Managers/Heads of Department
MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT
The Human Resources Division (HR Division) offers support and development initiatives aimed at vice-rectors, deans, heads of department and other managers working at Uppsala University. This is in order to increase competences and create an increased sense of security in management roles and to provide the conditions for clear, well-functioning leadership. The HR Division also offers opportunities to develop management support; for example, in the form of training courses aimed at the HR function at an operational level. The various initiatives on offer to the target groups are listed below.
Skills development
Head of Department and Manager Programmes
Managers with staff, financial and operational responsibility have the opportunity to attend the Head of Department and Manager Programmes run by the HR Division. The purpose of the programmes is to develop knowledge and skills that increase participants’ sense of security in the role of manager, leader and business developer. The programmes focus on the terms and conditions that apply to the role of employer, as well as leadership from various perspectives. Both internal and external lecturers contribute to the programmes. Theory, reflection and exercises are intertwined in order to increase learning.
Information on the Head of Department Programme
Information on the Manager Programme
The Law in Practice
A case-oriented introductory course on law, aimed at managers and leaders at Uppsala University (2-day residential).
Link to application and course information
KNOWLEDGE • INSPIRATION • NETWORK
Head of Department seminars
Head of Department seminars on topical themes arranged twice each term. These provide a forum for networking and opportunities for inspiration and knowledge development. These seminars are intended solely for heads of department and acting heads of department.
Link to seminar programme
SUPPORT FOR MANAGERS
Management coaching
In addition to skills development through the Head of Department Programme, Manager Programme and Head of Department seminars, the HR Division’s management developers also offer management coaching. Coaching involves support to managers on specific difficulties that require clarification of the various available courses of action and approaches. Interpersonal communication, collaborative stalemates, conflicts and psychological problems are among the situations that place extra demands on managers and where consultative support is valuable. Interventions can be ordered via chefsutveckling@uadm.uu.se. Managers also have the option to engage the services of our external provider of management and leadership support, GAIA. Link to information on external management and leadership support.
Management forums
Heads of department and other managers with staff, financial and operational responsibility who do not attend one of our programmes are offered the opportunity to join management forums. Management forums are intended to provide opportunities to reflect on everyday issues together with colleagues. By tapping into the experiences and approaches of colleagues, as well as sharing your own, you will stimulate the development of your own leadership. Participation in management forums is educational, developmental and unburdening.
Each management forum consists of six to eight members from various parts of the University and meets once a month for five months, with each meeting lasting two hours. Meetings are chaired by a management developer with sound leadership knowledge.
Requests to join a management forum should be sent to chefsutveckling@uadm.uu.se. It is important that all applications contain the following information:
- Name
- Department or equivalent
- Number of subordinates
- Delegation information regarding staff, financial and operational responsibility
Management forums start on an ongoing basis as and when the places are filled.
Consultative support on organisational issues
Consultative support on organisational issues and business development involves support to managers in formulating desirable changes and creating change plans and strategies in order to achieve these changes. The manager may require assistance in describing the current situation and formulating needs, objectives and expected results. Support is available to organise changes by clarifying timetables, staffing, roles and responsibilities and describing stakeholders and referees. Work is coordinated with internal support from University Administration (Planning Division) and external resources.
Requests for consultative support should be sent to chefsutveckling@uadm.uu.se.
Development of department boards and management groups
It is not possible to lead a complex organisation such as a university department or administrative division alone. It demands various forms of co-leadership and shared responsibility, with active support from the various leaders within the organisation. Department boards and management groups are both suitable forums for such work. When functioning well, these can be important facilitators of the department’s development; however, when dysfunctional they will only be a hindrance.
Heads of departments and divisions are offered support to develop their department boards and management groups. This support is available either in the form of management consultancy or as a process involving the entire group, to clarify parameters such as duties, roles, working methods, desirable collaborative climate and to inventory the strategic issues that the group needs to address together. Requests for support to develop department boards and management groups should be sent to chefsutveckling@uadm.uu.se.
Contact person
Annika Nittmar, training coordinator, Human Resources Division.
Keywords: Head of Department, manager, Head of Division, head of unit, management support, management training, management development, management training course, management coaching, management guidance, Head of Department’s role, Head of Department support, department board, management group, leadership support, dean, vice-rector, director of studies, organisational development, business development.