“The Savvy Supervisor, Helping Employees Manage Themselves,” is on the shelves (or at Amazon.com -- click here to learn more and to purchase the book).
“When I retired almost three years ago, managers and supervisors asked me if I would continue to conduct a particularly popular supervisor training program I had developed and delivered locally for about 20 years. The program consistently received positive feedback from participants and their managers,” Willging says. “I decided not to continue presenting the stand-up program, but I did want to continue to help supervisors perform one of the most difficult roles in any organization, supervision.”
The book contains that information.
While Willging is now retired, he remains active by meeting with interested organizations and organizing book clubs for small groups of supervisors and their managers. He has also been a volunteer with the Kalamazoo Literacy Council for more than five years, advising the organization on how to implement computer-assisted basic education strategies.
“The program is designed to expedite students’ achieving readiness for GED programs, and pass entry assessments for admittance to post-secondary education programs,” Willging explained. “Currently, we are also developing and implementing programs for accelerated development of workplace literacy skills targeted at specific jobs.”
Dr. Willging took a few moments to answer some other questions for MyWMU, and to pass along some sage advice for current students.
1. Why did you choose to study psychology?
While plodding through a pre-med program at MSU I took an introductory course in psychology and absolutely loved it. I took some more psychology courses and soon changed my major to psychology. Turns out that was the right place to be!
2. Why did you select WMU for your master's degree?
In the early 70’s I applied to the master’s program in Clinical Psychology at WMU because of its reputation and high-ranking in the area of Behavioral Psychology. I was very interested in that approach and was accepted into the program at a time when WMU was at the top of the field when it came to behavioral psych. I really enjoyed the program.
3. What advice would you give to current students or anyone interested in authoring a book?
As far as a career path goes, I would advise students to pay close attention to their developing interests and to be open and flexible to considering options presented to them. My career maps out like a “bird walk” as I found myself moving from clinical psychology situations into other types of professional positions. Keep all of your options open so you can accommodate your emerging interests as they become more finely honed. Be open to new opportunities that may not on the surface look to be “in your wheelhouse.”
On writing a book: from my experiences—and those of my colleagues who have gotten into writing—it is critical to understand thoroughly what you’re trying to communicate, to what audience, and why. It’s easy to find yourself getting lost and going down various dead-end alleys if you don’t have that clear, guiding vision up front.
4. What was your inspiration for "The Savvy Supervisor"?
Since earning a doctorate in Industrial/Organizational psychology, I have worked as: an internal organization development specialist and human resources manager for a major defense contractor; an external consultant to an Air Force defense program; and a senior consultant for a consulting firm. For 13 years, I owned and operated Performance Solutions, my own company, and I also worked full-time on special projects for Kalamazoo Valley Community College for four years.
Throughout that career path I created and conducted numerous supervisory and leadership training programs over a 30-year span. The trainings targeted the gamut from entry-level supervisors to seasoned executives.
When I retired almost three years ago, managers and supervisors asked me if I would continue to conduct a particularly popular supervisor training program I had developed and delivered locally for about 20 years. The program consistently received positive feedback from participants and their managers. I decided not to continue presenting the stand-up program, but I did want to continue to help supervisors perform one of the most difficult roles in any organization, supervision.
The book, “The Savvy Supervisor,” conveys the content and conversational style of that and prior programs. It is directed specifically to the day-to-day needs, concerns and challenges of supervisors today.
5. Anything else you'd like to add?
I credit my experiences with WMU in my master’s program with developing a clarity about my professional aspirations as well as greatly honing my academic skills and inquisitiveness. I remember my time at WMU fondly. It was one of the most positive educational experiences and environments I experienced in my professional development.