Foundations of Leadership is a cohort-based leadership development course available to supervisors, managers or team leads who 

• Supervise at least one regular staff or faculty member
• Are new to the university and in a supervisory position or are a current U-M employee that is new to supervision
• Have up to three years of supervisory or management experience

The content focuses on expanding the capacity of individuals to perform in leadership roles by focusing on five key University of Michigan expectations:

• Communication
• Coach and Develop Talent
• Foster and Promote Multi-Faceted Teams
• Lead Innovation and Change
• Solve Problems

The course consist of six facilitator-led sessions and multiple e-learning components. The sessions are designed to increase awareness of leadership models and time-tested principles as well as provide several skill-building opportunities to ensure the concepts can be applied in the workplace.

You will learn to:

• Develop values-based leadership practices that promote positive organizational culture
• Determine how legal obligations apply to specific situations
• Utilize university policy resources
• Adapt communication styles and resolve conflicts using effective techniques
• Use performance management strategies to support team members' growth and development
• Leverage the U-M 7-Stage Change model to guide teams through change and transition

You will benefit by:

• Enhancing team cohesion and performance
• Cultivating a thriving workplace culture
• Advancing your personal leadership development
• Upholding ethical standards and ensuring accountability

Audience:

Ann Arbor campus (including Medical School) leaders who are new to U-M or their supervisory role with at least one direct report who is a regular staff or faculty member. 

Michigan Medicine supervisors should refer to the Michigan Medicine Foundations of Leadership program.      

Program Notes:

Due to the way that the course is structured, attendance is closely monitored. You are allowed one excused absence. If you think you will miss more than one day, we recommend that you register for a different session or join the Course Interest List to be notified when new dates are available. 

You may also be interested in additional development resources for Foundations of Leadership alumni.

You can email your questions about the Foundations of Leadership (FOL) program to:
Campus FOL: [email protected]
Michigan Medicine FOL: [email protected]