UToledo Human Resources

Build skills that strengthen communication, collaboration, and performance.

• Emotional intelligence is a proven indicator of workplace effectiveness—and it’s a skill anyone can develop. The EQ‑i 2.0® Emotional Intelligence Training helps employees strengthen self‑awareness, manage emotions, and communicate more effectively in everyday work situations.
• Participants will explore how emotional intelligence shows up in daily interactions with coworkers, customers, and teams, and learn practical strategies to build stronger relationships, navigate challenges, and stay effective under pressure.
• This training supports employees at all levels in developing the emotional and interpersonal skills that contribute to a positive, productive workplace.

What participants will learn:

• How emotions influence behavior, communication, and decision-making
• Strategies for expressing ideas clearly and listening effectively
• Tools for managing stress and responding constructively to challenges
• Ways to build trust, empathy, and collaboration at work
• Practical techniques to apply emotional intelligence in day-to-day situations

Discover what you do best—and learn how to use it every day.

Most people are taught to focus on fixing their weaknesses. CliftonStrengths® shifts that mindset by helping individuals identify and develop what they naturally do best. This training uses the CliftonStrengths assessment to help employees uncover their top talents and intentionally develop them into strengths.

Participants will explore how their unique strengths show up in their work, relationships, and problem‑solving approaches, and learn practical ways to apply those strengths to succeed at work and in their personal lives.

This training empowers employees at all levels to work with greater confidence, engagement, and purpose by leveraging what they do best.

What participants will learn:

• A deep understanding of your top CliftonStrengths talents
• How strengths influence your communication, collaboration, and productivity
• Ways to intentionally apply strengths in daily work and interactions
• Strategies for partnering with others who have different strengths
• How focusing on strengths can increase engagement and effectiveness

Understand yourself. Adapt to others. Work better together.

Everything DiSC® is a research-based learning experience designed to help individuals better understand their own behavioral styles and the styles of others to improve communication, strengthen working relationships, and increase overall effectiveness in the workplace. Using the DiSC® model, participants gain practical insight into how behavior impacts collaboration, decision-making, and team dynamics.

Through interactive discussions, reflection activities, and real-world workplace scenarios, participants explore the four DiSC® styles—Dominance (D), Influence (i), Steadiness (S), and Conscientiousness (C). This series emphasizes that no style is better than another; each brings unique strengths, priorities, and challenges that contribute to a positive and productive workplace culture.

Everything DiSC® Sessions:

• Session 1: DiSC Fundamentals
• Session 2: What Drives You
• Session 3: You and Other Styles
• Session 4: Build Better Relationships

What participants will learn:

• Increase self-awareness by understanding their DiSC® style
• Recognize and appreciate different behavioral styles
• Adapt communication strategies to work more effectively with others
• Reduce conflict and strengthen working relationships
• Apply DiSC® insights to real-world workplace situations

Build confidence and clarity for your next career opportunity.

Land the Job: Resume to Interview Success is a practical workshop designed to help employees prepare for career opportunities with confidence. Participants will learn how to create a polished, professional resume and craft a compelling cover letter that clearly communicates their skills, experience, and strengths.

The workshop also focuses on interview preparation by helping participants understand how to present themselves with confidence, articulate their value, and navigate interviews with professionalism and poise. Whether exploring internal opportunities or preparing for future career moves, this session provides tools that support long‑term career development.

What participants will learn:

• Learn how to create or refine a professional resume
• Understand how to write a cover letter that stands out
• Identify strategies for preparing for interviews
• Build confidence for career conversations and opportunities

Explore how to advance your education without stepping away from your career.

Desk to Degree is a practical informational session designed for employees who are considering earning a graduate degree or certificate while continuing their career at UT. If you’re interested in advancing your education but unsure how to balance work, coursework, and life responsibilities, this session provides guidance and clarity.

Participants will learn about available business graduate programs and certificates, understand the application process, and explore resources that support working professionals. The session also highlights UT’s Tuition Waiver benefit to help make continued education more accessible and manageable.

What participants will learn:

• Explore graduate degree and certificate programs offered at University of Toledo
• Learn about the Tuition Waiver benefit and eligibility
• Understand the application and admissions process
• Review course formats, degree pathways, and scheduling options for working professionals

Build influence, trust, and impact – no title required.

As leadership expert Ken Blanchard states, “The key to successful leadership is influence, not authority.”  The Leading When Not in Charge three‑part series is designed to help employees develop the skills needed to lead effectively, regardless of role or position.

Participants will learn practical techniques to build credibility, strengthen relationships, and positively influence others. This series focuses on how to lead through trust, collaboration, and intentional actions, empowering employees to grow themselves and contribute meaningfully to their teams and workplace.

Leading When Not In Charge Sessions

• Session 1: Choose Positivity
• Session 2: Fearless Curiosity & Make Time for Reflection
• Session 3: Self-Leadership & Building Trust

What participants will learn:

• Lead with influence rather than authority
• Build trust and strong working relationships
• Communicate with confidence and credibility
• Take initiative and add value from any role

Bite-sized learning to build leadership skills right in the middle of your day

Noontime Knowledge is a series of 30‑minute learning sessions designed to fit into the workday with minimal disruption. Offered during lunchtime, these sessions focus on timely leadership and workplace topics that employees can immediately apply in their roles.

Each session provides practical insights, simple tools, and real‑world examples to support professional growth, collaboration, and effectiveness at work. Employees can attend individual sessions based on interest or participate throughout the year to build skills over time.

2026 Noontime Knowledge Topics

• January – Overcoming Procrastination
• March – Accountability without Blame
• May – Celebrating Wins and Recognizing Peers 
• July – Setting Professional Boundaries: Learning to Say “No”
• September – Preventing Burnout
• November – Letting Go of “How it Used to Be”

Midweek learning made easy

The Summer Series is a set of 30‑minute training sessions held every Wednesday in June, designed to provide meaningful learning in a convenient, easy‑to‑attend format. These sessions offer employees an opportunity to build skills, explore new ideas, and stay engaged in professional development during the summer months.

Each session focuses on practical workplace and leadership topics that can be applied immediately, making it easy for employees to learn, reflect, and grow - without a large time commitment.

Learning Through Reading and Discussion

Book Club is offered during the summer and winter, creating space for meaningful learning and discussion within the workday. Centered on leadership and professional development topics, the book club invites employees to explore new ideas, perspectives, and practices together.

Participants will engage in guided conversations that connect key themes from each book to real‑world workplace experiences. The focus is on reflection, dialogue, and shared learning - helping employees deepen understanding, learn from one another, and apply insights in practical ways.

Book Club Topics:

• Winter Book: Lead it Like Lasso by Marnie Stockman and Nick Coniglio
• Summer Book: Atomic Habits by James Clear

Build confidence, clarity, and trust in your transition to management.

New Manager Training is designed to support employees as they navigate the transition from individual contributor to manager. This training helps new managers understand their role, responsibilities, and impact, while building the skills needed to lead others effectively.

Participants will explore common challenges faced by new managers, learn how to build trust with their teams, and become familiar with available resources and training to support continued growth. This session provides a strong foundation for managing people with confidence, consistency, and intention.

What participants will learn:

• Understand the shift from individual contributor to manager
• Clarify key responsibilities and expectations of a manager role
• Learn strategies for building trust and credibility with team members
• Explore common challenges new managers face & how to navigate them

Build the skills needed to lead, manage, and support high-performing teams.

The Management Series is a five‑part training series designed to support managers in developing the core skills needed to lead people effectively. This series provides a comprehensive foundation for managing teams, navigating performance conversations, and supporting employee growth while meeting organizational goals.

Through practical learning and real‑world application, participants will strengthen their managerial confidence and capability across key areas of people management, from day‑to‑day supervision to long‑term talent development.

Management Series Topics:

• Session 1: Mastering Managerial Skills
• Session 2: Building High-Performing Teams
• Session 3: Talent Management
• Session 4: Performance Management
• Session 5:  Manager Essentials

Leading effectively within your management environment

Managing in Your Environment is a targeted training designed to help managers understand how their responsibilities, expectations, and practices may vary based on the employee group they support. This session focuses on managing within non‑bargaining (PSA), AFSCME, or CWA environments and provides clarity on how to lead effectively while navigating group‑specific guidelines, processes, and considerations.

Participants will gain a better understanding of their role as a manager within their specific environment, learn how to apply consistent leadership practices appropriately, and explore available resources that support effective people management.

What participants will learn:

• Clarify managerial responsibilities and expectations within each environment
• Learn how policies, procedures, and agreements may impact daily management practices
• Explore best practices for communication, documentation, and consistency
• Identify resources and support available to managers

Build resilience, clarity, and confidence during times of change.

Change Happens: How to Change When Change Is Hard is a practical training designed to help employees navigate change with greater confidence and resilience. Whether changes are personal, professional, expected, or unexpected, this session provides tools to better understand reactions to change and respond with intention rather than frustration.

Participants will explore common challenges associated with change and learn practical strategies to manage uncertainty, stay grounded, and move forward effectively. This training supports employees in building adaptability and confidence—even during difficult transitions.

What participants will learn:

• Understand why change can feel challenging and disruptive
• Recognize common emotional and behavioral responses to change
• Learn practical strategies for managing uncertainty and stress
• Build resilience and flexibility during transitions
• Apply tools to approach change with clarity and confidence

Build confidence, clarity, and trust through meaningful performance conversations.

Preparing and Conducting Performance Reviews is designed to support new and developing managers as they navigate one of the most important responsibilities of the manager role. This training helps managers approach performance reviews with confidence, consistency, and a clear framework.

Participants will learn how to prepare for performance conversations, deliver balanced and constructive feedback, and engage employees in productive dialogue that supports growth and accountability. This session emphasizes setting expectations, reducing anxiety around reviews, and strengthening the manager-employee relationship through thoughtful communication.

What participants will learn:

• Understand the purpose and value of effective performance reviews
• Learn how to prepare for performance conversations with clarity and structure
• Practice delivering constructive, balanced feedback with confidence
• Explore strategies for handling difficult conversations and encouraging employee development

Develop the leader that others want to follow.

The Leadership Development Series is a four-session learning experience designed to support employees as they grow into confident, self-aware, and effective leaders. This series provides a foundational understanding of leadership while helping participants develop the interpersonal skills needed to lead with intention and impact.

Participants will explore different leadership styles, build emotional intelligence using the EQ-i framework, learn the fundamentals of Crucial Conversations, and examine what it means to lead with authenticity. Each session builds upon the last, encouraging reflection, practice, and real-world application. This series is ideal for individuals looking to strengthen their leadership presence, improve communication, and lead others with empathy, credibility, and purpose.

Leadership Development Series Sessions:

• Session 1: Series Kickoff and Leadership Styles
• Session 2: Emotional Intelligence (EQi 2.0)
• Session 3: Introduction to Crucial Conversations
• Session 4: Leading with Authenticity

Preparing talent today to lead tomorrow

Succession Planning is designed to help leaders take a proactive, intentional approach to identifying and developing talent for the future. This training equips managers and leaders with the tools to think strategically about workforce continuity, reduce risk from unexpected vacancies, and support long-term organizational success.

Participants will explore the fundamentals of effective succession planning, including assessing critical roles, identifying high-potential talent, and creating development strategies that align individual growth with organizational needs. This session emphasizes equity, transparency, and strengths-based development to build a sustainable leadership pipeline.

What participants will learn:

• Understand the purpose and value of succession planning in workforce sustainability
• Identify critical roles and key competencies essential to organizational success
• Learn strategies for recognizing and developing high-potential talent
• Explore practical next steps for creating and maintaining a succession plan

Delivering Service with consistency, care, and confidence

Customer Service Excellence is designed to support departments and teams in delivering consistent, high-quality service - both internally and externally. This training focuses on building shared service standards, strengthening communication skills, and reinforcing the role each team member plays in creating positive, solution-focused experiences.

Participants will explore best practices for understanding customer needs, communicating with professionalism and empathy, and responding effectively to challenges. This session encourages reflection on current service practices while providing practical tools teams can apply immediately in their daily interactions.

What participants will learn:

• Understand the impact of customer service on trust, reputation, and team effectiveness
• Identify key behaviors that contribute to positive customer experiences
• Learn strategies for clear, respectful, and empathetic communication
• Explore techniques for handling difficult situations and resolving concerns professionally

Service Recovery that strengthens trust

Customer Service Recovery is designed to help teams respond effectively when service expectations are not met. This training equips employees with the skills and confidence to handle complaints, recover from service breakdowns, and restore trust in a professional and empathetic way.

Participants will explore common service recovery scenarios, learn strategies for responding calmly and constructively, and practice techniques for resolving concerns while maintaining positive relationships. This session emphasizes accountability, empathy, and clear communication - helping teams move from problem-focused reactions to solution-oriented responses.

What participants will learn:

• Understand the importance of effective service recovery on trust and satisfaction
• Learn a clear framework for responding to service failures or concerns
• Practice empathy-driven communication and de-escalation techniques
• Explore strategies for resolving issues while maintaining professionalism

Lead with Strengths. Work Better Together.

CliftonStrengths® is designed to help teams better understand themselves and each other by leveraging the power of individual strengths. This training provides a shared language for recognizing talents, appreciating differences, and using strengths intentionally to improve collaboration, communication, and performance.

Participants will explore their individual CliftonStrengths® results and examine how different talents show up within the team. Through discussion and practical application, teams will learn how to value diverse strengths, reduce misunderstandings, and intentionally apply strengths to everyday work, goals, and challenges. This session helps teams move from awareness to action by building stronger relationships, increasing engagement, and creating a more strengths-based team culture.

What participants will learn:

• Understand the CliftonStrengths® framework and individual talent themes
• Explore how strengths influence communication, collaboration, and work styles
• Identify team strengths and opportunities for more effective partnership
• Learn practical ways to apply strengths to daily work and team goals

*cost per participant associated

Lead with Awareness. Connect with Purpose.

Emotional Intelligence (EQ-i 2.0®) helps teams understand how emotions influence behavior, communication, decision-making, and overall effectiveness at work. This training provides a practical and shared framework for recognizing emotional patterns, responding thoughtfully to challenges, and strengthening relationships across the team.

Participants will explore their individual EQ-i 2.0® results and examine how emotional intelligence competencies show up in daily interactions and team dynamics. Through reflection, discussion, and application activities, teams will learn how to manage reactions, navigate stress, communicate more effectively, and build trust.

What participants will learn:

• Understand the EQ‑i 2.0® framework and the key components of emotional intelligence
• Increase self‑awareness around emotional strengths and development areas
• Explore how emotional intelligence impacts communication, relationships, and teamwork
• Learn practical strategies to apply emotional intelligence skills to daily work situations, challenges, and leadership moments

*cost per participant associated

Clarify Expectation. Team Alignment. Work Better Together.

Team Charter training helps teams establish clarity around how they work together, make decisions, and stay accountable to shared goals. This session supports teams in creating a clear, intentional foundation that defines purpose, roles, expectations, and norms—so team members can collaborate more effectively and avoid misunderstandings.

Participants will work together to define key elements of a team charter, including goals, values, roles, communication agreements, decision‑making processes, and expectations for accountability and respect. Through guided discussion and practical exercises, teams build a shared understanding of “how we work” and “how we show up” for one another.

What participants will learn:

• Understand the purpose and key components of a team charter
• Clarify team goals, roles, and responsibilities
• Establish shared expectations for communication, decision‑making, and accountability
• Create practical agreements that support trust, alignment, and effective collaboration

Speak with Confidence. Navigate Conflict. Strengthen Relationships.

Crucial Conversations training equips participants with practical tools to communicate effectively when stakes are high, opinions differ, and emotions run strong. This session helps individuals and teams build the confidence to address tough topics openly and respectfully, leading to clearer understanding, stronger relationships, and better outcomes.

Participants will learn proven strategies to stay focused and constructive during challenging conversations, manage emotions, and create safe environments where honest dialogue can occur. Through guided discussion, reflection, and practical application, participants develop skills to turn difficult conversations into opportunities for collaboration and problem-solving.

What participants will learn:

• Understand what makes conversations “crucial” and why they matter
• Recognize emotional triggers and remain calm and focused under pressure
• Speak honestly and respectfully while encouraging others to do the same
• Apply practical tools to address conflict, navigate differing viewpoints, and reach shared understanding

*cost per participant associated

Build Resilience. Reduce Burnout.

Stress Management training helps teams recognize sources of stress, understand its impact on performance and well‑being, and develop practical strategies to manage stress both individually and collectively. This session focuses on building awareness, strengthening coping skills, and creating a team culture that supports balance, resilience, and sustainable performance.

Participants will explore common workplace stressors, learn evidence‑based stress management techniques, and identify ways teams can support one another during high‑pressure periods.

What participants will learn:

• Understand the impact of stress on individuals, teams, and performance
• Identify personal and team‑level stressors and early warning signs
• Practice practical tools to manage stress, build resilience, and maintain focus
• Establish team strategies and norms that support well‑being, balance, and mutual support

Professionalism That Builds Trust and Strengthens the Workplace

Professionalism in the Workplace training helps employees understand what professionalism looks like in day‑to‑day interactions and how it directly impacts teamwork, credibility, and organizational culture. This session focuses on aligning behaviors, communication, and attitudes with shared workplace standards and values.

Participants will explore key elements of professional conduct including: communication, accountability, respect, and adaptability - while reflecting on how individual actions affect colleagues and the broader work environment.

What participants will learn:

• Understand the core principles of professionalism and why they matter
• Strengthen communication skills for respectful, effective workplace interactions
• Recognize the impact of accountability, reliability, and attitude on team culture
• Apply practical strategies to handle conflict, feedback, and challenges professionally

Designed for Your Team. Built Around Your Needs. Delivered with Purpose.

Custom Department Training provides departments with a flexible, collaborative learning experience tailored to their specific goals, challenges, and unique work environment. Please fill out our Department Training Request form and a member of our Training and Organizational Development team will schedule a meeting with you.

Through consultation and collaboration, the Training and Organizational Development team works closely with department leaders to identify objectives, assess needs, and design engaging, practical training solutions. Sessions may include facilitated discussion, interactive activities, and applied practice to ensure learning is relevant, actionable, and impactful.

Career Branding Coaching is a personalized coaching experience designed to help employees confidently present their skills, experiences, and value as candidates. These one-on-one sessions focus on aligning career goals with a compelling professional brand that stands out throughout the job search process.

Through individualized coaching, participants will work collaboratively to create or revise key materials such as: resumes, cover letters, and LinkedIn profiles. While also preparing strategically for interviews. Sessions are tailored to each participant’s goals, whether pursuing a new role, preparing for advancement, or exploring career transitions. This coaching experience helps participants move forward with clarity, confidence, and the tools needed to effectively communicate their strengths to hiring managers.

What participants will learn:

• Create or update a polished, targeted resume and cover letter
• Strengthen LinkedIn profiles to reflect skills, experience, and career goals
• Strategically prepare for interviews and practice commonly asked questions
• Gain confidence in articulating value and making a strong impression

Work‑Life Harmony Coaching is a personalized coaching experience designed to help employees navigate competing professional and personal responsibilities with greater clarity, intention, and wellbeing. These one‑on‑one sessions focus on identifying what balance looks like for you and creating realistic strategies to support a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle.

Training & Organizational Development coaches work collaboratively with participants to explore work‑life challenges, clarify priorities, and identify resources and solutions that align with individual needs. Coaching conversations are confidential, supportive, and tailored to each participant’s unique circumstances.

What participants will learn:

• Identify personal definitions of work‑life harmony and key stressors
• Explore strategies for balancing professional and personal responsibilities
• Learn tools for prioritization, boundary‑setting, and sustainable habits
• Connect with campus resources and supports aligned to individual needs

A Career Development Plan (CDP) is a guided tool that helps employees reflect on their career goals, identify strengths and development areas, and create a realistic plan for growth within their current role or future opportunities at The University of Toledo.  Please request a Career Development Consultation and a Training & OD member will contact you to implement the plan.

When to use:

• During development-focused conversations between an employee and supervisor
• When exploring skill growth, career interests, or future opportunities
• As part of goal setting, training follow-up, or ongoing professional development planning

Career Development Assessment
Career Development Plan
Career Development SMART Goals Worksheet

A Mentorship Program connects employees with experienced colleagues to support professional growth, learning, and career exploration through structured, development-focused relationships. Mentorship provides opportunities to gain insight, build skills, expand networks, and navigate career paths at the University of Toledo. Please request a Mentorship Consultation, and a Training & OD team member will contact you to discuss mentorship goals and next steps.

When to Use:

• When seeking guidance, perspective, or support beyond your immediate role or department
• When exploring career paths, leadership growth, or skill development through learning from others
• As part of intentional professional development, onboarding, or transition into new responsibilities

Mentorship Agreement Form
Mentorship Introductions Template
Mentorship Action Plan
Mentorship Meeting Template

The Manager Planning Session is a collaborative consulting experience designed to support managers in building or refining a structured onboarding approach and identifying meaningful learning and development opportunities for their team. Working alongside the Training & Organizational Development team, managers review current practices, align on goals, and create practical, action‑oriented plans tailored to their department.

What participants will gain:

• Assess and refine current onboarding and development practices
• Clarify departmental goals related to employee success and engagement
• Identify targeted learning and development opportunities for the team
• Leave with clear tools, resources, and actionable next steps

• Facilitated learning sessions led by UT senior leaders focused on higher education and academic healthcare
• Executive coaching informed by a Leadership 360 assessment
• Crucial Conversations® certification
• DiSC assessment to enhance self-awareness and communication
• One-on-one mentoring with a selected university leader
• Individual career development coaching
• Strategic team project with a final presentation to senior leadership

To be considered for the LEAD Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a full-time UToledo staff or faculty member
• Have a minimum of six (6) months of service at The University of Toledo
• Have no active disciplinary action
• Be able to commit at least three (3) hours per month to fulfill program requirements
• Obtain supervisor approval prior to participation

• Emerging leaders may be self-nominated or nominated by Senior Leadership
• Nominations due Friday, October 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
• Participants notified by late November 2026
• Program runs January 2027 – December 2027

Participation in the LEAD Program does not guarantee promotion or advancement. The program is designed to prepare employees for future leadership opportunities and support ongoing personal and professional growth.

Leadership assessments are included as part of the program experience.

• Cost: $475 per participant
• Funding: Covered by the participant’s department