Sit With Us
Sit a while with us by checking out these past events from 2015-18, or click on a button below to find other events.
Overcoming Distractions
Held December 13, 2018, at the Memorial Union
A follow-up session to our recent Managing Priorities presentation
Jenny Faust from the Office of Strategic Consulting returned to present for CSN. Her new session focused on the many distractions that confront us as contemporary professionals managing multiple priorities and utilizing numerous technological tools. Based on current neuroscience research, we heard about both the challenges to sustained focus and strategies for mitigating those challenges. The session was interactive and activity-based as we looked both to research and to each other for new approaches to this universal struggle.
The CSN Holiday Mingle
Held November 15, 2018, at Smitty’s Study Pub in the Fluno Center
Hopefully, you were one of the many people who came to the CSN Holiday Mingle – a chance to catch up and socialize with some of your peers and presenters from past sessions. No speaker; just fun networking and mingling with other supervisors from campus. We met at the Fluno Center on the 8th floor in Smitty’s Study Pub, with spectacular views of the University and Madison landmarks.
CSN was at the Leadership Conference!
Held November 7, 2018, at Union South
Campus Supervisors Network was represented at LMD! Our booth was visited by many, wanting to learn more about our community of practice.
The 20th Annual Leadership and Management Development Conference, “Forward Thinking for Today’s Leader,” was November 7 at Union South. The conference is designed to help faculty, staff, and community members develop the skills they need to lead and manage more effectively, whether they are currently in formal positions of leadership or looking to develop and grow into a leader.
Follow-up to our Summer Book Club
Held October 18, 2018, at Middleton Building
A follow-up networking session was advertised directly to attendees of the recent Crucial Conversations Book Club sessions we had this summer.
CSN Planning Committee members gathered in a small group discussion with other attendees to discuss concepts from this book in-depth, and put them into practice with our own real-life situations we were currently working through, and dissected them with the help of the group. Thank you to everyone who attended our book club!
Leadership Improv
Held October 9, 2018, at Union South
CSN welcomed Sean Bossinger and Jason Erdmann from UW-IT Connects for another session on Leadership Improv. Through a variety of fun, engaging activities, Sean and Jason demonstrated how improvisational comedy skills can help supervisors work through difficult situations with staff and their peers alike.
Attendees of this fun and interactive event were able to:
• Get practice being “in the moment” (as leaders always are)
• Become more comfortable speaking from the top of mind
• Practice becoming more comfortable acting (as opposed to reacting)
• Learn the science behind why practice makes people more comfortable
• Participate in activities that focused on building and collaboration
• Learn about “Yes, and…,” a core competency of improv troupes everywhere
Managing Priorities
Held September 18, 2018, at Union South
Do you find that you often have more on your “to-do” list at the end of a day than at the beginning? Are you interrupted so often that you don’t have time to focus on what is important? Do you have trouble finding time for your family and friends? All busy leaders struggle with these issues, but they can be especially challenging for those of us who became managers without any formal training. In this interactive, case-based workshop, we focused on strategies for managing this common set of problems that we all face. Attendees left with practical solutions and resources that they could begin to apply immediately. Topics included: setting realistic goals, putting project time on your calendar, strategies to ensure that you get (uninterrupted) work time daily, and developing “yes criteria.”
Followup to Recognition and Appreciation Sessions
Held August 21, 2018, at Middleton Building
A followup networking session was advertised directly to attendees of the recent Fostering a Culture of Employee Appreciation and Recognition sessions in April and July.
Attendees joined in a small group discussion on August 21st to discuss programs and events they could promote in their work area. Your peers discussed in more detail some of the ways you can show your employees that they are valued. We talked about things that each of us have done and ways others might incorporate some of them into their department’s regimen and increase employee engagement as a result.
CSN Summer 2018 Book Club
Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking when Stakes are High
Held June 27, July 18, & Aug 8, 2018, at Lathrop Hall’s Virginia Harrison Parlor
Do you experience conflict from time to time in your role on campus? Are you sometimes caught off guard by situations with staff? Do you avoid conflict in the hope that it will go away? CSN members got together and read and reviewed parts of the book Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking when Stakes are High by Patterson, Grenny, McMillan & Switzler, during our summer book club!
Crucial Conversations are defined as “A discussion between two or more people where (1) stakes are high, (2) opinions vary, and (3) emotions run strong” and the outcome greatly impacts their lives. We touched on the major theme of the book, and unpacked sections that will help you prepare for and have more successful conversations in the workplace or in your personal life. Materials were provided, including a copy of the book and handouts / questions for discussion.
Early to Mid-Career Retirement Planning
Maximizing Your Benefits: Making Your Money Work
Held July 7, 2018, at Union South
Get control of your money at the UW! Thomasin Propson spoke how to be properly invested and positioned for your retirement. In this 90-minute informational mini-session, we learned about the following:
- Introduce you to the UW-Madison Benefits Services office
- Review shared retirement resources and process (UW & ETF)
- And provide basic information on:
>> Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS)
>> How future WRS retirement annuity may be calculated
>> Sick Leave Credit Conversion
>> Supplemental retirement plans available 403(b) & 457(b)
Fostering a Culture of Employee Appreciation and Recognition
Held July 10, 2018, at the Middleton Building
CSN once again offered this session with Rich Gassen as facilitator. Through his research, he has built up a variety of resources from online influencers on this important subject and shared his findings with participants, including updates from his April class discussion.
The group discussed current workplace practices for recognition and employee engagement; learned some stats, proven success stories on our campus, and ideas for a more appreciative work experience. Handouts and materials were provided, along with some tools to immediately employ in work areas.
Special thank you to the small group that attended our follow-up session on recognition on August 21st, after this presentation. Members of CDR’s High Five Club talked about some things they have implemented over the past five years, Rich talked about the Summer Sessions program his shop promoted this summer for staff to visit places like Allen Centennial Gardens, The Chazen Museum and more, and we discussed other topics like department calendars with staff-supplied photos, cookouts with themes (tailgate season approaching!!), and looking for awards programs to submit names of staff members to.
Autism and the UW: Supervising Staff in the Autism Spectrum
Held June 21, 2018, at The Waisman Center
Management issues can be a challenge for both parties when an employee is on the autism spectrum. Scott Allen, a professional and advocate on the autism spectrum, offered perspectives and experiences at this presentation, to benefit both employees on the spectrum and those who manage or supervise them. We also had an opening by Lindsay McCary, who presented a clinical perspective on autism.
Getting to know your staff using the Stickman Exercise
Held June 7, 2018, at DoIT Computer Sciences
Patti Havlicek of Campus Supervisors Network presented a mini session on the Stickman Exercise: a fun and easy way to get to know your staff and use this to support and motivate them in their career path. She demonstrated how to use the Stickman Exercise for onboarding, one-on-one discussions, or anytime you want to learn more about a staff member and promote:
- Higher job satisfaction
- Improved performance
- Showing appreciation for what they do
- Developing trust and a sense of family
Successful Hiring Practices: Interviewing and Advertising Workshop
Held May 5, 2018, at Union South
CSN presented an engaging and informative session on interviewing and advertising for job openings, featuring Erica Fini-Marten and Tanya Hanson from OHR.
“Interviewing is the most widely used tactic to assess a candidate’s ability to meet the needs of a job opening. Learn foundational best practices and the do’s and don’ts of interviewing to ensure you have the right person. Prior to interviewing, you likely have an adequate quantity of applicants, but do you have the quality? Discover the value of understanding where candidates, and more importantly hires, hear about job opportunities at UW-Madison. You may rethink how to advertise and share your job opening!”
This abbreviated session provided the opportunity to learn and discuss practices surrounding interviewing and advertising. Check out some recruitment resources that were mentioned in the session:
The TRE Toolkit has a plethora of information on TREMS features and how-to’s, Recruitment and Recruitment Planning, Applicant Assessment, Onboarding, Performance Management and more. It’s a great link to bookmark!
Leadership @ UW Spring Open House
Held May 1, 2018, at Lathrop Hall
CSN members Kate Skogen, Rich Gassen, and Kayla Driscoll were at the Leadership @ UW Spring Open House. At this wonderful event, students presented how the Leadership Framework was used in their environments for positive change, and we met many new people at our booth as well and were able to introduce them to the Campus Supervisors Network.
Caring for Ourselves and Shaping A Culture of Wellbeing
Held April 12, 2018, at 21 North Park
Employee Wellness Leader Nicole Youngberg from OHR presented “Caring for Ourselves and Shaping A Culture of Wellbeing.” Nicole discussed how to take care of yourself effectively so you can take care of others in your organization. She engaged with the audience about what well-being is, the concept of work-life integration, and how caring for ourselves can shape the culture we live in. Everyone was presented with materials to take back to their offices and reference.
Fostering a Culture of Employee Appreciation and Recognition
Held April 5, 2018, at Middleton Building
Our first mini session, “Fostering a Culture of Employee Appreciation and Recognition,” was facilitated by CSN member Rich Gassen. Through his research, Rich has amassed a collection of resources from online influencers on this important subject and shared his findings with the audience.
Attendees came prepared to talk about their current workplace practices for recognition and employee engagement; learned some stats, proven success stories, and ideas for a more appreciative work experience. Handouts and materials were provided, along with some tools to immediately employ in work areas.
The CSN Crew was at Showcase 2018
Held March 21, 2018, at Union South
CSN planning committee members were once again presenting at Showcase. We hosted a booth to network with our peers, and discuss CSN’s mission of serving campus supervisors. Rich Gassen gave a flash talk about our poster and some of the events we have facilitated in the past year.
CSN Discussions at Academic Staff Institute
Held March 15, 2018, at Union South
CSN members presented at the Academic Staff Institute at Union South. ASI is an annual professional development conference for UW-Madison academic staff. The conference is a joint effort between the Madison Academic Staff Network, ASEC, Secretary of the Academic Staff office, and the Academic Staff Assembly.
In our breakout session, we shared information about the Talent and Learning Development programs available to managers, were able to learn about concerns with Extension staff migrating to UW-Madison, and talked about upcoming CSN events. As always, we welcomed ideas on additional training so we can improve our service to the campus supervisor community. Thank you to all that listened to our information and participated!
Followup to Bridging the Generational Divide
Held January 29, 2018, at Union South
Several people joined us for an engaging and informative conversation around the idea of generational differences in the workplace. We had an open discussion about successes and struggles we have encountered in our environments, talked about the different communication styles and needs of the generational groups, and referenced some additional materials for possible solutions and advice in dealing with these challenges.
Click on the link below for a downloadable summary statement of our conversations.
Bridging the Generational Divide
Held December 17, 2017, at Union South
CSN welcomed Alex Draginis from Accent Learning & Consulting for her presentation on “How to bridge the generation gap effectively”.
With 47% of the full-time workforce under the age of 34, managers and supervisors are trying to figure out how to hire, retain and motivate in a world of shifting demographics. Generational differences affect how employees function and relate to one another, ultimately affecting productivity and the workplace environment.
Alex gave her presentation on the following:
1. Who are the generations and what are the characteristics impacting leaders?
2. What are the common generational pain points for teams?
3. What are differences across generations in terms of change and feedback?
4. How the generations approach work using unique strengths that sometimes divide
Ready, Set, GOAL!
Writing Effective Performance Review Goals and Other News on UW Performance Management
Held January 19, 2017, at Union South
Shelly Vils Havel of UW’s Talent Recruitment & Engagement department at the Office of Human Resources presented information on best practices of performance management, covering each step – setting goals, providing feedback, tips for effective writing of reviews etc. — with additional resources available for follow up.
Shelly spoke for most of the session, and there was an optional networking discussion afterward focusing on how to set goals for your rock star staff members — How do you motivate them without pay increases as part of the mix? Share with your peers how you keep staff engaged and motivated in spite of lack of funds to offer raises. In what unique ways do managers attack this challenge? Thank you to everyone that attended this event.
Understanding the Leadership Framework; Supervisors Share Their Perspective
Held October 25, 2017, at Union South
Campus Supervisors Network teamed up with Leadership @ UW for an interactive discussion with a panel of campus leaders to learn about, and better understand the UW-Madison Leadership Framework. The framework is founded on guiding principles of leadership. It focuses on institutional values and leadership competencies, which when enacted, can lead to an infinite number of positive outcomes.
The panel of distinguished managers and supervisors from across campus shared how they have integrated and use the Leadership Framework. Attendees were able to learn from their stories, successes, and challenges, and also find out how they might implement the framework in their specific units.
Harness the Power of “YES, AND…” with LEADERSHIP IMPROV!
Held Septmber 26, 2017, at Union South
CSN welcomed Sean Bossinger and Jason Erdmann from UW-IT Connects for a session on Leadership Improv. Through a variety of fun, engaging activities, Sean and Jason demonstrated how improvisational comedy skills can help supervisors work through difficult situations with staff and their peers alike.
Attendees were able to:
• Get practice being “in the moment” (as leaders always are)
• Become more comfortable speaking from the top of mind
• Practice becoming more comfortable acting (as opposed to reacting)
• Learn the science behind why practice makes people more comfortable
• Participate in activities that focused on building and collaboration
• Learn about “Yes, and…,” a core competency of improv troupes everywhere.
Principles of Supervision and Management (PSM) overview
Held August 16, 2017, at 21 N. Park
Campus Supervisors hosted an overview mini-session featuring the updated Principles of Supervision and Management (PSM) training program. On August 16, Julie Kovalaske from Learning and Talent Development joined the CSN crew to cover the basics of this revised training program, and point out the benefits of going through the classes.
In this brief informational session attendees heard about the updates made to PSM (both in the content and how it is taught) and get a sneak peek at some of the actual content in the classes. We ask managers to be advocates for the program with your colleagues, and former PSM-trained managers may also consider attending the program again after the improvements!
CSN Book Club Series: The Clover Practice
Held June 27, July 19, and August 9, 2017, at Lathrop Hall
Do you want to be more effective and engaging in your role as a leader? Would you like to learn tips on how to handle stress, and how to leave the office feeling accomplished verses drained? In 2017, Campus Supervisors Network introduced the CSN Book Club Series; a new way to network and develop your skills as a supervisor.
The featured book in 2017 was from Kathleen A. Paris, Ph.D., who is an emeritus for the University of Wisconsin-Madison Office of Quality Improvement (OQI). Her work, Staying Healthy in Sick Organizations: The Clover Practice™ shows you how to thrive professionally and emotionally in work environments that are frequently unhealthy. With clear directives and tools for how to be an authentic advocate for ourselves and others, and recognize the interconnections that influence our failures and successes. This book provides an elegant metaphor and tool kit for navigating organizational change.
Sorry, this great networking opportunity has passed; however, supporting materials are still available if you would like to self-study. Click below:
Meet Lynda: Learn Something New
Held May 4, 2017, at Memorial Union
This session focused on Lynda.com — An amazing resource of tutorials, training and solutions is a free resource to UW staff, and can be a vital part of your professional development or problem solving processes. From quick videos on how to do a task in Microsoft Excel, to full-blown start-to-finish training in Adobe InDesign complete with downloadable resource files for reference, this valuable tool is a great way for people to improve their skills and develop. There are also some great videos on conflict management, having difficult conversations, leadership fundamentals, and other supervisor-related subjects to help you be more effective in your role as a manager on the UW-Madison campus.
Note: Lynda.com was replaced by LinkedIn Learning after this event. Go to LinkedIn to find a host of training videos on a range of topics.
Leadership @ UW Spring Open House
Held May 2, 2017, at Pyle Center
CSN members Kate Skogen, Rich Gassen, and Ruben Mota were on hand May 2nd, 2017 at the Leadership @ UW Spring Open House, where collaboration and idea sharing were front and center. Speakers presented how the Leadership Framework works into so many different areas of campus for people to assess their competencies and values relating the UW’s mission. Others, including CSN, had booths to showcase leadership on various levels in the university. CSN had our usual swag of notepads, upcoming event notifications, and candy to give out to visitors. Thank you to all that came out to this wonderful event.
CSN was at Showcase 2017!
Held April 5, 2017, at Union South
CSN planning committee members were available at Showcase. We hosted a booth there to network with our peers and discuss CSN’s mission of serving campus supervisors. Hopefully you were able to stop by and visit with us, and grab a notepad or treat! If you couldn’t make it but want a CSN notepad, email Rich Gassen (rich.gassen@wisc.edu) and he will send you one!
EAO Difficult Conversations
September 14, 2016, at Union South
Sherry Boeger from The Employee Assistance Office gave an overview of their services and answered questions for supervisors during this informative session. She covered how to have difficult conversations with staff, and when it’s time to hand it over to EAO.
Leadership @ UW CLI Booth
Held May 4, 2016, at the Discovery Building
CSN had a booth along with other leadership groups at this CLI event. We chatted with visitors on our relatively new group to gain new members and find out what challenges people are facing in management of teams.
Intro to CSN Website and OHR Training Classes
Held April 7, 2016, at 21 N. Park Street
Representatives from OHR shared their website and talked about many of the classes they offer for staff, including the fully prepared to lead and THRIVE series. CSN also introduced our new website at this session, allowing more open communication with our network on upcoming events and resources.
Investing in Employee Morale
Held December 8, 2015, at Union South
Sixty people attended this meeting where CSN planners talked about different resources we all have available to us at the UW-Madison at little or no cost. From flexible schedules to employee appreciation initiatives, we discussed it all!
Much of what came out of this session sparked content for later events CSN hosted.
CSN Kick-off Meeting
Held August 4, 2015, at Union South
This was the introductory meeting for the Campus Supervisors Network. We welcomed members and discussed where people had gaps in their leadership learning, so we could formulate a plan for future content. Many supervisors mentioned challenges they encountered in motivating staff, delivering appreciation and recognition, and finding training resources for their employees to grow and develop in their roles.
They also shared positive things happening in their units, like monthly meetings with shout-outs to team members who did great things, regular newsletters within their group, and modeling behaviors you want to see from your team. Transparency and inclusion were also highlights of a positive workplace.