Managers' Compass Curriculum
Managers' Compass is designed to support you by providing essential training and resources that complement your college or department onboarding. Whether you're supervising a team for the first time or stepping into a new level of responsibility, this program will help you build the foundational skills needed to succeed as a manager at Virginia Tech.
This program is organized around four Essential Skills areas: Supervising People, Communicating Clearly, Organizing Work, and Following University Procedures. The first three areas offer flexible learning options—including in-person sessions, online synchronous activities, and self-paced courses—to fit your schedule and learning preferences. The final area provides self-paced modules and ongoing reference materials to help you navigate common workplace responsibilities and university-specific processes. Think of Managers' Compass as both a structured learning experience and a practical resource you can return to as you grow into your new position.
Below, you'll find activities organized by their Essential Skills area. Links will be added as activities become available, so check back regularly to access new learning opportunities and resources.
Supervising People
| Session Title | Session Description |
|---|---|
| Setting Expectations and Delegating Tasks | Learn how to clearly define roles, responsibilities, and outcomes for team members. |
| Giving Feedback and Managing Performance | Practice delivering constructive feedback and addressing performance issues effectively. |
| Handling Difficult Conversations | Build confidence in addressing sensitive or challenging topics with staff. |
| Coaching for Daily Success | Use simple coaching techniques to support employee growth and motivation. |
Communicating Clearly
| Session Title | Session Description |
|---|---|
| Everyday Communication Skills for Managers | Focus on clarity, tone, and professionalism in emails, meetings, and updates. |
| Listening & Responding Effectively | Learn active listening and how to respond to concerns or questions. |
| Communicating Across Teams and Departments | Strategies for sharing information with different audiences across the university. |
| Running Effective Meetings | Tips for planning, facilitating, and following up on team meetings. |
Organizing Work
| Session Title | Session Description |
|---|---|
| Planning and Prioritizing Tasks | Learn how to break down work, set timelines, and manage competing demands. |
| Managing Time and Resources | Tools and habits for staying organized and efficient in daily operations. |
| Solving Everyday Problems | Use basic problem-solving steps to address common workplace issues. |
| Using Tools to Track Work | Explore simple systems (e.g., spreadsheets, task lists) to monitor progress. |
Following University Procedures
| Session Title | Session Description |
|---|---|
| Understanding Key Systems and Policies | Overview of time entry, leave, hiring, and performance systems. |
| Navigating University Processes | Learn how to follow procedures and find support when needed. |
| Working with HR, Finance, and Other Units | Understand who to contact and how to collaborate across functions. |
| Ethics and Professional Conduct | Review expectations for behavior, confidentiality, and compliance. |