson

Team building is an activity or process designed to help build connections between members of a team, create lasting bonds, and enable better teamwork and working practices. Team building activities might include holding group discussions, running team games, or simply an outing together to create lasting memories. In this session we will discuss the importance of team building and share ideas on effective team building activities. If you want to improve your team's communication, creativity, while reducing silos and conflict this is the session to attend!

(Christa Beemer, Talent Engagement and Development Partner)

March 5 3:15-5:00 p.m.
Continuous Performance Management is a modern approach to employee evaluation that focuses on helping your team members grow, improve and take charge of their own development.  In a culture of continuous performance management, feedback isn't just about annual reviews, but is given in real time, scheduled 1:1's and consists of both praise and constructive feedback. This interactive session will assist leaders at all levels develop their own culture of continuous feedback.

(Dena Brake, Organizational Development Consultant)

April 17 3:15-5:00 p.m.
This session ensures that supervisors receive knowledge and skills for effective day-to-day decision making and action. The goal is to safeguard that laws and university policies are uniformly applied across departments and units. While promoting positive team member relations, leaders will prevent or limit risk to the University. ADA, FMLA & HIPAA, FLSA and Worker's Compensation.

(Teresa Lee, Assistant Vice President HR)

May 14 3:15-5:00 p.m.
If you want to be a leader who develops, guides and inspires their team members to be and do their best, it's imperative that you grow your Emotional Intelligence. (EQ) EQ proves to be, at least, 3 times more impactful in leading people than technical ability and IQ. (Harvard Business Review) In this session an assessment will be given which ranks your EQ score in all 4 pillars. Finally, you will learn ways to improve your EQ and avoid EQ hijacking!  

(Dena Brake, Organizational Development Consultant)

June 18 3:15-5:00 p.m.
Somewhere in your life, it's likely you heard the phrase "If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all." In leadership, however, it’s necessary to share praise as well as constructive feedback. Doing so shows your investment in your team members. But those conversations can be difficult. This session will explore why this is so difficult, share effective methods for successfully having the difficult discussion, as well as scenarios for you to practice your skills.

(Kate Burns, Organizational Development Consultant)