Approaches to Developing Leadership Skills in Frontline Supervisors and Managers

Join our peer learning group to explore the power of developing leadership skills in frontline supervisors and managers for enhanced team performance and organizational success!

August 10, 2023 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Event Assets

Description

Developing leadership skills in frontline supervisors and managers holds immense possibilities for organizations. By investing in their development, leaders can cultivate a more engaged and effective workforce. This development process involves providing training, resources, and opportunities to stretch beyond their current level, to enhance their communication, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities. Additionally, it empowers leaders to inspire and motivate their teams, fostering a positive work culture that drives productivity and innovation. Organizations who find success in this arena are also more likely to foster an overall developmentally friendly culture for the entire organization.

However, developing frontline supervisors and managers as leaders also comes with its fair share of challenges in our complex work environments. Time constraints and competing priorities often make it difficult for leaders to allocate sufficient time for their own development. Balancing day-to-day operational demands while focusing on personal growth can be a juggling act. This can also be challenging, as no two future leaders need the same support. A cookie-cutter approach will not suffice, and to ensure they get what they need a relationship of trust with their leaders is critical, so both can share candid and productive feedback on the process. Intention is also important. Psychologically we tend to gravitate towards what makes us most comfortable, what we are familiar with, but that can lead to an environment fraught with group think and void of diversity. By creating space to know and understand the developmental needs and strength of many potential leaders, an organization has the potential to elevate unique perspectives, thoughts and experiences. Overcoming these challenges requires commitment from both sides, support from senior management, and a willingness to adapt and see changing circumstances as an opportunity to thrive.

The benefits of developing leadership skills in frontline supervisors and managers are significant and go beyond filling open positions. When leaders possess strong leadership competencies, they are better equipped to guide their teams toward success. Improved communication skills enable leaders to articulate goals and expectations clearly, enhancing collaboration, transparency and trust all while reducing misunderstandings. Effective decision-making skills help these leaders navigate complex situations with confidence and agility. Additionally, developing leadership skills enhances employee engagement and job satisfaction, leading to higher retention rates and increased productivity. Ultimately, organizations that invest in the development of their people will create a culture rife with these opportunities to cultivate future leaders. Leaders that don't just fill positions, but leaders that understand the organization and care about the performance, morale, and success of their teams.

Participate in Customizing the Agenda: You’ll have the opportunity to play an active part in shaping the agenda for this session – and to maximize its relevance for you – by suggesting and selecting topics for break-out discussions. Once the agenda is complete, you choose the discussions you want to join. This will be a highly interactive session so come prepared to share your questions, challenges and insights!

Webcast Available: If you can't make it to the event in-person (or if in-person registration has reached capacity), you can still register to attend from your computer. This option allows you to view the presentations, while attending in person provides you with the opportunity to participate in break-out discussions, ask questions or take advantage of networking opportunities. To attend the webcast, click the "Register for webcast" button on this meeting's homepage. You will receive a confirmation email with the link to the webcast a week before the meeting.

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Agenda Items

9:00 AM	Opening Remarks/Introductions
9:20 AM	Diversity as a filter for development featuring jIQ People Solutions
9:40 AM	Member Practice Spotlight featuring Northwestern Mutual
10:25 AM	Break
10:35 AM	Member Practice Spotlight featuring Mason Companies
11:20 AM	Develop Breakout Topic Agenda
	On-site Only
11:20 AM	Breakout Discussion
	Virtual Only
11:30 AM	Lunch
	On-site Only
11:50 AM	Closing Remarks & Wrap-up
	Virtual Only
12:00 PM	Adjourn
	Virtual Only
12:15 PM	Breakout Discussion: Session one
	On-site Only
1:00 PM	Breakout Discussion: Session two
	On-site Only
1:50 PM	Closing Remarks & Wrap-up
	On-site Only
2:00 PM	Adjourn
	On-site Only

Additional Information

Location: UW-Madison Pyle Center (In-person); EventsAir (Virtual)
Location Address: 702 Langdon Street, Madison, WI 53706

Contact: Events Team, events@uwebc.wisc.edu