Leadership is the most important influence on an organization’s health and productivity. But when employees take new management roles, they may face more responsibilities, expectations and challenges.
How do they ensure the success of their team, college or unit and university?
Karen Daw, Authorized OSHA Trainer & Clinic Health and Safety Director, College of Dentistry, has faced this question throughout her career as a manager.
To further develop her management skills and continue learning, she attended Managing@OSU, a free workshop offered by the Office of Human Resources.
“I want to be the best leader I can be,” Karen said. “I have an MBA, read leadership articles and still look for other ways to learn. I want to make to take advantage of all the resources available to me.”
The workshop gives participants hands-on experience in applying leadership techniques and encourages sharing of different experiences.
“Every day I’ve been able to apply what I’ve learned in the workshop and these opportunities help enhance my management style,” Karen continued. “Although I’ve been a manager for 17 years, I’ve always been a student.”
Managing@OSU guides supervisors on establishing a positive culture that taps into everyone’s unique strengths and motivations. The three-hour workshop also focuses on building strong relationships and fostering accountability.
Jennifer Bostic valued the self-reflection of learning her own strengths and how to identify the strengths of team members. As a Project Director in the Crane Center for Early Childhood Research and Policy, she has experienced staffing changes which she views as an opportunity to get to know new team members and set the tone of their relationship.
“Having good relationships and trust with my team is incredibly important,” Jennifer said. “Learning what motivates individuals, which may not be what motivates me, and setting clear expectations has helped me establish positive relationships.”
Managers play a crucial role in engaging their team and accomplishing results together. Decades of research show when working relationships are good:
- Productivity is higher
- Work is more enjoyable
- Change is more likely to be accepted
- There is more creativity and innovation
- Engagement and commitment are increased
- Careers flourish
“I would encourage anyone who’s interested to attend,” Jennifer said. “Getting insight, hearing other managers’ perspectives and learning more about your own style and strengths is invaluable. We can never stop learning.”
Faculty and staff who are new to management or new to managing at Ohio State, are encouraged to participate in Managing@OSU by visiting BuckeyeLearn. Additional tip sheets, videos, programs and resources are available at Gateway to Learning.