In a world with constant technological changes and information overload, ongoing learning is a must. Professional Development Services (PDS) at MSU offers many learning opportunities for both supervisors and staff. However, it is not enough to merely attend class, but rather you must be intentional with your learning and follow through to increase reinforcement. PDS has come up with the following tips for supervisors to support their staff in professional development, and ensure they are getting useful information out of the programs they attend.

The first step is engagement. If staff members approach you about taking classes, engage them in conversation. Find out why they want to take the class, what interests them about it, what they’d like to get out of it and how they think they are going to apply what they learn. When the supervisor shares their thoughts, this exchange sets the tone for learning to be intentional.

In addition, let your staff know that you want to discuss their experience from class afterwards. “The follow-through aspect is important,” says Jennie Yelvington, Professional Development Services Senior HR Professional. “It shows your employees that you are investing in them, and also helps to reinforce learning.” If appropriate, have staff members who come back from training do a mini teach-back to the rest of the staff.

Professional development isn’t limited to staff members. Supervisors should be sharing what they are learning. “As they go to classes, or read a book, supervisors can talk to their staff and hold their own mini teach-backs. That way, staff can see them model the behavior so that it reinforces learning culture for the whole work group,” says Jennie. Encourage staff to share articles and other materials with each other along with taking classes, to encourage everyone to take part in ongoing learning and build excitement.

Supervisors and staff should work together in identifying learning opportunities as part of MSU’s Performance Excellence process. To find out more information about these opportunities, visit Professional Development Services.