Management & Supervisory

New Resources & Updated Courses

Frequently, supervisors are current employees with strong technical skills who have been internally promoted.  Just as frequently, they have little or no training to equip them with the next level of skills needed to lead the workforce and organization to a higher level.  MSI 2.0 trains supervisors to model behavior that will create organizational change.  MSI has been utilized by many different companies including; recreational, retail services, not for profit, manufacturing, banking and education.  It provides supervisors with the following:

• An understanding of their own behavioral style and how it affects their performance
• A ‘big picture’ perspective of business operations
• Exposure to the tools that facilitate increased productivity
• An overview of HR law, which allows them to understand the impact of their decisions on the business
• Confidence to handle conflict and to coach and motivate employees
• Facilitation skills for conducting meetings to achieve maximum results
• Increased appreciation of diversity and its value to the organization

In order to meet the demand to develop mid-level management, Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana has developed MSI 2.0 - a high-impact program to help train your most critical personnel:  front-line and mid-level managers and supervisors.  Many times, individuals are moved into supervisory roles with little or no training because they have other key attributes recognized by the organization.  While qualified to perform the nuts and bolts of the job, they lack the necessary communication, organization, and motivational skills to effectively get the job done through other people.

MSI 2.0 is designed to provide lower and mid-level managers professional development training in communication, leadership, interpersonal skills, and managerial performance.  From the first to the last day of this program, participants are engaged and involved.  Each class provides skills immediately applicable on the job, and participants keep a journal documenting learning, practices, successes, and an implementation plan for future behavioral change. Additionally, participants deliver a final presentation encapsulating one or more situations they have encountered which will be handled more effectively as a result of enhanced skills.  Participants and invited guests are recognized at the final session with a luncheon and certificate ceremony.

New Resources and Updated Courses:

• Participants now learn to use the on-line resource My Writing Lab® and finish the program with a one-year subscription enabling them to continue improving their writing skills while on the job.
• The FreePlay Business Simulation Game has been enhanced to include more activities and group interaction.
• All of the courses in MSI 2.0 have been updated to reflect the current business environment and include more activities and exercises.  Participant feedback was used to make the courses more dynamic and relevant for the job.

Program Benefits:

• Adults learn from adults

• Participants exchange real-life stories and help one another with solutions

• Skills learned are relevant    

• Skills taught are immediately applicable on the job
• The program stimulates new ideas and prepares supervisors and managers to effectively deal with growth and change

• Participants gain confidence 

• The program promotes an increased level of professionalism through knowledge and practice
• Participants and their organization gain from an increased level of professionalism
• Strong leaders, by example, facilitate internal changes at every level

• Learning is reinforced

• The length of the program moves learning from an awareness level to an application level
• Repeat class meetings allow participants to try out new skills and come back with questions and success stories

• Classes are small 

• The class sizes facilitate one-on-one contact with instructors and other participants

• It is affordable and local!

Testimonials from Participants:

“I learned how to motivate, not just direct people – which has resulted in tangible production increases.”

“I was inspired.  Every supervisor at our company should attend this program.”

“DISC® has been the most valuable thing I have learned that I can use day to day.”

“I enjoyed every class – I found something I could draw upon at each meeting.”

“I found out I don’t answer the ‘whys’ for those people I work with who might need that to respond to my directions better.”

“It made me realize a lot about myself.  I understand myself a lot better.”

“I never knew I was a supervisor until I went to MSI.”

“It helped me see the ‘big picture’ and realize more of why people do what they do.”

“The instructor was able to share work experiences as a supervisor which is beneficial to the learner.”

“The instructor offered a variety of teaching methods.  It was an interactive class.”

“I will become a better leader because I will apply this knowledge and improve daily.”

“Making change is a piece of cake.  Sustaining change is a challenge.”

“You work every day in one place and getting to know others through a program like this…you learn a lot.”

Program Information:

MSI 2.0 requires the commitment of an established cohort group.  By design, this group will move though the series as a participant cluster, creating group synergy and building upon a variety of experiences.  The courses work together to build upon one another and learning from previous classes is constantly being reinforced.  MSI 2.0 culminates with a luncheon, including sponsoring employers, where participants deliver a presentation overview summarizing the impact of the training and how it will affect their work performance.

The program contains 105 contact hours.  The institute cost is $2,995 per person. Registration includes all materials, instruction, exercises, and a subscription to My Writing Lab® for one year.  Seating is limited, so register early.

To successfully complete the program and earn the Institute certificate, participants must complete at least 85% of all courses and deliver the presentation assignment during the final session.  Additionally, assessment tests must be completed during each session.

Special topics courses in professional development, as well as the Management & Supervisory Institute program, can also be conducted for company groups on contract or customized and targeted to specific needs.

For more information, contact Becky Murray at 1-800-659-4562 x 4011 or 765-966-2656 x 4011.

MSI 2.0 Consists Of The Following Courses:

Your Role Using Extended DISC®

Supervision is most effective when there is mutual respect between the employee and the supervisor.  Awareness of our own behavior can lead to increased understanding of others, which may subsequently affect how we deliver work instructions, lead, motivate, make decisions, solve problems and manage change.  Attend this course and learn skills to affect positive change in yourself, your department, your company, and your life.

Topics include:

• Extended DISC® Personal Analysis Report
• Understanding behavioral styles at work
• Effective communication skills
• Management challenges and tools

Course Length: 7 hours Fee: see above

Tools of Management

Strong leadership is a direct result of managers effectively utilizing the tools of management, such as planning and organizing, delegating, problem solving, decision making, motivating, and coaching.  Supervisors use these tools daily, and this course is designed to help them analyze their level of effectiveness.

Topics include:

• Overview of the tools
• Planning
• Problem solving
• Decision making
• Delegation
• Motivating and coaching
• Managing change
• Raising the quality standard 

Course Length: 14 hours Fee: see above

Leader, Manager, or Both?

What's the difference between a leader and a manager?  Can you be both?  This workshop sheds light on both roles and addresses planning and meeting goals and objectives.

Topics include:

• Defining the functions and goals of leadership
• Distinguishing the different skill sets of leaders and managers and how to use both effectively
• Understanding the differences between what it means to lead and to manage
• The Leader/Manager combination
• Managing organizational responsibility
• Managing the environment

Course Length: 7 hours Fee: see above

Results-Oriented Communication

Supervisors must communicate clearly and with confidence to be successful in today's workplace. This course provides an understanding of the basic concepts and techniques needed to communicate for results, such as good listening skills and the avoidance of communication barriers.

Topics include:

• How to give constructive feedback
• Recognize and apply active learning skills
• Understanding the importance of effective communication in the workplace
• Communicating your vision

Course Length: 7 hours Fee: see above

Writing for Results

Effective business writing comes naturally to some, but is an acquired skill for most.  This course will help participants recognize that written communication must be adapted to the audience and situation.  It helps them understand the appropriate level of formality as well as the recommended format.  The on-line tool My Writing Lab® is used as a diagnostic tool during the course.  After the course, participants have access to the tool for one year as they work to continually improve their writing skills.

Topics include:

• The importance of good writing skills
• Grammar
• Correspondence
• Email
• How to avoid common mistakes
• My Writing Lab® on-line tool

Course Length: 7 hours Fee: see above

Presenting for Understanding

Most people dread speaking in front of a group.  Because this module requires most participants to step outside of their comfort zone, a safe, positive environment is created within the classroom.  Presenting for Understanding stresses the importance of preparation and practice in delivering presentations.  Participants will explore the seven aspects of dynamic presentations, including speaker, message, audience, channel, feedback, noise, and setting.  Several exercises are included to allow participants the opportunity to put knowledge into practice.  This module also acts as the foundation for the final class session where all participants deliver a five to ten-minute presentation to a formal audience.

Topics include:

• Importance of preparation and practice
• Seven aspects of dynamic presentations
• Practice exercises
• Preparation for final presentation

Course Length: 7 hours Fee: see above

Manage and Resolve Conflict

Conflict management is one of the biggest challenges individuals face personally and professionally.  Presented and dealt with in a positive manner, conflict can be a healthy component of human interaction, but nonetheless it takes practice and skill to mold it into a positive outcome.  This course focuses on understanding the nature of conflict and how to manage it, as well as the tools that bring resolution.

Topics include:

• Understanding conflict
• Factors leading to conflict
• Conflict management strategies
• Conflict resolution tools

Course Length: 7 hours Fee: see above

Cost-Effective Meetings

Inefficiently run meetings can be time-consuming and very costly.  Learn to organize and conduct effective meetings that will provide maximum benefits, while minimizing the costs and negative results.  This course facilitates getting things done through others.

Topics include:

• Why have meetings
• Defining the meeting
• Planning the meeting
• Organizing the meeting
• Conducting the meeting
• Meeting outcomes

Course Length: 7 hours Fee: see above

Business Basics

Buy-in to continuous improvement comes from an understanding of the overall picture. But often, exposure to this picture is limited to those with Business degrees.  Managers at all levels can become more knowledgeable about business concepts and how to gain company loyalty from their employees by participating in the big picture Business Basics.  This course results in a deeper understanding of all stakeholders, including the customer.

Topics include:

• Changes in the way business is conducted
• Challenges and obstacles
• Daily decisions and their impact
• Continuous improvement
• FreePlay Business Simulation Game

Course Length: 14 hours Fee: see above

HR Aspects of Supervision

One of the many hats you'll wear as a supervisor is that of a Human Resources representative. It's important to quickly increase your awareness of the role you play in helping an employee be successful and in limiting the legal exposure to yourself and your organization.

Topics include:

• Interviewing and hiring
• How to take disciplinary action
• Employee performance appraisals
• HR laws and company policy
• Inclusion (diversity)

Course Length: 7 hours Fee: see above

Supervisor as Coach

Coaching is an important part of developing an effective organization and not just a way to deal with “problem” employees.  In this workshop you will learn how to create a coaching environment with your employees that centers on trust, respect, and open communication.  Information provided in this workshop may lead to increased job satisfaction and motivation of your employees.

Topics include:

• Mastering coaching competencies
• The coaching session
• Coaching for change
• Coaching behaviors

Course Length: 7 hours Fee: see above

Employee Development

To improve productivity, reduce errors, and increase employee morale you must first have well-trained and prepared workers.  Participants are introduced to adult learning principles, the importance of constructive feedback, and the value of teaching participants to "do it right," recapturing training shortcuts that may have developed over time.  This course outlines the elements that must be included in a training program, whether written or conveyed verbally.

Topics include:

• Training pre-assessment
• The role of the Trainer/Program Designer
• Principles of adult learning
• Delivering the training
• Evaluation

Course Length: 7 hours Fee: see above

Presentations:  Skills Review

At the capstone session, each participant delivers a five to ten-minute presentation based on the material learned throughout the series.  The focus of each presentation is how the individual has used the information to further develop as a supervisor.  The purpose of the presentation is to provide an opportunity for participants to practice the skills learned throughout MSI 2.0 in a safe, encouraging environment.  The presentations also provide a collective overview of the series.  Written feedback is provided by other participants directly to each presenter.  The feedback is used to further develop presentation skills once back on the job.  Guests are invited to the final session which includes a luncheon and certificate ceremony.

Topics include:

• Overview of the MSI 2.0 series
• Participant experience as a result of the series
• Participant presentations
• Peer feedback
• Luncheon and certificate ceremony

Course Length: 7 hours Fee: see above