Course

Fundamentals of Supervision '23-'24

Time limit: 90 days

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Full course description

Course Overview:
Transitioning to a supervisory role can be difficult; it can be challenging to be the boss of those who used to be your peers. As an individual contributor, you developed specific technical expertise that made you proficient in completing organizational processes and tasks efficiently and effectively. Becoming a supervisor requires a whole new set of skills. Now, your leadership, interpersonal, and management skills are required to keep your team motivated and productive. Additionally, you are no longer held accountable solely for your own work, you are responsible for the work outputs and behaviors of those who report to you.
 
This course aims to give you the fundamental skills required to become a supervisor. It is designed to prepare the first-time supervisor with thoughtful approaches to gain the respect of those you supervise, techniques to interpersonally connect with your team members, and strategies to foster a cooperative team that is productive and accountable for the work they produce.

 
Learning Outcomes:
  1. Identify concepts that create perceptions of you by those you supervise.
  2. Describe behaviors that establish rapport with those you supervise.
  3. Implement behaviors that create successful interpersonal relationships.
  4. Describe the context for having a candid conversation.
  5. Identify traits of successful teams.
  6. Describe the importance of setting expectations for the team.
  7. Identify aspects/components of managing the growth and development of those you supervise.

 
Topics:
Build Your Credibility as a Supervisor
Becoming an effective supervisor starts by gaining the respect of those who report to you. The modules in this section of the course helps you to establish your credibility as the leader of your team. You will learn about what it takes to establish a purposeful working relationship with those who report to you, pitfalls to avoid by being too much of a boss or a buddy to those you lead, and strategies to earn your team’s trust and build your credibility. 
 
Develop Techniques to Connect with Others 
The job of the supervisor is to get work done through other people. As such, your ability to connect and communicate with others effectively is an essential skill for your success. This section of the course offers you the opportunity to sharpen your communication skills, demonstrate empathy with others, and have candid and sometimes difficult conversations with those you lead. 
 
Foster a Cooperative and Productive Team
Supervisors manage the performance of their teams. This requires them to set expectations, monitor progress and offer feedback to employees to ensure they are held accountable for meeting their objectives. The modules in this section of the course helps you to ensure your team is meeting your company’s goals.  

 
Instructor(s):
Bryana Larimer
Dewey Thompson
Rae Lyon

 
Length:
Approximately 6 hours

 
Department: 
Missouri Training Institute

 
Credit:
Course Completion Certificate

 
Audience:
Any supervisor or aspiring supervisor

 
Accomodations
University of Missouri Extension complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If you have a disability and need accommodations in connection with participation in an educational program or you need materials in an alternate format, please notify your instructor as soon as possible so that necessary arrangements can be made.

 
Cancellations and Refund Requests