WDCE Offering Four-Session Series for Front-Line Supervisors

Published 04.26.2016

News
Workforce Development

Four classes comprise the Front Line Supervisor Spring Series being offered by Workforce Development & Continuing Education at Pennsylvania College of Technology beginning in May.



Each of the following classes will meet in Penn College’s Klump Academic Center for two days, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with an hourlong lunch:

Supervisory Fundamentals (May 11 and 18)
This course provides the elemental aspects of supervision: Understanding Supervisory Role and Functions, Fostering Communication, Building Interpersonal Relationships, and Promoting Contemporary Leadership Practices. Upon completion of the four modules, participants will understand the skills and competencies associated with being a supervisor; explore key elements of the communication process and effectively apply those concepts; examine how to build effective interpersonal relationships by understanding themselves and others better; and identify the characteristics, approaches and styles of effective leaders.

Performance Management (May 25 and June 1)
This course covers the basic concepts of performance management: Creating a Climate of Motivation and Engagement, Shaping Performance Expectations, Developing Performance Coaching Techniques, and Addressing Difficult Performance Situations. Upon completion, participants will understand the elements of supervising for excellent performance, develop the capacity to create effective performance expectations, improve coaching skills and be able to address difficult performance situations.

Teamwork and Cooperation (June 7 and 14)
This course introduces basic team concepts and provides guidelines for setting up and structuring teams for successful performance: Understanding Team Roles and Responsibilities, Developing Team Skills and Processes, Resolving Team Challenges, and Enhancing Influence and Negotiation Skills. Upon completion, participants will realize the benefits of work teams, understand the key components for team success, be able to resolve team challenges, and enhance their influence and negotiation skills.

Workplace Challenges (June 21 and 28)
This course focuses on building skills related to improving the workplace: Applying Systematic Problem-Solving, Developing Time and Priority Management Skills, Facilitating Effective Meetings, and Understanding and Resolving Conflict. Upon completion of the four modules, participants will be able to implement a six-step, problem-solving model, effectively manage time and priorities, efficiently conduct meetings, and resolve conflict in the workplace.

The Supervisory Fundamentals and Performance Management sessions will be taught by Kathryn Ecker, an experienced coach, facilitator and organizational-development professional who has helped numerous organizations implement leadership solutions that support their business strategies. Ecker earned her bachelor’s degree in management (with an emphasis in human resources) from the University of Pittsburgh.

Prior to establishing herself as an independent consultant, Ecker served as an organizational development specialist at Geisinger Health System.

The Teamwork and Cooperation and Workplace Challenges sessions will be taught by James Hoy, a project management, human resource management and manufacturing/operations management leader who has developed and delivered leadership programs tailored to support organizational strategy. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Penn State, where he was an 11-year faculty member in management development programs and services.

A certified project management professional and certified public accountant, Hoy served in a variety of management positions prior to his Penn State employment.

Call 570-327-4775 for more information or visit WDCE to register or view a complete listing of courses.

For more about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education and workforce development, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.