UW-LEAD
UW-LEaD or Learning Education and Development is a professional development program designed to enhance communication skills, influence collaboration and deepen employee engagement of UWSA employees. There are two tracks of professional development: one for Organizational Contributors (without direct reports excluding students) and one for People Managers (those with direct reports and/or management-level responsibilities).
At the end of this experience, employees will have deeper understanding of the principle tenets of effective communication, managing change and how their work style preferences influence collaboration. Participants will also be able to identify stressors and develop appropriate strategies for managing stress.
How to Participate or Nominate
Nominations for participation are solicited during open enrollment periods which are announced via email and on the website.
Employees interested in participating should discuss interest with their manager. Upon agreement, both employee and manager should submit during open nominations for the next cohort. Likewise, managers who are interested in having a direct report participate should discuss the opportunity with that employee.
Class sizes are limited to ensure a quality experience.
UW-LEaD participants are notified via email / in writing of their selection. All who are selected to participate, as well as their managers, are asked for a commitment of full attendance at every session in the series to qualify to graduate.
Additional Information
Additional information on participation and nominations is available below. If you have additional questions, contact Mason Aumanstal (maumanstal@uwsa.edu) in UW System Human Resources.
Testimonials
UW-LEaD informed and contributed to every aspect of my pre-LEaD leadership skills! Our work with the DiSC Assessment Results, Communication Practices, Coaching, and Change and Transitions was engaging and informative. These transformations were both subtle and demonstrably impactful (e.g., learning how small changes in language and/or perceptions resulted in vastly different outcomes). UW-LEaD is one of the best professional development opportunities I have experienced!
-Barbara Bales, Director, Strategic Initiatives and Educational Innovation - PK-20 Education Programs, APEI
The UW-LEaD was one of the most valuable training experiences in my entire work life. The instructor was phenomenal and the material engaging, relevant and applicable. I learned so much about myself and others in how to navigate and manage the people and situations we all encounter every day. Through my experiences, I am confident the knowledge gained will enable me to be a better communicator, collaborator and team player in our ever-changing work environment.
-Diane Wendt, Financial Administration
UW-LEaD was a wonderful opportunity to network with colleagues, apply innovative leadership tools and techniques, and share my thoughts about my leadership experience. I would highly recommend UW-LEaD to all that are interested in enhancing their leadership skills in an environment that promotes professional development and growth.
-Amanda Nehmer, Director, Internal Audit
Officially graduated today! Thanks University of Wisconsin System Administration for the very valuable opportunity!
-Celia Braker, Business Intelligence Training & Support Consultant, OLITS via LinkedIn
…The UW-LEaD experience gave me so many great ideas/strategies that I have been/will be able to incorporate into my workday… I came out of each session energized, with a desire to use these ideas in my workday, which I have been able to do numerous times.
-Ben Brikowski, UW Service Center Affinity Group Generalist
…Cyndi (UW-LEaD Instructor) created a warm, comfortable and fun environment that encouraged participants to share candidly, which leads to authentic growth. I walked away with many tangible resources and ideas I can use to increase my team’s success.
-Christine Greger, Finance/HR/TAM Team Lead, Service Center
(UW-LEaD) is a great opportunity to develop yourself not only as an organizational contributor, but as a person. I highly recommend participating in this course if you are interested in learning more about your own style of work, identifying strengths and areas you need to work on, and then learning about the tools that can help you grow. You can take all of the lessons learned in this course and apply them to other parts and relationships in your life, too.
-David Specht-Boardman, Government Relations Specialist, University Relations
UW-LEaD provided valuable content through a top-notch facilitator that lead with knowledge regarding the challenges professionals face on a regular basis. The facilitator recognized when more time was necessary for certain conversations and adjusted appropriately to ensure our needs were met.
-Brianne Jobke, Benefits Specialist, UW System Human Resources
I believe that the inaugural UW-LEaD program is a positive step forward for UW System Administration (UWSA) in terms of employee investment and professional development. The benefit of augmenting employee skill sets, listening to different perspectives across units, and fostering a spirit that drives employee retention and commitment among the employees selected to participate is of value to UWSA as well as the individual. I hope the program continues and is seen as a foundation over time for other related programming.
-Stefan Fletcher, Special Assistant, Office of Administration
Cohorts
Spring 2019
Fall 2018