Pre-Supervisor Training

The transition from frontline employee to supervisor is a big leap.

This program is designed to help participants better understand the roles and responsibilities of supervision. In this interactive course, we will explore the fundamentals of frontline supervision. Participants will examine core elements of supervision such as building trust, managing conflict, and communicating effectively.

At the end of the program participants and their employers will be properly equipped for a successful transition.

Standard tuition is $750 per participant.
Fee includes light breakfast and full lunch at both sessions.

SLA member organizations are eligible for a discounted rate:

  • Presidential Members: $375
  • Premier Members: $450
  • Executive Members: $525
  • Partner Members: $675

2 Session Series:

April 12th & April 26th, 2024

Please Plan to Attend Both Sessions

Both sessions are held on a Friday
9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Innovation Connector
1208 W White River Blvd – Muncie, IN 47303
Join the Waitlist

About the Facilitator:

Tisha Gierhart, Program Director

Tisha Gierhart knows life on a production line. Before coming to Shafer Leadership Academy Tisha worked in front line production on a factory floor. It is that experience, paired with her talents as a facilitator, which makes Tisha the perfect teacher for front line supervisors. In fact, as  Shafer Leadership Academy’s lead manufacturing facilitator, Tisha has worked with front line supervisors at places such as Tyson Foods, FCC, Magna Powertrain, Muncie Power Products and many others. She has thousands of hours of facilitation experience as she is responsible for the development, delivery, and assessment of leadership programs presented by Shafer Leadership Academy.

Tisha holds a degree in Business Administration from Indiana Wesleyan University. She is an alumnus of Shafer’s Emergence program and has completed Advanced Facilitator Training. Tisha is a Certified John Maxwell Speaker, Coach and Trainer. She is certified in The Leadership Challenge and has over 40 hours of certified coach training.

Her work reflects her passion for making a difference, building relationships, and motivating others. She believes in leading by example and developing purposeful connections.

Session One

9:00 am to 4:00 pm with an hour lunch

Fundamentals of Supervision

  • Discuss “what is supervision?
  • Does a supervisor have to be a leader?
  • Explore the qualities of admired supervisors
  • Discuss the differences between leadership and management
  • Complete the Learning Styles Assessment
  • Examine the need to “Start with Why” (Simon Sinek)

Trust

  • Understand the importance of trust in teambuilding and relationship management
  • Explore the types of trust: character vs competence
  • Understand the importance of creating an environment that builds trust
  • Learn how to set expectations with the team to create a common vision for the team
  • Examine concrete methods for creating trust

Homework

  • Using Simon Sinek’s “Start with Why” model, develop your own personal leadership mission. The statement should read To____ So That______  . Read Dean Bokhari’s brief article How to Find Your Why and Communicate Your Purpose for help.
  • Shadow a supervisor for a day at your company. Make note of what surprised you about their experience.

Session Two

  • 9:00 am to 4:00 pm with an hour lunch

Homework Review

  • Share personal mission statements

Roles and Responsibilities

  • Examine how the transition from peer to supervisor changes a role within a team
  • Explore what it means to “Model the Way”
  • Discuss the opportunities to coach and mentor
  • Evaluate thinking, learning, and working styles

Conflict and Communication 

  • Examine the importance of “seeking first to understand, then to be understood”
  • Explore basic body language principles
  • Learn active listening techniques
  • Learn to S.T.A.T.E. their path when in conflict

Current Supervisor Panel 

  • Hear from current supervisors, sharing their experience and advice!

Recognition & Motivation

  • Examine the benefit of recognizing contributions by appreciating individual excellence
  • Discuss how to celebrate organizational values and victories by creating a spirit of community

Closing Activity

  • Participants will explore their questions, concerns, and general readiness for stepping into a supervisory role. 

Employer Deliverables

  • Learning Styles Inventory for each participant