Leadership & Supervisor Development

The MRES® Supervisor Essentials course emphasizes the tools, knowledge and connections for new leaders to accelerate the transition into a supervisory role. 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.

Register here for the 2026 Supervisor Essentials course.

2026 Supervisor Essentials course dates:

• April 29-30
• June 17-18
• Aug. 19-20
• Oct. 14-15

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.

The MRES® Municipal Power Leadership Academy (MPLA) is a two-day conference held annually in September that provides a necessary introduction to the world of public power and the responsibility of governing and operating the utility in your community. This event highlights the electric industry, the world of public power, governance and your relationship with MRES.

This year’s MPLA will be Sept. 17-18 at the ClubHouse Hotel and Suites in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Please click on the links below for more information or to register.

• 2025 MPLA Brochure
  
  • Click here to register today!

• MPLA Toolkit
  • Where can I go for more information and details after the MPLA? Once you attend the MPLA, your city/utility will receive one toolkit that includes many webinars and resource books to help you on your journey. Unable to attend the MPLA but need these resources? Contact us to find out about our cost-share of this incredible resource for our members.

LEAD Course

What makes someone a good leader? Are leaders only individuals in supervisory positions? The Leadership Excellence and Development, or LEAD Course, is designed for utility and/or city staff at all levels who are now, or aspire to become, leaders and influencers in their work. This one-year, four-session course will provide a wealth of knowledge, awareness, perspective, and skill development that is needed for your utility and city. This course runs April-November and you must commit to all of the sessions.

2026 LEAD Course dates:

• April 8-9
• June 3-4
• Aug. 5-6
• Oct. 7-8

Please check the "Events" tab for more details on the course.

Click here to register for the 2026 Lead Course.

Ever wonder how other utilities or individuals are addressing the challenges in their life? Need to phone a friend? The MRES LEAD On Leadership Cohort provides a unique opportunity for LEAD Course graduates to experience additional resources and opportunities and continued interaction to learn and work together. The Cohort will consist of assessments, accountability partner pairing, an online interactive whiteboard space for collaboration, quarterly newsletters and Webex meetings, and a possible annual networking event. These small group interactions enrich the experience offering diverse perspectives, a robust accountability system and an enduring support network.

These assessment tools can be a great addition to leadership development. Lumina Spark and Leader assessments help you understand how your personality affects your leadership style. It provides self-awareness, strengths, weaknesses, points to blockers and potential blind spots as well as recommendations on how to temper or avoid them. It enhances your ability to communicate and work effectively with others more deeply.