One of the values of LSA Technology Services is “Be a lifelong explorer” and the leadership team in LSA Technology Services upholds this philosophy through professional development initiatives. All LSA Technology Services staff members, not just those in leadership positions, have the opportunity to work with a professional coach and/or participate in a Leadership Development Program consisting of twelve sessions presented by members of the LSA Technology Services leadership team and other guest instructors. The overall goal of these programs is to further empower LSA Technology Services’ staff members to positively impact the mission of LSA.
The BetterUp Coaching Program supports LSA Technology Services team members in bringing their best self to work by offering personalized and professional coaching to enhance their growth and development. Since starting the program in late 2022, over 50 LSA Technology Services staff members from various areas within the department have participated, with a handful currently finishing up their sessions. Offered twice per year, the program spans six months, during which staff receive ongoing support from a BetterUp Coach. "Access to an objective, qualified BetterUp coach who listens and can give you feedback has been invaluable,” said Liz Larin, Audio-Visual Technician. “When it comes to figuring out how best to use the work opportunities you have and matching them with your skills and career goals, having access to the BetterUp program is one of the best things management can do for their staff.”
The BetterUp Coaching program provides personalized support to LSA Technology Services team members who are new to a position or facing increased or changing job responsibilities. It aims to help team members build resilience when faced with frequent changes and uncertainty. Robert Stonik, BlueCorps Advisor, shared, “The most meaningful activity in my BetterUp was identifying the ‘saboteurs’ in my head. Characterizing my negative thoughts as different saboteurs was huge to my development. Working at U-M can trigger imposter syndrome, but challenging these negative thoughts reminds me that I belong here and inspires me to continue the meaningful work we do.” Hetal Thaker, Instructional Learning Consultant, added, “My BetterUp coach helped me clarify my professional values and think differently about how I measure success. She was also a great resource and sounding board to help me think through tricky work situations and conversations. I'd definitely recommend BetterUp for anyone who is ready for some reflection and forward planning.”
BetterUp also caters to those who desire access to professional coaching to help with exploring multiple job or career paths. It offers support to staff who feel stagnant or languishing and need assistance in figuring out how to move forward. Maria Laitan, User Interface Design Engineer, stated, “BetterUp coaching helped me reflect on my achievements, acknowledge my progress, and take intentional steps toward my future career goals." Additionally, the program is designed for individuals who are interested in focusing on intrapersonal and interpersonal goals, such as well-being, focus, and leadership.
The Leadership Development Program started as a pilot program for a small subset of LSA Technology Services staff members and was recently expanded to include all staff in the department. It is designed to help experienced staff members enhance their leadership skills, navigate project challenges, streamline workload for themselves and their colleagues, seek and adapt to coaching and feedback, and fulfill their daily and project commitments effectively. This in-person only program runs annually, with twelve sessions offered across seven months and each session is followed by activities and reflection questions that aid participants in processing everything they have learned. Participants are also encouraged to discuss these questions with their supervisors to find practical applications for their newly acquired skills.
This program provides personalized support to LSA Technology Services staff who may find themselves interested in progressing to a more senior role, exploring leadership and project management skills, or focusing on intrapersonal and interpersonal goals. The session topics for the program include strengths based leadership, team building, habits, customer service, feedback, peer coaching, leading and coping with change, delegation, communication, and more. At the end of the Leadership Development Program, staff also have the opportunity to partake in an additional five-session series solely focused on Project Management.
The BetterUp Coaching Program and the Leadership Development Program exemplify LSA Technology Services’ commitment to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and individual growth. By investing in the professional development of staff, the department not only enhances individual careers but also strengthens the overall ability to innovate. "According to the International Coaching Federation, 88% of clients report a high level of satsifaction! Use every opportunity to invest in your personal and professional growth," reinforced Dush Fernando, LSA Technology Services Director of Support Services.
