When you think of superheroes’ characteristics, what comes to mind?
You might think they have superpowers and they fight against oppression and wrongdoing. But in business today, just being fair is nothing compared to having the ability to lead and engage others to become their best.
Who are these people?
Supervisors or managers who communicate well, value and engage their staff, create trust and sustain them. When leadership seems rare on so many levels today, it is easy to recognize a good one. They are responsible for leading their teams toward a common goal efficiently and effectively. They are interested in their people, take the time to listen, build trust and then manage them.
‘Build it, and they will come’
I had the good fortune to attend the in-person series (virtual courses are also available) and shadow the work of Jennifer Mount, the lead trainer at Cabrillo College’s Supervision & Leadership Academy’s extension program, created over 10 years ago.
I attended this 12-week Supervisory Academy training series, which ended May 24. I was impressed with the program curriculum but dazzled by these up-and-coming leaders. The course content ‘…presents numerous challenges and opportunities supervisors can expect and meet in their organization’s needs,’ as stated in their brochure.
The entire series ‘provides in-depth information, with various topics that come together to provide a holistic strategy and process….’
A variety of talented managers
Ralph Wilcox is a counselor at Janus of S.C., a Methodone treatment program. Asked about what the training has meant to him and his organization, he said, “… finding a third party, demonstrates how forward-thinking this organization is. Helps to provide less risk for the organization’s legal exposure by allowing its managers the opportunity to make smarter management decisions.” Overall, he felt the key benefits provided training consistency, help to avoid legal entanglements, and how to interview job candidates better.
Isaiah Cisneros, lodging and carousel supervisor at the Seaside Company, felt the module on Hiring the Right Employees was the best. “This section was the best because of the questions I learned. They were less hypothetical and more realistic. Questions that would ask the candidate to think through a difficult situation.” All the supervisors greatly appreciated the opportunity to address peer-to-peer problem-solving scenarios.
Candace Reardon, a supervisor in administration at Stable Life Services, a respite for adults and children with special needs, grasped the bigger picture of how the importance of leadership and teams can work well together. For her, it ignited much passion she had not experienced before and amplified her commitment to becoming a great supervisor.
My last superhero of management is Jessica Brack, a restaurant manager at Seaside Company. Her primary role, like the others, is to bring back team-building skills. She and her team’s significant role is about ‘providing great customer service, which includes having great listening skills. The overall mission of Seaside is to help its managers value each person who works there, to help develop them individually, whether part-time, seasonal, or full-time employees.
The breath of the Supervision Academy training series prepares them for the real world of business, interpersonal, and team dynamics. How can we work together? How can we become self-aware, stress less, stay motivated, and optimize time management and coaching to maximize individual potential? These questions and more are discussed through each class’s interactive modules.
The summer Supervisory Academy Training series in person starts on July 19 or virtually on July 21. For information, visit bit.ly/3HDGvrk or call 831-479-6331. For corporate training and development, visit cabrillo.edu/corporatetraining.
Janet Janssen is a Life in Business coach, trainer, and public speaker. Ask her about the newly forming Women’s Business Network-SLV. First event: July 21. Contact Janssen at [email protected] or 831-335-0553.
