Supervising for Success I: Critical Skills for Supervisors

Audience: Supervisors/Managers
Contact Hours: 18 Hours
Instructor: Nicole Michaelis, M.A., M.P.A.;  Aju James​, Ph.D.;  Jon Castleberry​; Sirena Bennett, M.S.
DOP-18 Applicable: Component I

Course Description:

Being a new supervisor in the public sector can be a complex transition. How can you make sure you have the knowledge and skills you need to make the successful transition? Supervising for Success I: Critical Skills for Supervisors is designed for front-line supervisors who are beginning their careers as state government leaders. The program has been designed to answer the questions that most often challenge new supervisors:

• What are the differences between supervision and leadership?
• What am I expected to accomplish in my role as a supervisor?​
• How do I avoid the ethical and legal minefields of supervision?
• How do I keep myself focused and on-track?
• How can I address performance gaps effectively and efficiently?
• How can I create a motivating environment for my employees?
• How do I promote employee accountability for results?
• How do I handle difficult conversations with my employees?
• How do I influence my supervisor?
• How do I build trusting relationships with my staff and colleagues?

Your attendance in Critical Skills for Supervisors (CSS) will provide answers to those and other key questions about the challenging world of public sector management and leadership. In the process, you will receive training on management tools, techniques, and systems critical to your effectiveness. Invest in a successful future and sign up today!

Audience & Applicability:​

This class is generally applicable to both classified and classified-exempt employees. It focuses on workplace best practices that are broadly relevant, with some guidance specific to classified service. These elements are included to support cross-status understanding, especially for supervisors managing both groups or employees working alongside classified staff.​

Classified-specific areas include (but are not limited to):

• Ethics case studies, where property rights to continuous employment may be addressed
• Employment law cases, where grievance rights may be addressed
• Types of performance conversations (coaching, performance counseling, progressive discipline)​​

Registration Information:

Please note: The virtual version includes four live virtual sessions and out-of-class assignments to process, practice, and reflect.

If you need assistance enrolling in a class, please contact dop.registrar@wv.gov.