Forty employees completed the New Supervisor Program recently, becoming the latest graduates of an initiative that is helping USPS cultivate its next generation of leaders.
The program has produced more than 3,200 graduates since the Postal Service introduced it last year. The latest graduates, who work in Great Lakes Area’s Lakeland District, include customer service, mail processing and other employees.
“Today marks a new beginning,” Acting District Manager Deborah Woodrum told the graduates at a recent ceremony. “Today is your first official day as a promoted supervisor. You will make a difference in the work atmosphere, habits and productivity of those employees who you supervise.”
The 16-week program encompasses classroom, on-the-job and online training. Participants learn about several aspects of postal supervision, including finance and human resources duties.
Woodrum told the graduates the program reflects the Postal Service’s commitment to helping employees feel involved and enthused about their work.
She cited research that shows managers play an important role in whether employees stay with an organization.
“How you treat them, how you train them, the expectations you set, and the manner in which you set these expectations will shape their opinion of the Postal Service,” Woodrum said.