Welcome to the Pa. Department of Transportation Leadership Academy for Supervisors (PLAS) and Managers(PLAM)!

We would like to give you an overview of the learning process so you know what to expect and can prepare for this powerful learning experience.

Chances are you have had ample developmental opportunities along your career path, but the design of PLAS and PLAM are a bit unique. First of all, the learning is broken up into parts, and in the case of PLAM, the learning assignments begin prior to your arrival at the first session. Between sessions you will have application assignments that will enable you to practice what you have been doing in the classroom and then discuss the results when you are back in class. Even after the classroom training has concluded, work assignments will be offered to continue your mastery of some of the tools and models that are taught in class.

You can think of this experience as being the equivalent of a college course. Just as a course has homework, you will have assignments that you will bring back to share with others in the classroom. In this way, we maximize the learning by hearing the experiences of others. The application of the learning back on the job is the most critical measure of the success of this program. After all, if you cannot apply the learning, what good is it? It is critical that you understand the importance of completing assigned work and that you are committed to the effort required to fully participate in this learning process. If you do not feel you can commit to this extra work during the time you will be enrolled in the course, perhaps now is not the best time for your participation. We want you to be able to fully benefit from what this academy can offer you both personally and professionally.

Here is an overview of the programs offered in each academy:

 PLAS - PENNDOT Leadership Academy for Supervisors

• The Supervisors Academy is designed to teach the basic interpersonal skills needed in your new role as a supervisor. Ideally, participants will attend this academy during the first six-months in this new role. Because the role of supervisor is somewhat different depending on its context, there are two versions of this academy:

  1. For those working primarily in office settings: basic supervisory skills selected from a curriculum developed by the Vital Learning Corporation.
  2. For those working primarily in construction settings: basic interpersonal skills with a focus on creating a positive work environment. The process used is based on Adventures in Attitudes - a very interactive experience (note, this version of PLAS does not have the application assignment component).

  Both versions begin with an assessment of behavioral style using the DiSC model of behavior. This language is woven into both curriculum to enhance the understanding of self and others.
  

PLAM - PENNDOT Leadership Academy for Managers

• The Managers Academy assumes participants already have the skills presented in PLAS. If this is not the case, there are a number of opportunities through self-paced online learning or public workshops to participate in a selected course.

  As with PLAS, the PLAM content uses the DiSC model of behavior as a thread to understand management behavior. Participants will apply a deeper understanding of this model along with the concepts of Situational Leadership, Time Mastery, and Managing Expectations. In addition, this curriculum includes a 360-feedback process to evaluate current management behaviors, as employees, peers and the participantís boss perceive them.

  At the manager level, there is more reading, reflection, and expectation to try new skills on the job.

Since both PLAS and PLAM participants share the common DiSC language, a culture of understanding self and others should be developing in all work groups.

Both PLAS and PLAM offer virtual learning opportunities. Our goal is to create learning communities in which participants can interact outside of the classroom and learn from each otherís experiences. A secure area of our web site has been developed to place a variety of support items such as the PowerPoint files and handouts used in the training and significant notes from the sessions. For those using email in their work, a class listserve is set up for communication before, during and after the class.