HR is people-centric. Whether you’re an aspiring leader seeking to develop skills ahead of your next big project or an existing people leader looking to build up your management skills, WashU has opportunities for you to engage in leadership development, equipping you to lead effectively, inspire others and influence organizational outcomes.
Leadership & Management Development
- Frontline Manager Workshops
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These interactive three-hour, in-person courses provide WashU managers with at least one direct report the skills, knowledge and resources to effectively manage people and processes with rotating topics offered throughout the year.
To register, search in Workday for “Frontline Manager” sessions to enroll today.
- Focus Sessions
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These two-hour virtual specialty conversations are highly interactive sessions for WashU managers with at least one direct report, featuring expert insights, Q&A, breakout discussions and shared takeaways on topics most relevant to managers.
- Leading in Uncertainty
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This seven-week intensive program brings together WashU peers to develop leadership skills using The Leadership Challenge framework through blended learning, group discussion and reflection, with a recommended commitment of six to eight hours per week.
Applications open in Spring 2026
- Feedback and Action Planning Bootcamp
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This blended summer bootcamp helps staff collect, analyze and apply feedback to their development plans and is designed for participants with prior experience using The Leadership Challenge framework.
More information coming in Spring 2026
- Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue Series
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Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue is a research-based workshop that builds skills for handling high-stakes conversations effectively, delivered over three required four-hour sessions across three consecutive weeks.
- Crucial Conversations for Accountability Series
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Crucial Conversations for Accountability teaches practical skills for managing performance and holding others accountable while strengthening trust with learning reinforced through instruction, reflection, practice and coaching and requires prior completion of Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue.
More information coming in spring 2026.
Manager 101 Trainings
A series of classes designed to provide in depth training to WashU employees in managerial and/or supervisory roles. Register by for individuals courses through Workday by searching for “Manager 101”.
Community of Practice
This monthly series is for employees who are external to Central HR but may act a as liaison to a dept. or school.
Additional Manager Trainings
Additional trainings with the Employee Relations team are available, such as Civil Treatment Workplace and Civil Treatment Employee. Contact the team to learn more.
Manager Orientation (MO)
New or newly promoted managers are encouraged to attend Manager Orientation within 90 days of their hire or promotion, choosing between a full-day in-person session or two half-day virtual sessions, covering HR policies, compensation, equity and inclusion, recruitment, professional growth and Workday operations.
Orientation sessions are assigned in Workday.
LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning is an on-demand learning solution designed to enhance the learner’s experience and provide skills and knowledge to facilitate a more informed and capable university community.