The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Louisville District kicked off a new supervisory training with its first session held Feb. 3, 2021.
This session covered the topic of supervisory training roles, responsibilities and the fiscal year 22 training survey.
These training sessions are not required but are recommended as they complement the Supervisory Development Course and Human Resources for Supervisors Course, said Michelle Haysley, Louisville District Workforce Development Program specialist.
“A competency gap was discovered throughout the region,” Haysley said. “Supervisors receive training from Army (SDC) and from CPAC (HR for Supervisors Course), but they don’t receive formal training on internal duties, such as how to build a budget, how to guide employees to fill out Individual Development Plans, performance appraisal, how to perform timekeeping functions, and how to supervise employees in the current virtual environment.”
The district’s Supervisory Training Sessions provide just-in-time knowledge and information to supervisors, along with filling the gap between SDC and HR for Supervisors, according to Haysley.
“We deliver both technical and soft skills training to supervisors. We discuss topics applicable to our internal needs,” Haysley said. “This is a Louisville District training that provides Louisville District-specific topics/information.”
The training is open to all supervisors, and they each have an opportunity to participate in any session.
“We did not want to deem this as a ‘program’ that requires mandatory participation and tracking. We wanted to make the topics available to all supervisors and allow them the option to attend if that topic is applicable and not attend if they are already familiar with the topic,” Haysley said.
With the workforce constantly changing, it’s important for even the most seasoned supervisors to acquire the knowledge and skills presently available to efficiently supervise in this changing environment, Haysley said. If supervisors and managers are not spun up on the latest processes, they will not have the tools to lead as effectively, she added.
The sessions are slated to be held monthly for 2-3 hours and are intended to enhance supervisors’ knowledge and skills to effectively lead the workforce.
“We are trying to schedule the topics for the first Wednesday of the month but will remain flexible based on our presenters,” Haysley said. “All sessions are virtual and will be recorded and posted for those who are unable to attend.”