In today’s dynamic workplace, effective supervision is crucial. This learning series offers timely topics to enhance supervisors’ impact. It equips leaders with the skills, knowledge, and strategies to confidently lead and inspire their teams beyond the Principles of Supervision and Management (PSM) program.
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Questions?
Please contact the Supervisor Development Team.
What to expect when attending a professional development course
Course format
EYSM courses are highly interactive, including small breakout rooms. Participants will work together to explore techniques, share best practices, and foster a collaborative environment to thrive as leaders.
Topics will evolve with each offering of the series. Check this webpage for current offerings. You are welcome to attend one, some, or all of the courses in the series. It is not a sequential curriculum or associated with a certificate.Â
EYSM is limited to participants who are people managers.
Who should attend?
UW–Madison supervisors or managers of staff, who:
- Conduct performance conversations
- Oversee the work of others
- Hire new employees
- Onboard new employees
- Make decisions about the time and work of others
- Encourage professional development of others
Upcoming sessions
Summer 2026
Each course of the series will be held virtually on Zoom. Select a course title to submit an interest form. To access the interest form, you must be logged into Google with your campus NetID.Â
- EYSM: Managing Performance with Purpose
Performance management is more than the required Human Resources tasks that occur a few times a year. Having regular, intentional performance conversations is a powerful leadership practice that builds strong, engaged teams that deliver results. In this course, we will discuss key types of performance conversations, refine and practice performance conversation skills, and explore tools and practices to make your role as a supervisor easier and more effective. - EYSM: Documenting Performance
A key element of performance management is documenting expectations, accomplishments, strengths, and development opportunities. This course explores the STAR method for documenting with specific examples. - EYSM: Coaching Employees for Retention
UW–Madison’s workforce is its greatest asset. Retaining employees is critical to achieving the university’s mission and your team’s success. Investing in an employee’s growth demonstrates that you and the organization value the employee. This course uses coaching skills to facilitate dialogue with employees about career development. - EYSM: Having Career Conversations: A Supervisor’s Guide to Performance and Development
This workshop equips supervisors with the means to connect performance management and career development. Career conversations are a powerful tool for supporting performance, engagement, retention, and building trust. In this interactive workshop, supervisors will learn why career conversations matter, how to initiate them with confidence, and what questions lead to meaningful dialogue. Participants will explore how relationship styles impact conversations, practice responding effectively, and leave prepared to apply these skills with their teams.