In addition to the need for critical thinking and discussion of important issues, a desperate need for skills training was noted in every seminar. Many commenters said that the seminar was too long, but that incorporating some skills training would be appropriate.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Develop skills training for supervisors. Suggested areas include:

• listening
• conflict resolution and alternative dispute resolution
• defining, developing, and organizing teams
• mentoring
• developing a learning organization
• setting goals/personal planning/time management
• grounding in 360° evaluation techniques
• understanding team concepts and their applications

Review and revise current leadership (not supervisory) competencies to ensure inclusion of concepts for a learning organization. Values such as critical thinking (examining assumptions), creative and objective thinking, taking responsibility, empowerment and accountability, and sharing learning should be included.

Competencies now listed under supervision, management, and leadership (SML) for leaders/ all employees should be considered universal competencies and necessary for everyone.

The length and structure of the seminars should be evaluated. It is likely that the course could be shortened somewhat. Core topics for seminars should be continued and reviewed annually to ensure that they remain current.

Skills training should continue to be kept separate from the seminars. Formally mixing skills training with the seminar exercises would distract participants from critical thinking and would reduce the value of the seminars.