This past summer an opportunity presented itself to participate in a new pilot program for Human Resources for a newly developed Manager’s Toolkit program. The program was a comprehensive 45 hour commitment over the span of 5 months. The schedule of events revolved around providing the tools, resources and practical skills necessary to apply the techniques learned in training, reading circles and group discussion into your day-to-day responsibilities.

From day one you are integrated with your fellow supervisors with program expectations and getting to know each other well. I was a little apprehensive going into the first cohort session, but quickly realized that not only was I excited about the content of the program, but I also learned from my fellow cohorts that I was not alone in my challenges and concerns as a manager. On our first day we discussed our biggest management related challenge we currently faced and the biggest mistake we made while managing others. I remember that I walked out of my first session excited about the next 5 months and relieved that I wasn’t alone in my challenges or concerns I had as a manager.

The schedule for the course itself generally meant we met about once a week or every other week for reading circles or training sessions. While at first, the schedule seemed a little daunting, each week I was excited to attend my next class and looked forward to spending time with the other cohorts in the program. Throughout the program, I felt that everyone was learning and growing from each session and we all were able to take the tools and techniques we were learning and apply them to our everyday lives. Some of the key things we discussed throughout the program were:

• The qualities that engage us, often others are looking for in us.
• If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, become more, YOU ARE A LEADER!
• The 5 Dysfunctions of a team by Patrick Lencioni : Overcoming lack of commitment and overcoming avoidance of accountability.
• Four Ethical Corners.
• Trust-Clarity Ownership.
• Progressive Discipline.
• 360 Assessment

The end of the program closed with an individual performance planning meeting to review and discuss tangible action items from your 360 assessment and a closing celebration of learning ceremony. I was very fortunate to be asked to speak at our closing ceremony about my own experience with the program. Specifically, how my experience has aided me in trying to be the best leader, motivator and supporter of people I can be. It’s certainly not something that changes overnight, but the commitment to continuing to grow and learn is priceless.

I think the most challenging thing about the program was committing to a 5 month period of classes initially in the beginning of the program, but as it evolved I quickly realized one of the greatest takeaways was each and every class. This class challenged me to look deeper and challenge myself to not only identify problems but also to be reflective on my role in contributing to them. I think most people if being completely honest, knew they had some things to work on before they started this class, but that’s okay because you will leave feeling more prepared, accomplished and excited about inspiring yourself and your direct reports.

On our first day of class we received our first homework reading assignment and in the notes there was a small phrase at the bottom “Metanoia: A transformative change of heart”. That phrase stuck with the entire program because the program for me was truly a change in my perspective of how to be a good leader, inspired self-reflection and equipped me with the tools necessary to be a better manager. Even if you think there is nothing you need to work on, I promise you this program will inspire you to dig deeper and be reflective on the things you can improve upon to be a better leader. I would strongly encourage anyone who is in a manager role to sign up for this program because the rewards are limitless.

If you are interested in the program please feel free to reach out to me to discuss or you can contact LaTrese Ferguson in Human Resources, who not only created the program, but was also our amazing instructor throughout the program: latrese.ferguson@ohr.gatech.edu

- Mysty Connelly (OVPUE)

The Manager's Toolkit course taught me not only about myself, but also about the type of leader that I would like to be. I gained a lot of very insightful information about building a team that trusts   and supports one another. A good team is not one that never argues, but knows that disagreement and discussion is safe and welcomed. I don't want to just be a manager; I want to be a coach and the kind of leader that inspires and encourages her team to be excited about what we do and invested in our outcomes.

I learned so much about the Fierce Conversations, especially delegation, which has not been my strongest suit in the past. I admit, I struggle with control from time to time. But another important part of this course was learning that various degrees of delegation on different tasks can help free up my time for other processes as well as give my direct report some quality learning experience. One of my main goals as a manager is to provide an amenable environment for questions to be asked, mistakes learned from, and progress made. This class gave me a lot of insight into myself, a lot of my past experiences and the type of future I would like to shape.

- Angela Keys (C2D2)