Effective communication is the foundation of success at work. It enables individuals and organizations to:

• Achieve their goals
• Foster positive relationships
• Navigate challenges effectively

Being an effective communicator means knowing yourself and how to expertly navigate conversations. This course will explore communication in the workplace through the  Straight Talk® system developed by communications expert and organizational leadership consultant Eric Douglas. 

Leaders and supervisors play an important role in supporting the mental health and well-being of their teams. In this interactive session, you will learn best practices and strategies to recognize and respond to mental and emotional health concerns in the workplace. 

A feedback-rich workplace culture is vital to individual, team and organizational success, but feedback isn’t always easy to give or receive. This interactive course will provide practical strategies for giving and receiving feedback gracefully and constructively. 

This course is part of the Leadership Development Curriculum, but can be taken as a standalone offering.

A successful hiring process is an important part of building a positive organizational culture. It will help you find staff who can quickly contribute to your team. This course aims to equip hiring teams with:

• A comprehensive understanding of inclusive practices and tools

• A deep dive into all stages of the recruiting and hiring process

• Approaches to help mitigate potential biases throughout the hiring process 

Class discussions and activities will allow participants to put learning into practice. 

In June 2022, U-M enacted an Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility official policy. The policy covers digital formats such as websites, documents and software programs. Digital accessibility applied consistently avoids potential barriers for individuals with disabilities. This introductory course will provide an overview of:

Leaders play an important role in preventing workplace issues and wrongdoing. This course gives leaders tools and strategies to create a more welcoming and respectful work environment. Interactive discussions, case studies, and role-playing exercises will enhance learning. Leaders will be more prepared to:

Managers who understand organizational culture and climate can work to create an environment that is supportive, inclusive and values employees. This can lead to increased employee satisfaction, improved morale and higher levels of employee engagement. This foundational course provides managers with the tools and knowledge to lead a positive workplace culture within their team.

You will learn to:

• Determine the impact of supervisors on workplace culture and climate

• Implement positive changes to cultivate a supportive work environment

Transitioning from a member of a team to a leadership role is both exciting and challenging, and even more so if you are promoted from within a team. This session will focus on practical strategies to create greater self-awareness and build upon your strengths to become your best leader self. 

Whether you are currently in a formal leadership position or aspire to hold such a position, this course lays the groundwork. This session will assist faculty and staff to develop the essential leadership skills necessary to lead a team of individuals at U-M. The content will be helpful whether you are in a formal leadership position or not. 

You don’t need a title to make a difference. In this interactive session, you’ll discover how trust, relationships, and small actions can create real change, regardless of your role. With tools like the Circle of Influence and Small Wins Theory, you’ll find where you can make a difference. Then, you’ll leave with a clear plan to get started.

You will learn to:

• Recognize the difference between influence and authority

• Focus your energy using the Circle of Influence

• Design small, achievable actions that build momentum