What It Is

The demands of modern work take a measurable toll on how we think, relate and lead. These demands include:

• Sustained pressure
• Rapid change
• Constant cognitive load

Our capacity to regulate emotions, manage internal states and sustain cognitive performance is not fixed. It is trainable. Research from U-M and the emerging field of mental fitness science supports this potential.

Collective bargaining agreements are increasing. This impacts the management practices of existing and new supervisors. In this course, we will provide:

Disagree and Commit

Most teams do not fail because they have conflict. They fail because they have the wrong conflicts and/or avoid the right conflicts. The highest-performing teams learn how to: 

Today's workplace asks leaders and team members to handle tough conversations, build trust and help others grow. This hands-on session teaches a coaching mindset that anyone can use.

You will learn key skills like:

• Listening well
• Asking good questions
• Being present
• Assuming the best in others

These skills lead to more positive, open conversations.

In this course, you will learn how to have important and sometimes difficult conversations. These talks are called "courageous conversations." They help us understand each other, share our feelings and strengthen our relationships.

During the course, you will explore:

Ever wonder what the “something” is that makes great leaders great? It’s emotional intelligence. In today’s work environment, it’s often more important than technical knowledge and skills. This brief, practical program lays the foundation for what emotional intelligence is and how to use it. We will also cover how you can  strengthen your skills in these areas:

The early stages of a new employee's U-M career is an exciting time. It is also a great opportunity to help them settle in and set them up for success in their new role. There are two redesigned tools intended to enhance the new employee experience. Join us during one of these sessions to learn about: 

Psychological safety is essential for creating a positive work culture where individuals feel valued, respected and empowered to contribute their best. It fosters open communication, learning, collaboration and innovation, ultimately leading to higher performance and organizational success. This course will explore what psychological safety is (and is not) and how leaders can contribute to a positive, values-based workplace culture.

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. 

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.