Relevant Programmes

• ADKAR in action - the practical application of change management tools 
• An Introduction to Change Management for Line Managers 
• Senior Leadership Development (Current & Aspiring Leaders)
• Aurora 
• Confident Decision Making: Enhancing critical thinking skills
• Emotional Intelligence 
• Keeping teamwork engaged - connecting and communicating (for Team Leaders/Managers) 
• Knowing Yourself and How You Work (MBTI) 
• Managing work expectations of ourselves and others 
• Mentoring 
• Orientation for New Heads 
• Project Management 
• Recruitment and Selection Committee Training 
• UCC Successful Team Leader
• Unconscious Bias Awareness Training
• Using DISC to understand your style and others 

ADKAR in Action

Participant Group: Staff who have completed the Introduction to Change Management workshop or are currently working as project managers.

Date: Semester 1, 2020

Duration: 2 hours

Facilitator: Michelle Nelson, Office of the Deputy President & Registrar

This programme is targeted at staff members who have completed the Introduction to Change Management workshop or are currently working as project managers. Each attendee will be asked to focus on a practical change project (no matter how small!) they are currently implementing and that they are willing to discuss with the group. The workshop will be highly interactive and aims to enable staff to learn from one another’s experience of managing change in UCC. 

By the end of the workshop participants will be able to: 

• Apply theProsciADKAR® Model to facilitate change within a project they are current managing 
• Present their change using a ‘Project on a Page’
• Utilise a stakeholder management framework for bringing others through change 

Participants on this workshop will also be able to avail of a follow-on one-to-one coaching session to help to discuss any potential barriers to change and develop a plan to mitigate resistance with the project. 

An Introduction to Change Management for Line Managers

Participant Group: Line Managers

Duration: 2 hours

Date: Semester 1 2020

Facilitator: Michelle Nelson, Office of the Deputy President and Registrar 

This change management workshop aims to help managers proactively lead colleagues through change and is of particular relevance as we face into an uncertain semester one. In this interactive online session, you will learn how to define and accept your role in change and gain practical frameworks for becoming an effective change leader within UCC. 

By the end of this workshop participants will be able to 

• Define roles and responsibilities in change projects they are involved in
• Apply theProsciADKAR® Model of Individual Change to a personal situation 
• Utilise a framework for communicating change 

Senior Leadership Development - Aspiring & Current Leaders 2020

Latest News:   Information below refers to the 2019/2020. Details of the 2021 programmes will be annouced during Semester 1 2020.

A key action point of UCC’s Strategic Plan 2017-2022 is to ‘strengthen leadership development by maximising participation in a dedicated leadership development programme across the university’. This is to meet the goal that all UCC staff ‘are enabled to reach their full potential’.   

To deliver on this, we are now in year three of IMI certified senior leadership development programmes, designed to help develop 'Aspiring Leaders' & 'Current Leaders' in UCC.

These have been developed in conjunction with the Irish Management Institute and are delivered in house by IMI faculty.  Each programme consists of a number of modules.  The goal is to develop the competencies of potential leaders and leaders at an individual level which will in turn contribute to the strengthening of the overall leadership capability within UCC.

Both programmes are framed by a set of leadership competencies – personal, team and unit leadership, analysis and decision making, management and delivery of results, interpersonal and communication skills and self-development.

The programmes distinguish between staff a) new to, considering or interested in a leadership role (Aspiring Leaders Programme) and b) experienced staff typically at Head level or about to take on that role (Current Leaders Programme).

Each programme consists of two modules (2 x 2 days).  Further on-going support will be provided through opportunities for action learning, online resources and institutional level support, including mentoring.  

Note:

Following approval by UMTO on 29^th January 2019, as of February 2019 'all new employment contracts for academics at senior lecturer level & higher and professional & technical staff at grade 7 & higher (or equivalent) are required to participate in the most relevant IMI/UCC Senior Leadership Development Programme to them, to further develop their leadership development capabilities’.   Should you wish to discuss which programme may be most relevant, do not hesitate to contact Anne Gannon (ext.3860) or Mary Horgan (3659) or your HR Business Manager. 

More information:

ASPIRING LEADERS PROGRAMME

CURRENT LEADERS PROGRAMME 

Contact: Anne Gannon, ext. 3860 or Mary Horgan, ext. 3659 or your HR Business Manager.

Updated: June 2020

Aurora 2020/2021

LATEST NEWS: Applicants who applied for '20/'21 programme will be advised of the outcome mid September 2020

Next call for appllications - early summer 2021

1. What is Aurora?

Aurora is the women-only leadership development programme developed by Advance-HE in the UK in response to research which indicated that the level of women in influential and senior positions in higher education is now lower than well over 10 years ago.  

2020-2021 Aurora will be delivered online. While face to face sessions provide a great networking opportunity and experience, given the present situation, online is currently the best solution.  The structure in terms of delivering four content days and two action learning set days will remain.  Advance HE will be adapting content to reflect some of the current themes for women leaders e.g. leadership when remote learning and working.

2. Who can apply? 

The programme is targeted at women in lecturer, senior lecturer, research and professional services roles (administrative & technical) across all academic disciplines and throughout university administration.  It is designed to introduce key leadership topics and skills via the workshops and action learning sessions. Further, on-going support is ensured through action learning, online resources and institutional level support including mentoring and UCC Aurora Champions. 

In 2020-2021, UCC has committed to making available up to 20 places on the programme.   

• Female academics and researchers up to and including senior lecturer level or equivalent. 
• Female professional staff (administrative & technical) up to equivalent professional services grades. 

Applicants need to be ambitious for a career in the sector and interested in exploring leadership and management as one option for progression.  As there is a significant institutional commitment to supporting participation on the Aurora programme, applicants must be supported by a nominator.  

3. Who can nominate UCC participants to the Aurora Programme?

UMTS members can nominate applicants to the Aurora programme & this must be endorsed by applicant's Head of Unit. 

UMTS members >> https://www.ucc.ie/en/support/president/senior-mgt/

4. Cost 

For 2020/2021, the cost has been considerably reduced from €1,400 to €800 in total.  Staff Wellbeing & Development (HR) will provide up to 20 x €400 scholarships with local units undertaking to fund the remaining €400.  (Please note revised cost to €400 from €325)

5. Application & Nomination process

Click here >> *** AURORA Application Form '20-'21 ***

Applicants must submit a personal statement (anonymised) of no more than 800 words, indicating why they should receive one of the scholarships & what the consequences of their participation will result for them, their unit and the organisation.  Applicants must explain specifically how they anticipate Aurora will change for the better the delivery of their role.  Specifically applicants need to address the following questions: 

• What development needs and/or leadership challenges are you experiencing in your current role?
• How do you perceive Aurora specifically would support you in addressing these needs/challenges?
• What specific outcomes do you wish to achieve from your engagement in Aurora 6 months after completion (Nov.'21). You may find it useful to use the SMART formula to set out your aims and outcomes (i.e. Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant & Time-bound).

NB: On the form applicants will:

• provide nominator's support via signature on form or confirm their support via email. 
• provide head of unit/manager's support via signature on form or confirm their support via email. 
• provide the local unit cost code from which the fee (€400) is to be paid.
• confirm their availability for all dates and hold these dates pending successful nomination. 

The completed form should be sent as two attachments in the same email i.e. pages 1 & 2 and page 3 in word format to traininganddevelopment@ucc.ie, date to be confirmed, inserting Aurora Application into email subject line.

Workshop Dates 2020-2021 

6. Evaluation of Applications

An Equality Sub-Committee will be established to access applications based on the anonymised personal statements submitted.  Applications that exceed the word limit and/or fail to provide details of Nominators, Unit level support for attendance and/or budget codes for payment of balance of fees may be eliminated.  

While it is impossible to entirely anonyomise applications, names of applicants will be removed.  Decisions will be made on the following criteria, based on the personal statements submitted:

• How Aurora specifically will address the development needs and/or leadership challenges the applicant is experiencing in their current role;
• The degree to which the expected outcomes as identified by the applicant are realistic and of benefit to the individual, unit and University. 

The decisions of the Equality Sub-Committee will be final.  

7. Communication of Outcomes

The Department of Human Resources, on behalf of the Equality Sub-Committee will communicate the outcome to all applicants and nominators shortly after the meeting of the Sub-Committee. 

8. Any questions?

Anne Gannon or Mary Horgan  

• AURORA Application Form '20-'21 
• Advance-HE Aurora website 
• Current & past participants

Updated: August 2020

Communicating with Impact for Managers and Leaders

Participant Group: All UCC Staff

Facilitator: Reg Friddle, Preferred Future Training 

Overview

It is the method and impact of our communication that defines our reputation and value in the minds of others. Honing our communication skill set is one of the most important ways of enhancing our ability to work well. On this practical and enjoyable course, you will leave with the confidence and practical skills to communicate clearly and effectively with managers, staff, students and stakeholders.

Approach

This 2.5-hour course will:

• Integrate the UCC values and competencies
• Be interactive and practical
• Be delivered virtually

Pre-work

a) Delegates will be asked to view a short piece of e-learning video content on the Insights Discovery psychometric model

b) Completion of a communication styles questionnaire related to the Insights Discovery psychometric model which they will be asked to bring to the training session

c) MS Forms short online survey to gauge delegate goals, communication strengths and management/ leadership challenges related to communication

Learning outcomes

At the end of this focused, interactive and practical workshop, you will have:

• A greater understanding of your own preferences and style of leadership and management communication, using the Insights Discovery psychometric model
• Awareness if how the team communication triangle (goals, roles, productive team norms) can be used to enhance team communication, including communicating virtually
• Formulated practical ways to enhance the way you communicate both face-to-face and in virtual work environments
• Devised a communication plan to connect more consciously with those you lead/ manage

Past participant feedback:

• "Excellent course, excellent trainer, really engaging."
• "I honestly thoroughly enjoyed the programme & it was very beneficial."
• All staff would benefit from this course. We need to move out of our comfort zone more often!"

Confident Decision Making - Enhancing your Critical Thinking Skills

Participant Group: Staff with managerial aspirations & with current decision making responsibilities 

Date: Semester 1, 2020

Duration:  3 hrs with breaks

Venue: Via Zoom

Facilitator:  Valerie Pierce – Clear Thinking In Action

Overview

Participants will:

• Understand the real issues facing themselves and others
• Be clear about the outcome they want to achieve
• Achieve stakeholder commitment

In short, they will know how to get their decisions across with integrity, innovation and ensuring full collaboration.

Learning Outcomes 

Upon completion of the course, participants will know how to:

• Have clear Focus
• Ask the Right Questions
• Develop Productive Thinking
• Change Negative Thinking into Positive Action
• Communicate ideas in a way that makes sense to others

To gain maximum benefit each participant is asked to bring their own current problems/decisions they can work on throughout the workshop, improving their personal skills by using their everyday workplace documentation.

Scheduling:

• Delivered in one sitting of 3 hours on via zoom.
• Broken down into sections to make sure that participants get good breaks from the screen
• No. of different interactive tools as well as polls & whiteboard will be used
• 15-minute break i.e. 5 minute comfort break & 10 minute coffee break

Updated: Oct. 2020

Critical Thinking for Effective Decisions

Participant Group: UCC Staff with managerial apsirations & with current decision making responsibilities 

Date: Semester 1, 2020

Duration:  TBC

Venue: Remotely

Facilitator:  Valerie Pierce – Clear Thinking In Action

Overview

Successful Decision Makers

• Understand the real issues facing themselves and others
• Retain clear focus on the task they want to achieve
• Communicate ideas in a way that makes sense to others

 Decision making involves 3 essential skills:

• Ability to solve problems
• Make decisions
• Influence others to carry out action

This workshop will:

• Increase your areas of influence
• Give credence to your decisions
• Enhance your confidence 

On completion, you will know how to:

• Understand the difference between making, delivering and implementing a decision
• Be clear about the outcome you want to achieve
• Remain ‘Passionate’, not ‘Emotional’
• Argue clearly & to the point
• Achieve staff & stakeholder commitment 

Feedback:

Well-paced training; lots of new ideas & approaches. I love the way it encouraged creative solutions to problem solving!

The team exercises were excellent & really opened my mind to different perspectives.

Take 90 minutes... to learn more about Emotional Intelligence

Participant Group: All Staff

Date: Semester 1,2020

Facilitator: Mary Horgan

Learning Outcomes 

By the end of this short course you will be able to: 

• Define emotional intelligence 
• Understand why it is worth developing 
• Reflect on the Growth mindset v the Fixed Mindset 
• Examine different areas of EQ-i 

Integrating Coaching Skills into Management

Facilitator: Pat O'Leary, UCC ACE

Overview

This practical 2-day programme aims to equip UCC Managers with the knowledge & tools to successfully integrate coaching skills into their professional practice.

Content

Participants will explore:

• The history of coaching & how it differs from mentoring
• The alignment of coaching with positive psychology 
• How to develop a person-centred presence
• The GROW model of coaching
• Solution focused conversations
• The coaching relationship

Take 60 minutes... to keep teamwork engaged - connecting and communicating (for Team Leaders/Managers)

Participant Group: Team leaders/Managers

Location: Remotely

Date: Semester 1, 2020

Facilitator: Dr Anne Gannon

Learning Outcomes 

By the end of this short course you will be able to: 

• Consider and reflect upon the ingredients which create team engagement 
• Examine the tools and mechanisms for creating and encouraging knowledge sharing and collaborative working  

Take 90 minutes.... to know yourself & how you work (MBTI)

Participant Group: All Staff

Date: Semester 1,2020

Facilitator: Mary Horgan

Learning Outcomes 

By the end of this workshop you will be able to: 

• Consider individual differences & their impact in the workplace 
• Learn how your personality influences the way in which you work 
• Explore how to appreciate and leverage on our differences for improved team working 
• Reflect on strategies for better engagement with team colleagues 

The option to do an online MBTI questionnaire and discuss one to one with a qualified practitioner will be available to all participants on completion of the workshop. 

Staff feedback

Excellent training session which I know will benefit me & my team.

Became more self aware & conscious of others differences & similarities.

Will definitely recommend this workshop to my colleagues.

Got a really good understanding that there is no 'right' or 'wrong' and how different types can be very beneficial for a team/project.

Take 60 minutes... to manage work expectations of ourselves and others

Participant Group: All Staff

Location: Remotely

Date: Semester 1, 2020

Facilitator: Dr Anne Gannon 

Learning Outcomes  

By the end of this short course you will be able to:  

• Create more effective structures around your work 
• Have more effective conversations around work priorities and goals 
• Reflect on what you need to do to effectively manage your expectations of both yourself and others 

HR Orientation for Newly Appointed Heads

Participant Group:  Newly appointed Heads of Schools/Heads of Departments/Heads of Units

Dates: For programme topics, dates & times, please see below

Duration: 5 x 2 hour sessions 

Location: via Microsoft Teams

Facilitators: HR Managers

Programme Topics & Dates:

Overview:

This programme run by UCC HR Managers is designed to introduce newly appointed Heads to the full range of HR policies and procedures which are relevant to their role in addition to exploring the role and responsibilities of the Head in relation to the following areas:

• Staffing and Recruitment
• Performance Management
• Leave Management
• Handling Conflict
• Staff wellbeing and Support 

This programme has been developed based on feedback from newly appointed Heads on their requirements to be most effective in the HR aspects of their role.

It offers the opportunity to meet Heads from other areas of the University and to find out about the various HR supports that are available to them during their Headship.

Each participant is offered follow-up coaching as part of the programme.

Participant Feedback includes:

"Thank you for a very useful programme. It has definitely helped me in my Headship role."

"The information on university processes, regulations and supports was very useful to me as a new Head."

"I gained an insight into the challenges of leadership in university management, assertiveness skills as well as a new network."

To book your place, please email traininganddevelopment@ucc.ie

Updated: Nov '20

Introduction to Project Management

Participant Group: All UCC Staff

(Most suitable for those who have not formally studied PM methods previously, for those who have been managing projects for less than 12 months or aspire to manage projects in the next 12 months) 

Duration: 4 x 60 minutes (Monday to Thursday inclusive) 

Dates: TBC

Facilitator: Dr Jo Fearon

This course is designed to introduce higher education professionals to a structured approach to managing projects using the principles and practical techniques of effective project management. The programme takes place over 4 hours, 10:00-11:00, Monday – Thursday of the same week 

It will provide an introduction to the basic theories of project management and how they can be tailored for projects in higher education settings. It is particularly useful for staff who have recently started managing project or who have no formal training in project management theories. 

Project coaching - Participants who complete the core PM training may avail of one-to-one project coaching with the trainer.

Recruitment & Selection Committee Training

Participant Group: UCC Staff Members appointed to Selection Committees 

Facilitator: UCC Human Resources

Objectives 

This workshop will enable UCC Selection Committe members to:

• Understand legal & organisational framework surrounding UCC recruitment process
• Understand and exercise your role & responsibilities as a selection committee member
• Recognise the impact of implicit bias
• Develop skills in ensuring a fair and confidential recruitment and selection process and to understand the shared responsibility of the selection committee membership

The Successful Team Leader Programme

Participant Group: Team Leaders in academic, professional and research areas

Duration: 10:00-12:30

Facilitators: UCC HR Managers

Individuals who attend at least 6 workshops in the Successful Team Leader programme within an 18 month period and complete a short reflective statement (600-word limit) describing the learning which they have taken back from these workshops in their approach to work will be awarded The Successful Team Leader Digital Badge. This badge recognises the personal and professional development journey taken by UCC staff in focusing on personal effectiveness skills.

The Successful Team Leader Programme 2020-2021

*Attendance at 6 workshops combined from the two programmes can count toward the attainment of the digital badge.

Overview

The Successful Team Leader takes place monthly from September to May.  It comprises of short (2.5 hour) sessions, facilitated by HR Managers & designed to provide specific work-related knowledge, guidance and practical skills enhancement to Team Leaders across UCC. The workshops cover a wide range of areas designed to support line managers in successful HR management.  Each month a new a new topic is explored. The sessions are interactive and practical in approach.  They are intended to provide support for managers through the sharing of information and guidance, and the opportunity for skills and knowledge development. The programme also provides opportunities to network with colleagues across the university. 

Feedback:

This session was excellent and I would highly recommend it along with the sessions I attended previously.  Please continue to provide these sessions as they are an invaluable resource for those developing in management roles and those in management roles dealing with a new issue for the first time.

I found this programme very beneficial and feel more confident as a manager now to deal with issues as they arise.  It was very useful to be able to speak to the group and the HR presenters for advice and guidance. I would really recommend this course.

I really enjoyed the course and have taken away some excellent strategies that I can put to use immediately.

I found it very informative – an eye-opener!  It has certainly made me look at managing change in a whole new light.

You can book your place via My Training @ https://ess.ucc.ie

Unconscious Bias Awareness

Participant Group: All UCC Staff

Facilitators: Anne Gannon & Mary Horgan, Human Resources 

Currently we offer two types of training: a) a shorter ‘Take 90 minutes…’ introduction to Unconscious Bias, and b) a more comprehensive 2.5 hour workshop.

Unconscious biases play a role in our day to day decision making, even though we are often completely unaware of their influence. Our biases are often informed by our own backgrounds, experiences, & cultural environments. This Unconscious Bias Awareness workshop looks at: 

• Diversity & Inclusion
• The nature of unconscious bias
• How it works including affinity, confirmation bias & group think
• The impact of unconscious bias 
• Strategies & tips for managing unconscious bias

Feedback from previous participants:

Very interesting and engaging

Excellent Session

Very enjoyable workshop

Very good and thought provoking

Take 60 minutes .... to learn how to use DISC to understand your style and others

Participant Group: All Staff

Location: Remotely

Date: Semester 1, 2020

Facilitator: Dr Anne Gannon

Learning Outcomes 

By the end of this short course, you will be able to: 

• Identify behavioural styles and preferred ways of approaching work
• Get to know what makes yourself and others "tick," and learn how to get the most from yourself and team colleagues
• Reflect on how to tailor your own approach when working with others