Congratulations on your selection as a participant in Core Leadership 
Skills I of the Management Development Program training.  

This is Part I of an intensive three course program in which you will learn about yourself, your organization and how to lead and manage more effectively.  The completion of all three courses of the program leads to the University of Georgia issuing a “Certificate of Management.” As this is a certificate program, there are requirements that you must meet.  In addition to active participation in the class sessions, the completing the course assignments and projects, you must attend all of the days in the program.   It is critical that you arrange your calendar and make schedule changes as necessary to meet the attendance requirements. If you have planned vacation time or conference attendance in conflict with class dates that cannot be changed, it is recommended that you withdraw from the course at this time.  We recognize emergencies may arise but please be aware that our instructors only have the authority to excuse emergencies for up to six (6) hours.  These requirements have been established to ensure the credibility and validity of the certification program.  In addition to active class participation, completion of assignments and attendance requirements, there are a few courtesy reminders.

Please mute or turn off cell phones or pagers during class.  Let your staff know your break and lunch times and request they hold calls until those times.  Only emergency calls should be received.  

Emergency radios should be set so only emergency traffic is received and must be in a very low volume so as not to disrupt other participants.

In order to maximize learning and minimize class disruption, make every effort to arrive to class a few minutes early.  Instructors will start classes on time.

In order to give you an overview of what you are about to undertake, I am attaching an overview of Part I of the program.  Please feel free to contact me at (706) 542-9502 or your local training coordinator if you have any questions.  Good luck in your professional development experience.

Sincerely,
Gordon Maner, Program Manager
Management Development Program

______________________________________________________________________________
201 N. Milledge Ave.				                              Athens, GA  30602-5482

OVERVIEW OF CORE LEADERSHIP SKILLS I

8 day format
42 classroom contact hours 
plus one personal coaching session and assigned outside reading

The Management Development Program consists of a three course series: Core Leadership Skills I, Core Leadership Skills II, and Core Management Skills III. A textbook, Developing Management Skills by David A. Whetten and Kim S. Cameron, provides the general framework for discussion.  This textbook is designed on a skill development model that includes assessments, analyses, practice, and applications for each major topical area. Instructors use facilitated learning techniques making active class participation an important course element. Participants are also required to complete surveys and other testing instruments, read text assignments, engage in class activities, and contribute to discussions.

Content emphasizes the development of self awareness and personal improvement by focusing on interpersonal skills. Theory looks at leadership, communication (including listening), individual differences, and values.

Topics: Critical Role of Management Skills, Developing Self Awareness, Managing Personal Stress, Solving Problems Analytically and Creatively, and Coaching, Counseling & Supportive Communication

Skill development focuses on personality preferences, supportive communication, problem solving, coaching and counseling, and goal setting. Leadership skills will be enhanced through increased self awareness.

Project component involves the development of a comprehensive Personal Improvement Plan.