MONTHLY MONDAY MANAGER MESSAGE
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If you don’t already know, Longhorn Leadership Symposia (LLS) is an on ongoing program for leaders and managers that provides a format for small groups of leaders to have facilitated discussions about important topics all over the UT campus. This month, LLS focused on the topic of power dynamics. In higher education, we are often witness to somewhat unique power dynamics, sometimes stemming from our shared governance model or the long held academic structure and hierarchy, but power dynamics are everywhere.
Among the small group discussions in LLS this month, findings and deeper exploration delved into those unique complexities of power dynamics in higher education, establishing a clear structure to manage power dynamics between managers and direct reports, transparent conversations about decision-making, building trust as a leader, and leveraging power dynamics for a positive result. (If you are a manager interested in participating in LLS, visit our LLS webpage.)
Power dynamics is the interplay of power imbalance within a relationship, whether it’s between two people or groups, or among multiple people or groups. Regardless of whether you were familiar with the term, you have been impacted by power dynamics and if you are a leader, it is important to understand the nuances, implications, and outgrowths of power dynamics in the workplace.
Below, you will find several resources on power dynamics. We encourage you to not only explore those but also be observant and curious about how power dynamics present themselves around you.
If you are so inclined, we would love to hear from you about those experiences, whether they revealed discoveries or raised more questions. Like you, we at UT L&D are always learning.
But first…
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Longhorn Employee Orientation for Spanish Speakers
Starting in July, we will offer a Spanish language version of the new Longhorn Employees Orientation (LEO) or Orientación para Empleados Longhorn (OpEL). LEO is a robust, asynchronous course for all new employees, and we want to make it even more accessible. If you have employees or are hiring new employees who are native Spanish speakers, inquire if they would prefer OpEL.
A quick reminder: all benefits eligible new employees are automatically registered for LEO through UTLearn, and managers may also assign LEO to any of their direct reports.
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New Certifications at Coursera Career Academy
If you haven’t visited Coursera Career Academy (CCA) for while (or ever), you should have a look. CCA is also offered to all UT employees and students at no cost, and it’s a great resource if you’re thinking about professional development in your current field or curious about changing careers. Find out more at our CCA portal for staff and faculty.
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What are Power Dynamics (3-minute LinkedIn Learning Video)
Picture the ocean. It's vast, expansive, maybe even serene. But deep below are currents that guide everything that happens above. This is what power dynamics are like. They may seem invisible, but they shape what happens around us in the workplace. How decisions are made, employee morale, culture, and much more.
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Power Dynamics in the Workplace: An Intro (Indeed article)
There are many ways power dynamics function in a business. Learn what power dynamics are, review examples of power dynamics, understand why power dynamics are important and consider tips for maintaining healthy power dynamics in your company.
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Power Dynamics in the U.S. Labor Market: Exploring Employer-Employee Relationships
The balance of power between workers and employers is a complex issue that can influence job security, wage levels, working conditions, and employee satisfaction. To understand the current state of employer-employee relationships in the U.S. labor market, SHRM Research surveyed 1,327 workers, 464 unemployed job seekers, and 980 HR leaders in May 2024.
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Understanding Power Dynamics for Effective Leadership (40-minute podcast)
Drawing from 12,000 pages of real feedback about bosses, Sabina shares the hidden power traps that can derail even the best leaders. You'll learn why trying to be "just one of the team" might be your biggest mistake, how to use the "delegation dial" for better results, and what to do when your team starts treating you differently.
Whether you're struggling with team dynamics or wanting to level up your leadership game, this episode gives you practical tools to step confidently into your power – without losing yourself in the process.
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