Sharpen My Saw
CLOC's signature program is on hiatus in 2023-2024 as we support the University's strategic plan by developing a campus-wide supervisor training program. Look for Sharpen My Saw in 2024-2025. Learn more and sign up to be the first to know when we're accepting applications again.
This is an excellent program for anyone who manages people, whether they are just starting out, or have been working for awhile. Highly recommended!
Over 9 months, engage with a group of 6-8 people and:
- Strengthen your ability to work with and lead others
- Solve problems and identify possibilities
- Deepen your emotional intelligence
- Discover practical tools you can use right away
Topics include:
- Using a strengths-based approach to leadership
- Leading with the brain in mind
- Giving and receiving feedback effectively
- Harnessing the power of inclusion
- Motivating yourself and others
- Attending to subconscious bias
- Creating a practice of appreciation and recognition
Each month, you:
- receive a 20-minute video packed with content to review prior to your group meeting
- meet with your group to discuss, make connections, and apply the concepts to work and life (the first and last sessions will be in-person for 2 hours; all other sessions will be virtual for 90 minutes)
- can take advantage of a 60-minute coaching session with your facilitator
Meetings occur October through June. Specific dates and times are decided jointly by members of each group. The first and last meetings are in person; meetings in between will be facilitated via Zoom.
I believe anyone who truly cares about our work environment and wanting to see success within themselves and their teams should take advantage of this opportunity.
Learning communities are formed based on years of supervisory experience and include:
Emerging Leadership – for those not yet supervising or with five or fewer years’ supervisory experience
Mid-Career Leadership Refresh – for those with between five and 10 years of supervisory experience
Reconnecting to Effective Leadership (Old Dogs and New Tricks) – for those with 10 or more years of supervisory experience
Academic Leadership – faculty in administrative positions (PIs, center directors, chairs, deans, and associate deans)
I learned more about myself as a manager and how I can push myself to tackle the tough questions. I also learned to take my time to get to know my team; their strengths and their weaknesses.
Prerequisite: The philosophy of strengths is woven throughout the Sharpen My Saw curriculum. To participate in Sharpen My Saw, you must have taken Gallup's CliftonStrengths assessment and know your Top 5 strengths. If you do not know them, you must attend one of our Start with Strengths sessions.
Thank you for creating one of the most satisfying and supportive communities I have been a part of in my 18 years at Maryland!