U-M Leadership Development & FAQ's
This map represents HRD's programs and their alignment to some other major leadership development opportunities available to U-M staff and faculty by contribution level.
FAQ's About Foundations of Supervision
Frequently Asked Questions about Foundations of Supervision (FOS):
Q: We have hired a new supervisor in our department. What do we do now?
A: The newly redesigned supervisory development programs are taken in the following order: Quick Start for Supervisors, Foundations of Supervision I: Maximizing Performance, then Foundations of Supervision II: Leading Others Successfully
Q: What about someone who isn’t quite a supervisor yet, but may become on in the near future. Shouldn’t they get started with their supervisory education as soon as possible?
A: Actually, the Foundations of Supervision curriculum is designed for individuals who are currently in supervisory roles. We have the following courses that would help someone develop their leadership skills prior to becoming a supervisor:
- So, You Want to be a Supervisor? How to Make a Smooth Transition
- Peer Leadership: Getting Results Without Authority
- Developing Personal Leadership: Mastering the Art of Empowerment
- Advanced Personal Leadership
- Spark the Leader Within: How to be Better than Average
- Capitalizing on Your True Leadership Talents: A New Model
- Delegating: Leading vs. Managing vs. Doing
Q: I have already taken FOS I, but didn’t take FOS II, what should I take now to continue my supervisory education at U-M?
A: For those who completed the previous FOS I and not FOS II, we recommended you follow up and complete what is now Foundations of Supervision I: Maximizing Performance. We also recommend that FOS graduates who have not completed the Quick Start for Supervisorsclass do so. Please contact HRD’s program coordinator, Rachael Richmond by email (rachrich@umich.edu) or phone (734-764-7410) with questions or to check your program participation to date.
Q: I have already taken FOS I and II, is Quick Start for Supervisors going to be too basic for me?
A: We recommend that FOS graduates who have not completed the Quick Start for Supervisors class do so. It contains updated information about critical U-M supervisory compliance requirements. Please contact HRD’s program coordinator, Rachael Richmond by email (rachrich@umich.edu) or phone (734-764-7410) with questions or to check your program participation to date.
Q: I have been a supervisor at U-M for many years and took FOS more than five years ago, is it worth it for me to take it again?
A: It depends. FOS I contains a great deal of new material and the FOS II is almost 100% new. Therefore, it is likely you will gain a great deal if you take the new FOS. If you would rather not take the program again, you may find the U-M Management Conference or other conferences and special events from HRD helpful as you continue your leadership education.
Q: Are there additional opportunities for me to increase my leadership development at U-M?
A: We have created a map (see above) to help you become aware of the current internal leadership development opportunities within U-M, the target audience they are designed to reach, and how HRD’s programs align and support them.
Q: My question isn’t on this list, who should I contact for further information?
A: You can call (734) 764-7410 or email hrdevelopment@umich.edu. We would be glad to answer your questions!
