Claudette Meeks (left), manager of volunteer services at Durham Regional Hospital, completed the First Time Supervisor program in 2006, and recently served as an
internship host for Vickie Jarman (right), who completed the Office Staff Development program in October, 2009.
Nominations Now Accepted for First Time Supervisor Program
Starting Nov. 2, Duke managers may nominate their employees for Duke's First Time Supervisor Program, a rigorous, 11-month program developed by Duke's Professional Development Institute.
The program, which is limited to 20 non-supervisory employees at all levels in the University and Health System, focuses on developing high-performing staff into high-performing supervisors. And it works: of the 40 program graduates, more than half have been promoted into supervisory positions.
Within two years of completing the program, Claudette Meeks, manager of volunteer services at Durham Regional Hospital, was promoted to replace her retiring supervisor.
"I had been in the department for 20-some years," Meeks said. "The First Time Supervisor class opened the window for advancement for me."
Over the course of the program, Meeks and fellow students attended classes two to three days a month that covered people management, budgeting and financial management, project management and other supervisory roles. They also had coaching sessions, team activities and on-the-job stretch assignments.
"It was hard work," said Meeks, "but you learn things that you were never aware of before."
The goal of the First Time Supervisor Program is to develop individuals and strengthen Duke as an institution. As baby boomers begin to retire, there will be a continued need for experienced supervisors who are familiar with Duke's culture, said Sally Allison, assistant director of Recruitment and Duke's Professional Development Institute.
"Supervisors are the front line for any organization, so developing strong, supportive supervisors is typically the best way to improve performance, staff retention, and the overall work environment," she said.
Managers have until Dec. 11 to nominate a staff member. Managers must also be prepared to nominate a mentor, and to adjust the employee's work schedule to allow attendance at class for two or three days each month. To be nominated, employees must:
- Have at least three years of continuous Duke service
- Have a performance rating of fully achieves or exceeds expectations
- Have a minimum of a high school diploma (employees working toward some supervisory positions may require an associate's bachelor's or advanced degree)
- Be nominated by their manager
- Accept a retention agreement that stipulates that they will remain at Duke for at least two years after completing the program
Meeks, manager of volunteer services at Durham Regional Hospital, said she will be forever grateful for her supervisor's support in nominating her for the program back in 2006. She continues to pass along the gift by serving as an internship host for other professional development programs, such as PDI's Office Staff Development Program, which recently graduated 14 students.
"I figure everyone has a talent," she said. "Let's see if we can't help develop it in some way."
For more information, please visit the First Time Supervisor Program web site.
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