Context

The role of line manager or supervisor is increasingly important in the changing University environment. This vital role is the link between middle management and individuals. Balancing the needs of; the institution, faculty, department, service, team and individual. Helping each achieve its goals.

First-line supervisors and ‘new to line management’ programme

Who should attend:

Everyone who has line management responsibility - whether new into the role, or wanting a refresher

Content:

• Communicating and influencing

• Strategic thinking

• People management

• Leading enterprise and innovation

• Change management

Upon leaving the course participants should be able to:

• Review their current effectiveness in communicating and influencing team members

• Articulate the skills of an effective manager

• Help individuals and teams deal with uncertainty

• Describe steps to increase motivation

• Adopt a strategic approach to problem-solving

• Monitor performance and give constructive feedback to team members

The role

The roles of supervisors and line managers can vary depending on the kind of contract you have, so it is worth checking explicitly, what your management responsibilities are. They can go from just signing holiday forms and checking someone is ok, to a full blown management role. You may find that some of the links and further information below are not relevant to your role and responsibilities.

Please contact OED, (ext. 10623), for more information.

Support notes and useful information

  • Useful managers' 'how to' guides - resources and policy guidance for all the people issues you are likely to face. Please note that you may not be responsible for all these areas.
  • PDR - Guidelines and resources.
  • Mentoring guidelines - if you are thinking of becoming a mentor or feel it would be useful to find yourself one then these guidelines look at both roles.
  • Guidelines for Action Learning Sets - ALS are an ideal way to build up your support network, you can start these groups yourselves or as part of a central programme
  • Diversity and Equality support pages
  • Training provided by the Leadership Foundation - a dedicated service for leaders and managers in HE.
  • Course handouts - these are not designed to stand alone, just as an aide memoire for those who attend the sessions

  • Principles of communication
  • Blank communication plan
  • Motivation and hierarchy of need
  • John Adair - Action Centred Leadership; Task, Individual, Team
  • Reflections on effective performance management
  • Diagnosing Performance Issues
  • BOFF - feedback formula
  • Problem Solving ways of thinking
  • Circle of influence
  • Reaction to change
  • If you would like further help and support please contact: Jean Bennett ext. 10628

    Last updated: 22.12.2011 (JB)

    Lancaster University
    Bailrigg
    LancasterLA1 4YW United Kingdom
    +44 (0) 1524 65201