Hello Leader.
Our campus will soon come alive with the excitement of new and returning students. The start of fall classes brings a renewed energy and a fresh wave of opportunities for growth and learning. As a leader, you will set the tone for the start of the new academic year. Let's embrace this season of change and innovation together, fostering a vibrant and dynamic community.
Team Coaching Improves Communication and Connection
Functioning as a high performing team doesn't just happen. In every team, there are different perspectives, agendas, and roles. Team coaching, offered through Organizational Effectiveness (OE) – a unit of University Human Resources (UHR) – supports teams by helping individuals get on the same page through a highly interactive process that unleashes the collective power of the group.
Jennifer Blackhurst, associate dean for graduate programs at the Tippie College of Business, saw an opportunity within her leadership team to take their performance and collaboration to the next level.
"The coaching was incredible because it brought us closer together and showed us what we are doing well," Blackhurst says. "But it also taught us we can do even better – allowing people to feel a stronger connection to the team and to one another – by focusing on the lessons learned from our coaching sessions."
Learn how team coaching can benefit you and your team
Resources from the Office of the Executive VP & Provost
Teaching in Higher Education Conference Award applications due Sept. 3
The Council on Teaching is seeking applications for the Fall 2024 Teaching in Higher Education Conference Award. The award, worth up to $1,500, supports faculty (clinical, tenure-track/tenured, and instructional track) and P&S staff who plan to attend a conference related to teaching in their discipline or in higher education in general and apply this new information to enhance teaching effectiveness at the University of Iowa.
2024 Institute for Teaching with Writing
This two-part, interactive series for faculty and teaching assistants interested in using writing to promote student learning takes place from 10 a.m. to noon on Aug. 5 and Aug. 7. Topics include using writing to promote student engagement, creating rubrics that are aligned with course goals, and the impact of AI on writing.
Inclusive Syllabus Design Retreat
Faculty who attend this event will dive into strategies for developing welcoming and learner-centered syllabi and making syllabus materials more transparent and inclusive. This retreat includes dedicated work time for personalizing and refining your syllabus drafts.
Monday, Aug. 12, 1 – 3:30 p.m. 2520D UCC
Register for the inclusive syllabus design retreat online
Transparent Assignment Design Retreat
This casual retreat allows faculty to learn how to design assignments leveraging the Transparency in Learning and Teaching (TILT) framework, which a growing body of evidence indicates improves students’ learning experiences and creates more equitable courses. The event will include dedicated time and space for participants to plan assignments.
Thursday, Aug. 15, 1 – 3:30 p.m., 2520D UCC
Register for the transparent design retreat online
Improving Scholarly Communication Series: Speaking for Success
This session will help faculty and staff with strategies for effective medical and scientific presentations, including information on how to deliver powerful oral presentations in the classroom, the conference room, the auditorium, and at a regional or national meeting.
Friday, Aug. 16, 11 a.m. – noon, UCC
Coach's Corner
Effective communication is a key leadership skill, and miscommunication often leads to misunderstandings. One way to reduce these issues is by adapting your communication style to suit different team members and contexts. As a leadership coach, I emphasize the importance of understanding each person's communication preferences. Some individuals prefer clear, direct messages, while others appreciate more detail or a conversational tone. Observing and adapting to these preferences can enhance clarity and engagement.
Context also influences how you should adjust your communication style. Different situations call for different approaches: brainstorming sessions may require a collaborative style that fosters creativity, while giving feedback or instructions might demand a more direct and structured approach. By tailoring your communication to fit the goals and dynamics of each interaction, you can lead more effectively and build stronger rapport with your team. To explore different communication styles, watch this free video or consider a DISC assessment and coaching session ($95 fee assessment).
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