Supervisory Development Program

This program is designed for supervisors, those aspiring to be supervisors or anyone interested in learning more about supervision. Those who complete the six core classes plus two elective sessions will receive a certificate from KCPDC.

The SDP elective requirement can be satisfied by attending two of the Special Topics sessions or the annual Professional Development Conference.

Critical Skills for Supervisors

Presented by: Mary Biere

Date: Thursday, September 25th

Time: 1:00 – 3:00 pm

Location: Online

Description: This session is designed to introduce the major competencies and skills necessary to maximize supervisor effectiveness, such as accountability, delegation, employee engagement, motivation, and critical communication.

Learning Objectives: After receiving this training, participants will be able to:

• Describe the major competencies integral to supervision

• Identify supervisory behaviors that positively affect employees’ attitudes and performance

• Identify the primary components to effective and critical communication

• Discuss the impact of recognition and motivation for employees

Making New Employees Feel Welcomed

Presented by: Loretta Summers

Date: Wednesday, October 15th

Time: 1:00 – 3:00 pm

Location: Online

Description: Talent management means hiring the right person for the job and successfully onboarding the new hire. When employees feel part of the organization, retention and productivity are improved. This requires more than a day or a week of orientation. It could take months or a year for the new employee to form social attachments and understand the organization’s culture, and managers are key to ensuring the success of new employee onboarding programs.

Learning Objectives: After receiving this training, participants will be able to define:

• Difference between orientation and onboarding

• Business case for onboarding

• Components of an effective onboarding process

• Roles and responsibilities

• Virtual Onboarding

• Metrics

Legal Aspects of Supervision

Presented by: Kim Jones, JD

Date: Thursday, October 30th

Time: 1:00 – 3:00 pm

Location: Online

Description: This course is designed to familiarize supervisors with the sources of the law, unlawful employment discrimination, justification and defenses to various employee complaints, and consider preventive measures and proper language. It includes a review of sexual harassment and steps a supervisor can take to prevent it. After taking this workshop, supervisors will be aware of the varied complex responsibilities.

Learning Objectives: After receiving this training, participants will be able to:

• Describe the general aspects of the law relating to the workplace, e.g., structure of the court system, civil vs. criminal liability, common law vs. statutory law

• Identify the federal laws that apply to the workplace – Title VII, the American Disabilities Act (ADA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

• Understand issues in negligent hiring – the interview process and background checks: What can you ask? What should you ask? Performance evaluations and disciplinary actions/dismissals

• Understand issues in negligent supervision – performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, and dismissals

• Know some methods to prevent workplace violence

• Recognize discrimination in the workplace – what are the protected classes?

• Understand the types of sexual harassment – quid pro quo and hostile work environment

• Understand inclusive approaches to legal aspects of supervision

Performance Management

Presented by: Dale Marrant, EdD

Date: Thursday, January 29th

Time: 1:00 – 3:00 pm

Location: Online

Description: This session is designed to help supervisors manage the performance of their teams from setting expectations, giving feedback and finally conducting a formal performance appraisal. The exceptional supervisor is one who can clearly communicate expectations about the quality, quantity, and timeliness of work to be produced and then provide consistent and objective feedback to the employee about his or her success in meeting those expectations. The session is very interactive with a variety of small and large group activities. Participants will come to understand inclusive approaches to performance appraisals.

Learning Objectives: After receiving this training, participants will be able to:

• Understand why it is appropriate and how to set performance expectations

• Recognize and apply sound principles of giving (and receiving) feedback

• Explain why performance appraisals are often viewed as a negative experience

• Identify means to diminish the fear and anxiety that often accompany performance review

• Identify strategies for handling not only positive appraisals (the easy ones), but also those requiring corrective action (the difficult ones)

• Apply the strategies for conducting performance appraisals to any appraisal instrument currently in use

Inclusive Leadership: Developing Intercultural Awareness for Effective Team Building and Innovative Outcomes

Presented by: Gaby Flores

Date: Tuesday, February 24th

Time: 1:00 – 3:00 pm

Location: Online

Description: This workshop is designed for both formal and informal leaders who aim to cultivate inclusive environments that strengthen team culture and foster a deep sense of belonging. Participants will explore the key elements of organizational culture and leadership styles that support inclusion and connection across teams. Through interactive discussions and case studies, the session will highlight how inclusive leadership practices can drive meaningful organizational change and create spaces where individuals feel valued, respected, and empowered. Emphasis will be placed on self-awareness and intentional leadership as essential tools for building inclusive and culturally attuned workplaces.

Learning Objectives: Participants in this session will be able to:

• Explore how inclusion, culture, and belonging shape and influence organizational environments.

• Examine the core characteristics of inclusive leadership, including empathy, accountability, and cultural awareness.

• Discuss common challenges leaders face in fostering inclusion and develop practical strategies to overcome these barriers.

• Identify actionable steps leaders can take to build and sustain a culture of inclusion that enhances engagement and belonging across teams.

Decision Making and Problem Solving

Presented by: Dale Marrant, EdD

Date: Tuesday, April 14th

Time: 1:00 – 3:00 pm

Location: Online

Description: This class focuses on three skills of a supervisor: decision making, problem solving, and applying judgment. It is designed to explore each of these concepts in some depth and offer various ways to consider their application. The content will guide the participant through the topics and offer a series of guidelines to consider. Practical information will be shared and supplemented with handouts which will be good resources for use after class. Participants will come to understand the impact of diversity on decision making and problem solving.

Learning Objectives: Participants in this session will be able to:

• Understand the concepts of decision making, problem solving, and judgment

• Know three ways (unilateral, democratic, consensus) to make a decision

• Understand several techniques and/or strategies for problem solving

• Analyze the components of judgment

• Understand the impact of diversity on problem solving and decision making