This fall, I had the opportunity to participate in UMass’s Foundations of Supervision course as part of Cohort 10, a program designed to support emerging and current leaders in building strong supervisory skills. As the culmination of the course, we were asked to present a capstone project reflecting our growth and vision as leaders. I titled mine “Driving Results through PMPs”—a look at how we can use the Performance Management Program (PMP) not just as an administrative tool, but as a springboard for clarity, alignment, and compassionate leadership.
At the heart of my presentation was a simple but powerful leadership vision:
To be a point of compassionate stability during the multi-faceted uncertainty that comes with working on a campus where things change constantly.
In my role with IDEAS (Instructional Design, Engagement, and Support), I’ve learned that change is constant—whether it’s shifting technologies, evolving campus needs, or organizational restructuring. My goal is to lead with steadiness and empathy, ensuring that even amidst turbulence, my team feels supported, understood, and aligned with clear goals.
Using PMPs to Drive Results
My project focused on how I intend to use the PMP process to:
- Define and prioritize team goals collaboratively.
- Clarify policies and procedures where ambiguity slows progress.
- Create space for reflection and feedback during change.
- Align individual growth with a broader team vision.
For example, I shared how regular 1:1 conversations, grounded in the PMP documents, can be used not only to track progress but also to open dialogue about team members’ experiences, concerns, and aspirations. This dual focus—on driving results and building relationships—is at the core of the leadership approach I aspire to practice.
The Difference I Want to Make
Ultimately, my project was about people. I want to foster an environment where:
- Team members feel seen, heard, and guided.
- We collectively know where we’re headed and why.
- Growth is not just possible, but encouraged—both in systems and individuals.
This course gave me a renewed appreciation for the intentionality it takes to lead well. I’m walking away with tools I’ll carry into every conversation, project, and planning session ahead.
I created a recording of my final presentation for your enjoyment.
