Professional Talent Development
Human Resources

Employees seated around a table in discussion.

Professional Development Overview

This comprehensive two-level leadership program addresses managers' requests for resources, tools, and people skills by preparing higher education leaders to foster environments supporting employee success and operational efficiency. It bridges the gap between subject matter expertise and leadership competencies, promoting a unified approach across academic and administrative departments. Participants will develop collaborative leadership skills for managing diverse stakeholders while balancing institutional values, priorities, and administrative needs in the evolving landscape of higher education and contemporary management challenges.

  • Employees at a workshop
  • Employees seated and holding comment bubbles.
  • Hand carved wooden owl outside the Ely Building.
  • Team working on a project around a table
  • Employees seated around a table in discussion.

    Leadership Development Discovery
    Welcome to the Leadership Development Discovery, a comprehensive 10 session program designed to cultivate exceptional leadership skills and drive organizational success.

    Program Highlights
    Three-month immersive learning experience, Biweekly sessions covering essential supervisory skills, interactive workshops led by expert facilitators, Practical tools and strategies for immediate application, Peer networking and collaborative learning opportunities

    What You'll Learn
    Leadership styles and self-awareness, Effective communication and coaching techniques, Performance Management and employee relations, Team dynamics and inclusive leadership, HR processes and legal compliance, Advanced leadership concepts and critical thinking skills

    Who Should Attend
    New supervisors transitioning into leadership roles, Experienced managers looking to refine their skills, High-potential employees on a leadership track.

  • WSU campus in the spring with flowering trees and light post with blue owl spirit mark flag.

    Seasonal Training Sessions
    Stay ahead of the curve with our quarterly sessions. These compact, high-impact training courses are designed to energize your leadership skills and keep you aligned with the latest industry trends.

    Key Features
    90-minute focused sessions, quarterly schedule aligning with seasonal business rhythms, innovative topics addressing current leadership challenges, interactive format for immediate skill application

    Upcoming Pulse Topics Include
    Search Committee & Interviewing Process at WSU, Title IX/Equal Opportunity: What Are Employees Required to Know?, Conflict Resolution, Navigating Leave of Absence for Managers, A Value-Based Approach to Understanding Investigations, Situational Leadership, GROW Coaching, SBI Feedback Model, An Introduction to Psychological Safety for Managers

    Why Attend
    Quick skill refreshers, Networking with fellow leaders, Actionable takeaways for immediate implementation, Continuous learning without time-intensive commitment

  • Two employees seated and talking at a table.

    One to One Coaching
    One-to-one coaching is a personalized professional development approach where an individual leader collaborates directly with a trained coach to enhance their skills, performance, and overall effectiveness. 

    This process involves
    Regular one-on-one meetings between the coach and the leader, Tailored discussions and activities based on the leader's specific needs, goals, and challenges, Confidential conversations that allow for open and honest dialogue, A focus on self-awareness, skill development, and behavioral change, Guidance on problem-solving and decision-making in real work situations, Support in setting and achieving both short-term and long-term professional goals, Feedback and accountability to promote continuous improvement

    The frequency of sessions can vary, often occurring bi-weekly or monthly, with the overall coaching relationship typically lasting several months to a year or more.

Book Series

Leadership Insights: Book Series
Unlock the wisdom of renowned leadership experts with our curated Leadership Insights Book Series. This program offers a structured approach to developing your leadership skills through carefully selected books and guided discussions.

Program Overview
Monthly book selections focusing on key leadership topics, Facilitated group discussions to deepen understanding, Practical application exercises to implement learnings, Virtual or in-person meeting options

What to Expect
In-depth exploration of innovative leadership concepts, Peer-to-peer learning and idea exchange, Actionable strategies to enhance your leadership style, Continuous growth and development over time

Featured Books
"Radical Candor" by Kim Scott

How It Works

  • Receive the book selection
  • Read weekly assignments
  • Join discussion sessions
  • Apply insights to your leadership practice
Nestor owl mascot in the library with shelves of books.

Virtual Learn & Lead at Lunch

Here is your opportunity to join a Zoom meeting, camera off, and take it all in from various resources such as podcasts, Ted Talks, and webinars, all centered around topics related to leadership and culture. Our goal is to share and introduce these topics for reflection and insight, providing a space for learning and growth while you enjoy your lunch.

a laptop computer open with a lunch container