Professional Talent Development
Office of People & Culture

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Professional Development Overview

The professional talent development pathways offer a comprehensive suite of growth opportunities, including the Leadership Learning Institute for building strong leaders, a curated book series that fosters shared learning, and Individual Learning Conversations that provide personalized, one‑to‑one coaching support. Employees can also access practical workshops covering benefits education, self‑growth topics such as managing change, how to complete a performance review,  and onboarding resources for new staff. In addition, Title IX education ensures a safe, equitable, and compliant workplace. Together, these programs create a well‑rounded development ecosystem that supports leadership, learning, and organizational well‑being.

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  • Employees seated and holding comment bubbles.
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  • Employees seated around a table in discussion.

    🌱 Leadership Learning Institute
    The Leadership Learning Institute develops leaders who elevate others through a facilitative, human‑centered approach. 

     📘Program Highlights
    Three to four month immersive learning experience, Biweekly sessions covering essential supervisory skills, interactive workshops. Ten plus two‑hour modules, Case‑based learning, Practical tools and templates, Reflection and discussion, Real‑world application, Inclusive, research‑based curriculum

    🌟 What You Will Gain

    Participants leave the program with: Greater confidence and clarity as a leader, Stronger communication and listening skills, Tools for navigating conflict and difficult conversations, Strategies for empowering and developing others, Increased ability to lead change and support diverse teams, A deeper understanding of personal leadership strengths, A network of peers across the university

    🌳Who Should Attend
    New supervisors transitioning into leadership roles, Experienced managers looking to refine their skills, High-potential employees on a leadership track.

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    Workshops
     Stay ahead of the curve with these compact, high-impact training courses are designed to energize your leadership skills and keep you aligned with the latest industry trends.

    Key Features
    90-minute focused sessions, innovative topics addressing current leadership challenges, and an interactive format for immediate skill application.

    Upcoming Topics Include
    Managing Change, Navigating Leaves of Absence for Managers, Productive Employee 1-1 Meetings, Title IX & Investigations, New Hire Supervisory Training, Employee Wellness Benefits, Navigating Life's Changes; Understanding Your Leave Benefits, and Search Committee Training

    Why Attend
    Quick skill refreshers, Networking with fellow leaders, Actionable takeaways for immediate implementation, Continuous learning without time-intensive commitment

    Learn More

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    Individual Coaching Conversations
    The individual coaching is a personalized professional development approach where an individual leader collaborates directly with a trained coach to enhance their skills, performance, and overall effectiveness. 

    This process involves
    Regular one-on-one meetings between the coach and the leader, Tailored discussions and activities based on the leader's specific needs, goals, and challenges, Confidential conversations that allow for open and honest dialogue, A focus on self-awareness, skill development, and behavioral change, Guidance on problem-solving and decision-making in real work situations, Support in setting and achieving both short-term and long-term professional goals, Feedback and accountability to promote continuous improvement

    The frequency of sessions can vary, often occurring bi-weekly or monthly, with the overall coaching relationship typically lasting several months to a year or more.

Book Series

Leadership Insights: Book Series
Unlock the wisdom of renowned leadership experts with our curated Leadership Insights Book Series. This program offers a structured approach to developing your leadership skills through carefully selected books and guided discussions.

Program Overview
Two book selections focusing on key leadership topics, Facilitated group discussions to deepen understanding, Practical application exercises to implement learnings, Virtual or in-person meeting options.

What to Expect
In-depth exploration of innovative leadership concepts, Peer-to-peer learning and idea exchange, Actionable strategies to enhance your leadership style, Continuous growth and development over time.

Featured Books
"StrengthsFinder 2.0" by Don Clifton is built on a simple premise: You grow most by developing your natural talents, not by fixing your weaknesses. It identifies your top 5 talent themes out of 34, giving you a language for what you naturally do well.

"Working with Emotional Intelligence" by Daniel Goleman is built on the findings that Emotional intelligence matters more for long‑term success than IQ or technical skill. It’s the foundation of effective leadership, collaboration, and self‑management. 

 

  • Receive the book selection
  • Read weekly assignments
  • Join discussion sessions
  • Apply insights to your leadership practice
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Virtual Listen & Learn at Lunch

Here is your opportunity to join a Zoom meeting, camera off, and take it all in from a wide variety of talented facilitators, all centered around topics related to leadership and culture. Our goal is to share and introduce these topics for reflection and insight, providing a space for learning and growth while you enjoy your lunch.

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