HISD’s Construction and Facility Services (CFS) Professional Development team recently announced the launch of a new Leadership Development Training initiative designed to dramatically improve the leadership skills of the management team.

The program is developed and delivered by the Sales Excellence Institute at the University of Houston’s Bauer School of Business.

“This was an idea that [HISD General Manager] Brian Busby had for the managers and senior managers,” said April Smith, HISD Manager of Professional Development in Construction and Facilities Services. “He saw that there was a need to help coach and develop current employees to hopefully step into management positions.”

The training focuses on real-world learning that incorporates best practices and theoretical knowledge regarding personal communication skills, leadership, time management and more. All HISD senior managers and managers in CFS will attend the training once a month and complete a total of twelve training modules throughout the next six months. Participants who complete the program will also receive a University of Houston Leadership certificate.

Smith says the program teaches the CFS management to continue to groom employees within the department to become leaders in their prospective areas.

“Sometimes, you don’t remember always to praise your employees or let them know they are doing a good job,” Smith said. “This course helps to remind us that if you want the best from your employees, they have to feel appreciated and know they are making a difference.”