Supervisor Essentials 2026 - Session 1

This four-session course is geared specifically toward frontline staff either in the field as line crew (electric, water, wastewater, street) or front office in customer service. It is for supervisors, managers or those aspiring to move up to a position as a crew leader or supervisor.

This course runs from April to October, and attendance at all sessions is required.

The fee is $3,000 for the entire four-session course, which includes all course materials, the assessment, breakfasts, lunches and breaks. MRES will provide a 50-50 cost-share to MRES members who commit to the full course. All sessions are at the MRES office in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

MRES will issue a refund on advanced registration, provided MRES is notified by March 31, 2026. No refunds will be granted after April 1, 2026.

The Leadership Ladder: Building Supervisory Excellence Rung by Rung

Session 1

• April 29: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• April 30: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

RUNG ONE

Building Your Base: From Lateral to Leader

Leading is challenging, and leading those who were once equals can pose even greater challenges. Participants will learn how to handle transition challenges, manage themselves and their team with credibility and trust, and begin building ownership throughout their team.

RUNG TWO

Step Up: Communication that Leads to Community

Effective communication skills are essential for a great supervisor, but do you know how to communicate with every member of your team? Participants will discuss different personality styles and best practices for communicating with each style.

Session 2

• June 17: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• June 18: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

RUNG THREE

Navigating to the Next Level: Developing the Drive

Great employees grow from strong supervisor-team relationships. This rung helps participants build those relationships by exploring how to manage conflict, set goals, delegate effectively, motivate others and foster stronger teams.

Session 3

• Aug. 19: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Aug. 20: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

RUNG FOUR

Climbing for Climate: Coaching for a Collaborative Culture

Leading is more than just supervising. Building a positive culture and increasing productivity come from coaching the right way and evaluating for positive change. Participants will learn the tools needed to deal with improvement, performance and discipline in ways that maintain and even build cohesion.

Session 4

• Oct. 14: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Oct. 15: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

RUNG FIVE

Balancing the Build: Communicating Up, Sideways and Down

Building on the skills learned in previous sessions, participants will learn to utilize practical tools for setting expectations, managing and resolving conflict, and communicating with those not on their teams. The session culminates in a self-evaluation and proactive steps for sustaining future success.

Lodging is not included in the course fee. MRES has arranged discounted lodging for each session at the Homewood Suites hotel, right next to the MRES office:

Homewood Suites (by Hilton)
3620 W Avera Dr
Sioux Falls, SD 57108
Phone: 605-338-8585

Rates are $129 for a studio queen room. Taxes and fees are additional. To make your hotel reservations, please call the hotel directly and ask for the MRES block rate.

The hotel reservation deadlines are:

• April Session — April 7 Book your room now!

• June Session — May 26 Book your room now!

• Aug. Session — July 28 Book your room now!

• Oct. Session — (Booking info still to come.)