Hello, Leader.
In this month's Coach's Corner, we talk about the benefits of community. The arrival of June brings with it all kinds of summer events to entice us to get out and about. These experiences remind us of the ties we have to one another, and that feeling of belonging can propel us to do and be better in all we do.
Leadership Opportunities
PASS Application Opening July 1st
The PASS (Practical Applications of Supervisory Skills) certificate program is offered twice a year and is intended for new and aspiring supervisors with zero to four years of experience in a supervisory role. The free, virtual sessions include group activities, presentations, group discussions, and online learning opportunities. Elements of the curriculum include writing and documenting SMART goals; practicing emotional intelligence; using the DISC Behavioral Assessment Tool; leading diverse teams, and more. https://hr.uiowa.edu/news/2024/05/sharpen-your-supervisory-skills-pass
Elevate Leadership Program
The Elevate Leadership Program is designed to foster growth in professional development, and create lasting connections as emerging leaders' careers continue to grow. Elevate is a women’s development program that supports participants in gaining leadership insight, skills and experiences that they can apply personally and professionally. Participants will engage in their community with women in businesses outside of their own for learning and connection. Submit your application here by June 10, 2024 to be considered for the 2024 class. Applicants will be notified by June 12, 2024. Please email info@wlcglobal.org with any questions. Fee: $2,500 per person.
2024 LeadingBetter Summit Feedback
Congratulations to all those who won a ticket to last month's LeadingBetter Summit. We've heard good things from several of you, including this from Kelly Kauffman, Operations Manager in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Dean's Office, who was able to participate.
"I was grateful for the opportunity to attend the LeadingBetter Summit. I took three pages of notes, and noted all the books to add to my wish list, and even started listening to Matt Abrahams' podcast! I thought they chose great speakers with valuable content."
We hope all who participated in this virtual event found it of interest. If you didn't have a chance to participate this time, keep your eyes open for more opportunities in future newsletters!
Resources from the Office of the Executive Vice President & Provost
National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity
NCFDD provides programs and resources to support faculty members, postdocs, and graduate students throughout their academic journey. This summer, NCFDD is excited to offer numerous events focused on strategic planning, writing productivity, and career transitions, which are designed to provide valuable insights and guidance for your success.
- As an institutional member of NCFDD, all UI faculty, graduate students, and post-docs can activate an NCFDD account for free. Go to www.ncfdd.org/join and select University of Iowa from the dropdown. Use your UI email address to activate your account.
- Priority registration for the fall Faculty Success Program (FSP) begins June 26. The Faculty Success Program is a 10-week virtual program that helps non-tenure, tenure-track, and tenured faculty with the skills necessary to increase research and writing productivity while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
If you would like to request a priority seat and apply for sponsorship, please work with your college/department and complete the UI Faculty Leadership Initiative request form by July 1.
Coaches Corner
As a leadership coach passionate about growth in higher education, I deeply value community's role in success. Early in my career, a senior leader emphasized that engaging with colleagues enhances dedication, engagement, and productivity. She supported collaboration among staff, even encouraging hallway conversations instead of viewing them as a waste of time. This wisdom continues to guide me. I've seen how fostering community in higher education leadership creates belonging and camaraderie, driving innovation, collaboration, and success. Leaders must create environments where community thrives, conversations are celebrated, and everyone feels valued. Prioritizing community enhances team well-being and lays the foundation for lasting excellence.
Here are three ways to build community in your unit:
1. Create a Welcoming and Respectful Environment: Institute welcome rituals for new employees, such as formal introductions or casual get-togethers like a welcome lunch. Encourage team members to engage with new hires and share insights. Implement a buddy system pairing new employees with seasoned colleagues as mentors.
2. Share Goals and Celebrations: Foster camaraderie by setting shared goals and celebrating achievements as a team. Recognize individual and team accomplishments to reinforce unity and motivate collaboration.
3. Provide Regular Team-Building Activities: Plan regular activities to promote interaction and collaboration. Tailor activities to team interests, ensuring inclusivity. Rotate responsibility for organizing these activities to foster leadership skills and involvement.
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