Managers' Compass Curriculum
Managers' Compass is designed to support you by providing essential training and resources to support your development, whether you're supervising a team for the first time in your career or stepping into a new level of responsibility here at Virginia Tech. While the program offers a suggested schedule to guide manager development, both the sequencing and the specific content can be customized to meet the unique needs, roles, and priorities of the management cohort. Organized around four Essential Skills areas—Supervising People, Communicating Clearly, Organizing Work, and Following University Procedures—the program includes flexible learning options such as in‑person sessions, online synchronous activities, and self‑paced modules. Think of Managers' Compass as both a structured learning pathway and a practical, adaptable resource you can return to as you grow in your role.
Sample Cohort Schedule
Month 1: Foundations of Supervision
| Session Title | Format | Session Description |
|---|---|---|
| Setting Goals, Clarifying Expectations, and Delegating Tasks | In-person Talent Development | Helps managers establish clear goals, set expectations, and delegate responsibilities effectively |
| Everyday Communication Skills for Managers | In-person Talent Development | Builds practical communication habits for clear, consistent, and effective daily interactions |
| Goal Alignment and Expectations | Supervisor Touchpoint |
Month 2: Communication and Difficult Conversations
| Session Title | Format | Session Description |
|---|---|---|
| Listening and Responding Effectively | In-person Talent Development | Strengthens managers’ ability to listen with intention and respond in ways that build trust and understanding |
| Handling Difficult Conversations | In-person Talent Development | Teaches strategies to confidently and productively navigate challenging or high‑stakes conversations |
Month 3: Performance and Coaching
| Session Title | Format | Session Description |
|---|---|---|
| Giving Feedback and Managing Performance | In-person Talent Development | Provides tools for delivering meaningful feedback and guiding employees toward strong performance |
Month 4: Performance Management and Touchpoints
| Session Title | Format | Session Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Trail to Feedback Mastery: Collaborating with Touchpoints | In-person Employee Relations | Introduces how to use the Touchpoints framework to foster ongoing, growth‑oriented performance conversations |
| Lead with Touchpoints: Managing Performance Growth and Standards of Conduct | In-person Employee Relations | Helps managers apply Touchpoints principles to uphold standards and support employee development |
OPTIONAL
Month 5: Communicating Clearly Across Teams
| Session Title | Format | Session Description |
|---|---|---|
| Communicating Across Teams and Departments | In-person Talent Development | Builds skills for communicating effectively when working with diverse teams and cross‑departmental partners |
| Running Effective Meetings | In-person Talent Development | Focuses on planning and leading meetings that are purposeful, engaging, and outcomes‑driven |
Month 6: Employee Relations and Systems
| Session Title | Format | Session Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mastering Grievance Resolutions | Hybrid/Multiple Formats Employee Relations | Helps managers understand the grievance process and how to approach concerns fairly and professionally |
| Understanding Key Systems and Policies | Online Self-paced | Introduces core HR systems and university policies that managers must navigate confidently |
| Progress Check and Application | Supervisor Touchpoint |
OPTIONAL
Month 7: Tools and Problem-Solving
| Session Title | Format | Session Description |
|---|---|---|
| Solving Everyday Problems (Manager Workshop) | In-person HR or Training Partner | Uses real manager challenges to practice structured, practical problem‑solving techniques |
| Using Tools to Track Work | Online Self-paced | Provides guidance on selecting and using digital tools that help managers organize tasks and track progress |
OPTIONAL
Month 8: Organizing Work
| Session Title | Format | Session Description |
|---|---|---|
| Planning & Prioritizing Tasks | In-person Talent Development | Helps managers structure workloads and prioritize tasks to meet goals effectively |
| Managing Time and Resources | Online Self-paced | Teaches strategies to allocate time and resources efficiently across competing demands |
Month 9: Navigating Univeristy Processes
| Session Title | Format | Session Description |
|---|---|---|
| Navigating University Processes | Online Self-paced | Offers an overview of key university procedures and workflows that managers regularly encounter |
OPTIONAL
Month 10: Working Across Functions
| Session Title | Format | Session Description |
|---|---|---|
| Working with HR, Finance, and Other Units | In-person/Online HR Partner | Builds understanding of how to collaborate effectively with functional partners across the university |
Month 11: Ethics and Conduct
| Session Title | Format | Session Description |
|---|---|---|
| Ethics and Professional Conduct | In-person/Online HR Partner | Reinforces ethical decision‑making and professional standards for managers |
Month 12: Reflection and Growth
| Session Title | Format | Session Description |
|---|---|---|
| Reflection and Individual Development Plan | Supervisor Touchpoint | Guides managers in assessing their growth and creating a personalized development plan |
| Manager Scenario Workshop | In-person Talent Development | Provides hands‑on practice applying management skills to realistic workplace scenarios |