Supervisory Training Program
In January 2002, Biola introduced a formalized training track that all administrative supervisors and managers are expected to participate in. The modules in the Supervisory Training Program are resources.
For many years, Biola has offered seminars that a supervisor or manager could attend, on a "self select" basis, to improve their supervisory skills. However, Biola has recognized the need to do more in the way of providing a structured, comprehensive program of courses that provide a Biola supervisor with the resources that he/she should have to:
- Know what Biola expects of them as one who leads others in our workplace, plus what resources are in place to assist them.
- Be familiar with key policies and procedures, which are needed to be in compliance, and to handle the more routine aspects of supervising efficiently.
- Understand the biblical underpinnings, plus complementary theories for the more challenging parts of your job, those having to do with effectively managing human relationships in the workplace.
With the advent of this program, we hope to address these aims. Based on input gained from many of you, plus the work of a dedicated committee, a structure has been put in place with two tracks, one for the new or "new to Biola" supervisor, and one for the veteran Biola manager and senior leader. Each track has both core modules, which each participant is expected to attend, plus electives, a number of which should also be taken on a "self select" basis. The total number of modules, including both core modules and elective, is 21. Some of these are familiar sessions, having been offered in prior years, while other modules are being newly created for this program.
For each person who manages or supervises others at Biola (we use those two terms interchangeably when discussing this program), it is a firm expectation that he/she will complete the expected number of modules within a two-year period. For current supervisors, that two-year period began in January '02. For those who will become supervisors or begin their Biola employment at a later date, their two-year clock will commence at that time. The reasons that there is a uniform expectation that all supervisors will complete the program are twofold. The first is Biola's obligation to properly equip each manager to confidently do the job. The second reason is this commitment to all frontline employees: that those who are supervising them have been adequately trained for the demands of leading others at work. Our PLT members will be participating along with you as a sign of the importance of this program.
Regarding the specified modules to be taken, credit is being given to a manager if a particular course has already been taken in the past, either at Biola or in "outside" seminars. Proof of participation in equivalent outside sessions can be given to Training & Development for inclusion on your records.
While this is a structured program, we don't regard it as a "cast in concrete" entity, but a living program to serve you. Toward that end, you are always encouraged to offer your insights, suggestions and feedback on ways we can improve it.
Four principal topic-areas have been identified: Communication; Leadership; Service; and Management Skills.
Key:
(c) = Core module for a new supervisor or one entering employment at Biola as a supervisor.
•= Core module for someone already in a Supervisory role as of January `02.
(E) = Elective
Communication
The Christian approach to Conflict Resolution (c)
The Ways we Communicate (E)
Meetings and Presentations (E)
Listening and Empathy (E)
Leadership
The Biblical Foundations of Leadership and Service (c)
Diversity in the Workplace (c)
The New Supervisor: Pitfalls and Opportunities (c)
Grow Your People (E)
Vision, Mission, Strategic Planning (E)
Your Leadership Style (E)
Teambuilding and Change-Management (E)
Service
Advanced Connections (c)
Module 1- Building a Service Culture Module 3- Meeting Service Challenges
Advanced Connections (E) Module 2- Polishing Daily Service Skills
Management
Legal Issues for Managers/Supervisors (c)
Performance Reviews (c)
Hiring Right (c)
Safety/Ergonomics/Emergencies (c)
Managing Your Time and Activities (E)
The Memory Jogger Book ("Tools") (E)
Finance-for-"Non-Financials" (E)
Student Employment (E)
At Biola, the task of supervising and leading others, like all tasks, is based on a foundation of biblical principles.
Beyond that, it is a blend of "art" and "science." Some aspects are basic "nuts and bolts" applications.
Other aspects of managing call for creativity, prayer and developing your relational skills.
The aim of this program is to address the whole spectrum of this wondrous responsibility: To lead others in a Christian workplace.
"Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms." 1 Peter 4:10
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." Col.3:23-24
"If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." Phil. 2:1-4