Living our values through the way we work: a series of panel discussions for leaders and managers

New

Discussion Topic: Different approaches to learning? Development isn’t just about training courses

This series follows on from the very popular first series held from April-July 2021. These informal drop-in sessions are designed to provide both new and more experienced leaders and managers, across all staff groups, with a safe space to share practice and discuss some of the challenges that can arise when supporting others to develop and strengthen their performance. Each session will start an hour of Q&A and discussion with a panel of experienced managers drawn from across the University. This will be followed by half an hour of small group discussion to allow participants the opportunity to meet other managers and share practice, in a smaller, more intimate setting. Those wishing to leave after the first hour and not stay on for final half hour in break out rooms, are free to do so. The format of the sessions is designed to facilitate peer support and learning. The sessions are not training sessions, although recommendations for training and other resources will be provided.

Comments from Series 1 participants: “I am loving all of these sessions and am so happy to have discovered a platform where ‘it all makes sense’” “It’s lovely to convene a group of people interested in leadership and developing their skills in this area.” “I intend to participate in as many sessions as I can because this forum gives a focused approach on developing leadership skills that are expected within the University. I had been looking for some sort of a planned approach to this and am really glad I found this.”

Panellists

Bukky Gray - TM and HR Manager, University Development and Alumni Relations

Miranda Carr - Academic Development Consultant, PPD

Rinku Raina - Professional Development Manager, UIS

Questions we will consider during the session

1. In what ways do you learn best?

2. Over time, what have you learnt about how others learn best?

3. What different strategies and approaches have you used to support individuals in your team to develop?

4. What mistakes have you made in the process? What has not worked so well?

5. How do you encourage someone who is reluctant to explore development opportunities, and says that they are very happy as they are?

6. What advice would you give someone wanting to draw up a personal development plan?

7. What are the common mistakes that people make when devising a PDP?

These sessions are designed to support those who have professional responsibility for others. However, if you are not currently a manager but have an interest in the topic, or would like to develop your leadership skills more generally, you are welcome to join us.

Number of sessions: 1

• To provide a safe space for both new and more experienced managers to share practice

• To facilitate critical friendship and peer support for those who manage others

• To give an opportunity for managers to consider how they can embed the professional services values of trust, respect, integrity and collaboration into the way that they work and lead their teams.

Online via Microsoft Teams

90 minutes