To: Board of Supervisors
From: Human Resources
Agenda Section: Time Certain Matter
Vote Requirement: Majority
SUBJECT:
title
9:30 AM - Human Resources’ Pilot Supervisor Academy Recognition Presentation
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. That the Board of Supervisors receive the report and recognize staff for their completion of the Pilot Supervisor Academy.
Body
STRATEGIC PLAN:
This action supports the following areas of your Board’s Strategic Plan.
Area of Focus: Workforce & Operational Excellence
Strategic Plan Category: 3003 - Enhance employee recruitment and retention
DISCUSSION:
In today’s environment of rapid change, increased workplace, and community diversity, changing workforce expectations, and increased complexity, it is imperative that supervisory staff possess the requisite skills and self-awareness to succeed. Human Resources’ Pilot Supervisor Academy was created to support line supervisors and high-potential staff through providing the opportunity to participate in an innovative, immersive curriculum designed to promote heightened self-awareness combined with 21st century supervisory and leadership skill development. These skills are also intended to support the strategic goals of the County of Humboldt and deliver value to the residents of Humboldt County. The program was carried out over 10 months in 2024-2025 and engaged 25 staff.
This innovative offering was designed with the intention of harnessing the positive dynamics of the supervisor-supervisee relationship to build capacity and drive organizational change. The academy is responsive to staff’s desire for professional development opportunities (as indicated in internal organizational research) and aligns seamlessly with the Workforce and Operational Excellence strategic goals outlined by the Board of Supervisors, particularly in ensuring a well-trained workforce capable of navigating the challenges associated with today’s dynamic environment.
The Human Resources Department’s internal organizational research consistently finds that staff place significant trust in their direct supervisor. This pilot academy sought to leverage this relationship to build capacity for enhanced service delivery and organizational change. This program was designed with a focus on three key domains related to effective supervision:
Enhanced Managerial and Leadership Skill Development: Participants embarked on a journey of self-discovery and skill enhancement, equipping them with the tools necessary to excel in management and leadership roles.
Emotional and Cultural Intelligence: Recognizing the significance of emotional and cultural intelligence in today's changing workplace, the academy curriculum places a special emphasis on developing these essential intelligence types. Participants may receive pre and post intervention measures of emotional and cultural intelligence.
Personal Growth: Through interactive sessions and practical exercises, participants will have opportunities to explore themselves and refine their managerial and leadership abilities to expand their professional capabilities.
Over the 10-month Pilot Academy, this pioneering program leveraged the expertise of local and regional consultants and county staff to provide participants with an immersive, cohort-based experience. The centerpiece of this pilot program is Awareness-based Leadership facilitated by Dr. Issac Carter, a highly respected scholar-practitioner. Dr. Carter’s human-centered practice focuses on the inner being and our capacities and capabilities to lead, influence, and collaborate effectively across differences to become catalysts for change. Examples of courses taken include:
• Awareness-based Leadership
• People-centered Change
• Managing the Work
• Human Resources 101
• The County Finance Cycle
• Understanding Communication Styles with DISC assessment
• Internal Dynamics of Leadership
• Workplace Diversity and Inclusive Environments
Research notes the skills gained throughout this pilot program will undoubtedly be critical for success in the new workplace and HR appreciates the time staff dedicated to this journey and would like to recognize them for their accomplishment and dedication to optimizing the employee experience.
Human Resources would also like to thank participating departments for allowing their staff to engage in this academy and congratulate the staff that completed the program and wish them well as they continue to perform the important work of supervising in this dynamic environment.
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
Risk Management (359)
Humboldt Area Foundation Strategy Grant 3520-359-2118
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
|
Expenditures (3520-359) |
FY24-25 |
FY25-26 Projected* |
FY26-27 Projected* |
|
Budgeted Expenses |
$44,521.38 |
$34,350 |
$0 |
|
Additional Appropriation Requested |
0 |
$0 |
$0 |
|
Total Expenditures |
$44,521.38 |
$34,350 |
$0.00 |
*Projected amounts are estimates and are subject to change.
|
Funding Sources (3520-359) |
FY24-25 |
FY25-26 Projected* |
FY26-27 Projected* |
|
General Fund |
|
|
|
|
State/Federal Funds |
|
|
|
|
Fees/Other (Charges for Services) |
$44,521.38 |
$34,350 |
$0.00 |
|
Use of Fund Balance |
|
|
|
|
Contingencies |
|
|
|
|
Total Funding Sources |
$44,521.38 |
$34,350 |
$0.00 |
*Projected amounts are estimates and are subject to change.
Narrative Explanation of Financial Impact:
FY 24-25 had two cohorts of the Pilot Supervisory Academy. The funds to pay for the two sessions was a mix of a grant from the Humboldt Area Foundation in the amount of $15,000 and the rest was funded by charges per attended to their respective department. There was approximately $71.44 in funds from the RISK ISF fund to pay for awards which was budgeted. FY 25-26 expects to host two cohorts and awards for those participants that complete the program. Funds have been budgeted as well as charging departments with participants directly for their cost in the academy.
STAFFING IMPACT:
None
Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impact:
None.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None.
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
Board discretion.
ATTACHMENTS:
N/A
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Meeting of: None.
File No.: None.