Mitzi Scarlett received her First Time Supervisors program diploma in December 2006 from Clint Davidson, vice president of human resources.
Climbing the Career Ladder
Program Encourages Staff to Become Supervisors
Mitzi Scarlett became a supervisor in January — a position she says she never would have taken a couple years ago.
"I would not have felt secure enough to become a supervisor without the tools, knowledge and resources I gained through the First Time Supervisors program," Scarlett said.
Scarlett, 48, began working at Duke six years ago as a staff assistant in cardiology. She was a student of the initial First Time Supervisors program last year. The program, which is offered by Duke's Professional Development Institute, focuses on preparing qualified internal candidates for supervisory roles at Duke.
After graduating from the First Time Supervisors program in December 2006, she applied for an administrative assistant and clerical staff supervisor position in her department. Scarlett said she was surprised to land the job. She now supervises eight other staff members.
The First Time Supervisors program is one of many ways that Duke provides professional development opportunities for staff, said Linda Hendricks, assistant vice president in Human Resources.
More than 60 percent of staff who graduated from the first class, including Scarlett, have already been promoted. The next program begins in January 2008, and nominations for participants are being accepted through October 30, 2007.
"By investing in staff members who want to advance their careers at Duke and who have performed at a high level, we hope to provide long-term benefits through increased retention and workforce diversity," said Sally Allison, manager of the Professional Development Institute. "We encourage managers to nominate staff in their area for this program, especially if the department has or will have future advancement opportunities."
The 12-month First Time Supervisor program includes instruction in people management, financial management and budgeting, project management and other supervisory roles. Program participants spend at least two days a month in the classroom and also take part in coaching sessions, team projects and on-the-job stretch assignments.
The program is highly selective with space limited to 20 participants. Nominees should have a minimum of three years of experience at Duke, have demonstrated mastery of their current job duties and have performance that meets expectations. Staff interested in the program should discuss it with their manager, who must submit nominations.
"The foundation of this program — and one of the most important factors for success — is the nomination of Duke staff who have demonstrated effective leadership capabilities, good judgment, exemplary customer service and problem-solving skills in their current non-supervisory roles," Hendricks said. "The First Time Supervisor program provides managers with an opportunity to recognize and support outstanding individual performers who are ready to assume management responsibilities."
For more information and nomination packets, visit the
Professional Development Institute web site, or call 684-5406.
— By Elizabeth Michalka
HR Communications
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The
second class of the First Time Supervisor program begins in January 2008.
Nominations and applications for
the program are being accepted through November 15, 2007.
