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Monthly Manager Sessions

These monthly sessions are meant to provide information, support, and resources specific to the challenges and issues managers encounter. The sessions will be provided in a Teams Meeting format allowing for presentation, questions, and discussion. ESP would like to offer managers the opportunity to gain knowledge and information not only from the formal material presentation, but from the wisdom and experiences of fellow managers.

If you would like to attend one or more of the sessions, please send email MCSC-ESP@michigan.gov. and we will send you the Teams Meeting invite.


Get to Know ESP for Managers: Tuesday, January 20, 12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.

As a State of Michigan supervisor or HR professional, the Employee Service Program (ESP) is available to you as a resource. Managing employees can be challenging and at times, unique and sensitive situations arise that could benefit from ESP assistance and resources. This presentation provides information on ESP services as well as details how to consult with ESP and refer employees to the program.

Beating the Winter Blues for Managers: Tuesday, February 17, 12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m. 

You’ve probably heard of the winter blues before, but what does it really mean and what does it look like in the workplace? In this session we will discuss how to spot the winter blues and how it can impact the workplace. We will explore tips, strategies, and resources you can use to beat the winter blues and share with your team.

Compassion Fatigue—Because You Care for Managers: Tuesday, March 17, 12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.

Compassion fatigue can be an unintended consequence of caring about and for others. It stems from being emotionally invested in helping others and the exposure to their trauma. This presentation will give managers a better understanding of how to recognize compassion fatigue in themselves and their employees. It will also provide interventions to help mitigate the effects at both an individual and organizational level to cultivate a supportive environment that promotes well-being and resilience.

Foundational Skills for Effective Leadership: Tuesday, April 21, 12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.

Effective leadership is built on a set of foundational skills that empower managers to inspire, guide, and support their teams. This presentation will examine some of the core traits and skills of effective leadership, including clear communication, trust-building, motivation, and accountability. Strategies will be explored on how to manage through challenges, increase team morale, and identify ways to continuously improve as a leader.

Managing the Stress of Change and Uncertainty—The Manager's View: Tuesday, May 19, 12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.                                      

Change is a natural part of work, just as it is a natural part of life. However, change and the unknowns of change can sometimes bring on worry and a sense of discomfort. Experiencing change with optimism and openness is the ultimate goal but sometimes difficult to achieve. This presentation for managers will touch on many points related to handling change and uncertainty and highlight strategies for effectively managing others during these times.

Responding to Trauma and Grief in the Workplace: Tuesday, June 16, 12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.                                                                                                      

A traumatic or critical incident is a powerful event that is unexpected, distressing, and can trigger stress reactions. Employees look to you for direction at a time when you may feel sad, confused, and overwhelmed yourself. This session will provide information to assist you in responding to workplace trauma or grief and review the State of Michigan’s Critical Incident Stress Management program, ESP Grief Services, and additional ESP resources related to trauma and grief.