State Government Orientation – Consists of Two Classes
State Government Orientation consists of two classes, which are offered on two consecutive days. Participants can take classes individually or sequentially, and they will receive individual certificates for each class. We recommend these two classes in addition to orientation classes at the agency level.
State Government Orientation: Merit System and Personnel
Course Description: This orientation class includes an overview of benefits, the State Merit System, programs administered by the State Personnel Department, and the importance of providing outstanding customer service to taxpayers. Detailed information is provided from the employee’s perspective regarding pay, promotion, performance appraisal, and progressive discipline programs, and ample time is available for participants to ask questions and discuss concepts.
Recommended Audience: All state employees, preferably within the first year of employment
Duration: Six hours
State Government Orientation: Employee Benefits
Course Description: This orientation class includes presentations by experts from various agencies on the major employment benefits packages for state employees. Benefits addressed include insurance, flexible benefits/dependent health care programs, wellness programs, retirement services, risk management services, and deferred compensation options. Representatives from Public Library Service, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and Archives and History will also be present to discuss non-traditional benefits available from these agencies.
Recommended Audience: All state employees, preferably within the first year of employment
Duration: Six hours
Performance Appraisal
Course Description: This class introduces supervisors to the State of Alabama’s performance appraisal system and how to use it effectively throughout the year. Participants discuss how to write clear Responsibilities and Results (R&Rs) and learn how to document employee performance effectively; complete appraisal forms; conduct preappraisal, midappraisal, and final appraisal sessions; and apply objective, consistent rating standards. The training also covers work habits, counseling sessions, Corrective Action Plans, and probationary periods. By the end of the course, supervisors will understand how to provide meaningful feedback; use appraisals to maximize employee performance and support employee development; and ensure fair, accurate, and defensible performance evaluations.
Recommended Audience: New supervisors or those being considered for supervisory roles; existing supervisors as a refresher
Duration: Six hours
Progressive Discipline
Course Description: This class provides supervisors with a clear understanding of the State of Alabama’s progressive discipline process and how to apply it fairly and effectively. Participants learn the purpose of discipline is to invest in employees and correct unsatisfactory behavior so they can be successful. Discussions include how to conduct counseling sessions and compile Corrective Action Plans prior to discipline; when and how to issue warnings, reprimands, suspensions, and dismissals; and the importance of accurate, legally defensible documentation. The training also covers use of the Employee Assistance Program as well as key legal considerations, such as due process, discrimination, and retaliation. By the end, supervisors will be equipped to address performance and behavior issues confidently while supporting employee success and protecting the agency.
Recommended Audience: New supervisors or those being considered for supervisory roles; existing supervisors as a refresher
Duration: Six hours
Customer Service in State Government
Course Description: This class introduces employees to the core principles of delivering outstanding customer service in a public sector environment. After discussing and identifying who their customers are (e.g., another agency, division, or employee; outside entity; general public), participants explore why service matters in government; how trust and perception are shaped; and the role of equity, efficiency, and professionalism in serving effectively. The training covers the five pillars of excellent service—professionalism, empathy, responsiveness, clarity, and accountability—and provides practical strategies for communicating well, managing difficult interactions, and removing common service barriers. By the end, participants will understand how to contribute to a positive customer experience and support a customer-focused culture across state agencies.
Recommended Audience: All state employees
Duration: Six hours
Time Management
Course Description: This class helps employees understand the core principles of managing time effectively and overcoming common productivity challenges. Participants explore widespread time management myths, learn the real factors that affect focus and efficiency, and examine challenges, such as procrastination, distractions, overcommitting, and lack of prioritization. The training highlights why time management matters—improving productivity, reducing stress, enhancing work-life balance, and strengthening career opportunities. Participants are also introduced to practical tools and techniques, such as the Eisenhower Matrix, Time Blocking, the 80/20 Rule, Kanban boards, successful “to do” lists, and effective delegation strategies. By the end, participants will be equipped with actionable skills to work smarter, stay organized, and make better use of their time.
Recommended Audience: All state employees
Duration: Six hours
Dynamics of Supervision – New Three-Part Series
Course Description: Dynamics of Supervision, previously a stand-alone training class, is now a progression of three individual classes: Basics of Supervision, Emotional Intelligence, and Situational Management. Basics of Supervision presents basic supervisory roles and techniques; Emotional Intelligence directs focus inward and discusses self-management; and Situational Management addresses the analysis of a situation in its entirety. Participants must take Basics of Supervision before taking Emotional Intelligence or Situational Management, but Parts Two and Three can be taken in any order. If a participant attended Dynamics of Supervision when it was a stand-alone class, they do not need to take the Basics of Supervision class. (State Personnel will assess past coursework on a case-by-case basis.)
Part One – Basics of Supervision
Course Description: This class provides new and aspiring supervisors with a practical foundation for leading teams effectively and achieving success in state government. Participants explore the most common challenges first-time managers face and learn essential supervisory skills, including setting clear expectations, leading by example, delegating, coaching, mentoring, and managing performance. The training covers key topics, such as the eight roles of a supervisor, management styles, performance appraisal fundamentals, progressive discipline guidelines, effective communication, emotional intelligence, and the overall impact supervisors have on employee engagement and retention. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped with the tools and confidence needed to build strong teams, foster trust, and create a positive, productive work environment.
Recommended Audience: New supervisors or those being considered for supervisory roles
Duration: Six hours
Part Two – Emotional Intelligence
Course Description: This class helps participants develop an understanding of emotional intelligence and how it impacts leadership effectiveness, as the most successful leaders have high emotional intelligence. It serves to increase self-awareness by identifying personal patterns to avoid emotionally charged situations. We also address improving self-management by understanding responsive techniques for managing potentially emotional situations and boosting social awareness by using techniques to recognize emotional states of others.
Participants must take Basics of Supervision prior to taking this class.
Recommended Audience: New supervisors or those being considered for supervisory or leadership roles who have taken Basics of Supervision OR employees interested in learning about, understanding, and improving self-management
Duration: Six hours
Part Three – Situational Management
Course Description: This class examines a powerful, yet flexible tool that enables supervisors to diagnose the variables of any given situation and adapt their management styles to the behavioral needs of the employee. Supervisors learn skills in analyzing employee performance issues and guidelines to gain an understanding of their employee’s competence and commitment levels. This course helps managers continually adapt their management style to allow for changing tasks and responsibilities as well as changing abilities of their employees.
Participants must take Basics of Supervision prior to taking this class.
Recommended Audience: New supervisors or those being considered for high-level supervisory or leadership roles who have taken Basics of Supervision OR employees interested in learning about and improving their management and leadership skills
Duration: Six hours
Interview and Selection
Course Description: This class gives supervisors a clear, practical understanding of the State of Alabama’s merit-based hiring process. Participants learn how to plan consistent, structured interviews, ask job-related questions, and evaluate candidates fairly. This program also discusses common rating errors and ways to avoid them, while staying compliant with employment laws. By the end, participants will be prepared to conduct valid and reliable interviews and make confident, defensible hiring decisions.
Recommended Audience: New supervisors or those being considered for leadership; existing supervisors as a refresher
Duration: Six hours
Recognizing and Dealing With Difficult People
Course Description: This class helps employees understand common difficult behaviors in the workplace and equips them with practical strategies for managing challenging interactions. Participants learn to recognize different personality types, identify underlying causes of conflict, and apply effective communication techniques to de-escalate tense situations. The training also covers conflict management styles, emotional regulation, assertive communication, and approaches for working with difficult supervisors—all aimed at maintaining professionalism and strengthening workplace relationships. By the end of the course, participants will feel more confident navigating tough conversations and fostering a more respectful, cooperative work environment.
PLEASE NOTE: If two employees are considered for this training because they have difficulty dealing with each other, they should be scheduled for different classes so that each of them can participate more freely in class discussions and activities.
Recommended Audience: All state employees
Duration: Six hours
Presentation Skills
NOTE: This class consists of two days scheduled two to three weeks apart. The first day involves classroom discussion of presentation techniques. The second day is used for class members to make presentations and receive feedback. Participants must complete both days to get credit for the course and receive a certificate of completion.
Course Description: This class provides individuals with techniques for preparing and delivering presentations to groups of any size or type. It is designed for individuals who make presentations to employees, supervisors, customers, or the general public during staff meetings, briefings, classroom training, orientation programs, tours, workshops, luncheons, conferences, etc. Topics include selecting a topic, conducting research, designing visual aids, compiling information, delivering a presentation in front of classmates, and accepting feedback. (Preparation for the presentation must be completed outside of class.)
Recommended Audience: Everyone who wants to improve their oral communication and presentation skills
Duration: Six hours
Creating a Positive Workplace
Course Description: This class helps participants understand what a positive work environment looks like and why it matters, on both a personal and professional level. Participants will explore how attitudes, communication, and supportive behavior contribute to productivity, stronger relationships, reduced stress, and a healthier workplace culture. The training provides practical tools for staying positive, improving communication, and managing conflict effectively so individuals and teams can collaborate more successfully and stay focused on shared goals. By the end, participants will walk away with actionable strategies they can apply immediately to build a more motivated, resilient, and respectful workplace.
Recommended Audience: All state employees
Duration: Three hours
Discrimination and Harassment Free Workplace
Course Description: Most people can recognize blatant sexual harassment. However, the boundaries are less clear when friendly flirtation and ‘shoptalk’ occur. Attendees will examine sexual harassment scenarios and determine the depth of the alleged violation. The participants will examine recent changes in court rulings and the effects they could have on management responsibilities. Participants will learn how to identify, initially investigate, report, and respond properly to a sexual harassment accusation. The course will teach how the employer’s response to a sexual harassment claim can potentially increase or decrease the organization’s liability.
Recommended Audience: All state employees
Duration: Three hours
Employment Law
Course Description: This class is highly suggested for any person who is or will be supervising personnel in state government. The participants will get a detailed study of federal employment laws that will cross their paths in today’s workplace. Laws discussed will be the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 1991, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and the Pregnancy Discrimination Act. Case studies will be conducted for the participants to put their newfound knowledge to work in simulated situations.
Recommended Audience: New supervisors or those being considered for leadership; existing supervisors as a refresher; attorneys; employees working in a personnel division
Duration: Three hours
Family and Medical Leave Act/Americans With Disabilities Act
Course Description: In 1993, the Family and Medical Leave Act became federal law. State Personnel policies encompass new issues and new case law regarding FMLA. This program will cover the eligibility requirements for leave under the law, the types of leave, the qualifying illnesses, and necessary documentation. Other areas of discussion will include retaliatory actions under the law and both employee and employer rights and obligations. Procedures for initiating, implementing, and monitoring FMLA leave will also be covered. The new regulations for FMLA will be discussed.
Recommended Audience: New supervisors or those being considered for leadership, attorneys, and employees working in a personnel division
Duration: Three hours