Office of Talent Development: New name, same great services

Supervisor Development Program

Graduates of the Supervisor Development Program, a program through CSU’s Training and Organizational Development, which has a new name — the Office of Talent Development.

Colorado State University’s Training and Organizational Development has a new name — the Office of Talent Development — and is offering some new programs.

The Office of Talent Development (TD) designs and coordinates training and talent development opportunities for personal and professional growth for all CSU employees — academic faculty, administrative professional staff and state classified personnel.

Marsha Benedetti, director of Talent Development, said that the recent name change “recognizes the evolution of the training profession and embraces the idea of the positive impact of developing individual employees and teams can have on organizational performance.”

TD, known for its Supervisory Development Program, which focuses on individualized coaching and strengths-based facilitating services, is committed to creating a culture that is open to learning and fostering continuous growth through the sharing of ideas.

TD’s vision is to provide experiences and talent development services that support faculty and staff and align with CSU’s strategic initiatives and mission. This is achieved by providing innovative solutions, including the design and delivery of high-quality initiatives that engage, inform and inspire individual employees and teams in support of CSU’s Principles of Community and land-grant mission.


Supervisory Development updates

Supervision is not a one-size-fits-all methodology, which is why TD designed the Supervisor Development Program (SDP).

Made up of key themes – self discovery, interpersonal skills, team effectiveness and systems thinking — this certification supports supervisors in developing and creating a positive work environment.

To achieve the certification, particpants take part in all of the foundation classes, which are offered every semester, and take two additional courses from either of the theme-based offerings. Innovative courses are being developed on an ongoing basis by facilitators, along with the return of participants fan-favorites.

As of the end of September, SDP has graduated 300 supervisors from various departments across campus. Here are a couple highlights from recent certificate graduates:

“The Supervisor Development Program provided me with the essential tools to improve my practices and enhanced the way I serve my students. Talent Development has outstanding trainers that guided me throughout the whole process and created the space for me to grow, succeed, and apply the best of my past experiences into my current role.”

– Carlos Olivo, academic success coordinator, College of Natural Sciences

“I really enjoyed the different communication strategies that were demonstrated throughout the classes and have found myself applying many of techniques in my daily interactions. It was great to network with other members of the CSU community during the classes as well and allowed me to gain new perspectives from what others are experiencing across our diverse campus.”

– Matt Klein, associate athletic director for business operations

“I enjoyed participating in the Supervisor Development Program a great deal. The class instructors are talented, engaging, and inspiring. This program helped me develop a toolbox of strategies for better leadership. I am grateful that CSU provides this opportunity for growth.”

– Amy Ouska, custodial supervisor, Team 8A


New Talent Development Focus Certificates

In addition to the SDP certificate, employees can now pursue two newly released Focus Certificates, which provide opportunities to take a deep-dive in to interest areas.

Appreciative Inquiry Focus Certificate: Rooted in Positive Organizational Scholarship, this certification embodies a paradigm shift in how to view the world, people and the workplace. By participating in this certificate, you will gain an understanding of the theories of AI and will practice the concepts in simulations, giving you the opportunity to see how your strengths can be leveraged in this paradigm.

Strengths Development Focus Certificate: Rather than continuing to focus on perceived weakness, Strengths Development builds on aspects of the individual’s work that gives them energy by capitalizing on talents, enhancing knowledge, and developing skills. This certificate provides participants the opportunity to build an understanding of how to assist individuals who strive for excellence in their work, focusing on topics such as Strengths Based Leadership, Strengths Based Communication and Strengths Based Culture.

For more information and to see upcoming trainings and courses, please visit training.colostate.edu.