Development Planning
Before exploring any learning development options, make sure to have an individual development plan. As you develop your plan, consider the following:
- What are my areas for development? Do I want to strengthen skills or acquire new skills?
- What am I interested in learning about that will support me in my current role? What learning should I consider to support a move to a different role?
- Of the six McMaster Core Leadership Capabilities, which leadership capability am I most interested in developing?
In developing your plan, we suggest a variety of development activities including:
Activities to explore:
- Internal Organization Volunteer Opportunities
- External Community Volunteer Opportunities
- Committee Work (team, department or university level)
- examples: team social committees, McMaster employee committees, pension and job evaluation committees
- Participate in, Coach or Lead an Athletic/ Recreational Teams
- Participate in or Lead an Arts/ Cultural Group
Options to explore:
- Internal Leadership Programs
- examples: Personal Leaders, Knowledge Leaders, Strategic Leaders
- Internal programming
- External Programs (related to role/ subject matter expertise)
- eLearning/Self Study
- examples: LinkedIn Learning
- Workshops/ Conferences
- Industry/ Technical training
- Professional Designations/Certifications
- Health and Safety
Activities to explore:
- Onboarding activities
- examples: New to Organization and/or Role
- Practical operational experiences
- examples: budgeting, strategic planning
- Special cross-functional/ unit assignments
- Project work (team/ department/ university)
- Leading team, department and project group meetings
- Internal and external event management
- Job shadowing/ rotations
Activities to explore:
- Networking (Individual/ Group Events)
- Mentoring (Peer Mentor/ Mentee)
- Coaching (Self/ Peer, Open to coaching and actively practises)
- Communities of Practice (Internal and External)
- Assessments (Personality, Skill, Competency, Leadership)
- Professional Association memberships
- Social media profiles
- examples: LinkedIn
Staff and Faculty Development
The following learning and development options are sponsored by and offered by the Talent, Equity and Development team for the development of all staff and faculty at McMaster.
Leadership Development Learn More about Leading at McMaster
Everyone is a leader in their own role! Maximize your leadership capability through our leadership development programs for:
Inclusive Excellence Leadership Program Learn More
This is a professional development series designed to equip people leaders to action EDI priorities through their leadership practice. This program is open to academic and non-academic people leaders.
Employment Equity Training Learn More
Explore equity, diversity and inclusion training offerings for staff, faculty, and students at McMaster University.
Essentials Programs – Learning for Professionals Learn More about Essentials Courses
Offered to eligible McMaster employees to support ongoing professional development on key skills. Submit an employee tuition assistance application to confirm your eligibility. If fees are not adjusted when you register, email hr.mcmaster@mcmaster.ca. (Taking these courses does not count towards your Tuition Assistance benefit maximum.)
Employee Development Conference (IFW) Learn More
This annual conference offers employees the opportunity for professional development, networking with colleagues, and a chance to support their personal well-being.
Wellness Education Learn More
Learn about McMaster’s Healthy Workplace programs which are offered year round to support your holistic wellness.
Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) Learn More
With a comprehensive menu of well-being programs and services to match your individual needs and goals, our EFAP can help you define and maintain your personal well-being through education, development, motivation and direct intervention.
Orientation and Required Training
University Development Options
LinkedIn Learning Learn More
Active McMaster students, faculty and staff have free, unlimited access to video tutorials related to business, media and technology through this self-service training site.
Microcredentials Learn More
Future-proof your resume with the most in-demand skills and training in your industry.
McMaster Continuing Education Learn More
Offers academic certificate and diploma programs to support your professional development in a dynamic world. View this recent information session video (12min) to learn more.
DeGroote Executive Education Learn More
Offers programs that equip leaders to dramatically increase the value they bring to their organizations. View this recent information session video (19min) to learn more.
MacPherson Institute Learn More
Offers a wide variety of programs, workshops, services and supports to all members of the McMaster community to cultivate an environment where learning deeply matters, and teaching is valued and recognized.
FHS Program for Faculty Development Learn More
Established to support the growth and development of faculty members within the Faculty of Health Sciences.
Resources
Annual Goals & Development Planning Employee Toolkit
Resource for employees in planning for annual goals & development.
Employee Self Review Guide
Use this guide to prepare for employee annual review and goal planning discussions.
How to Set Goals/Objectives
Document that outlines the process of choosing work objectives and development goals.
Questions? Contact us!
Melanie Garaffa
Associate Director, Talent, Equity and Development, Organizational Development
Christine Costa
Organizational Design and Development Consultant