L&D Manager Spotlight - Jennifer McClain

Jennifer McClain,

Associate Director – Employee Training, Development and Engagement

1. Describe your role for UT.  

I lead the Employee Development and Engagement (EDE) team at University Housing and Dining. We provide training, including New Employee Orientation and Supervisor Orientation, and development opportunities such as our ESL and Conversational Spanish classes. We also coordinate the UHD Wellness program and the CARE Committee (Community, Appreciation, Recognition and Events). As a member of the Human Resources Leadership team, I provide strategic direction related to learning and development and employee engagement.

2. What was the most important lesson you learned as a new manager?

Not to make assumptions. When an employee is struggling to meet expectations, or otherwise seems disengaged, you may not know what’s going on below the surface. Approach these situations with curiosity, and be prepared to let new information that you learn from those conversations impact your response. 

3. What advice do you have for managers to help develop their team?

First, find out what really energizes the people on your team and where they have natural talent. Focusing on these areas, rather than weaknesses, gives more opportunity for meaningful growth. I use CliftonStrengths as a tool, and believe that we have the best chance of success when we develop our strongest talents.

Then give them stretch assignments – learning doesn’t need to happen in a classroom. It’s important, though, to have a culture where it’s OK to fail. Encourage them to take calculated risks, and help them learn from the experience whether it’s a success or not.

4. Why is learning in the workplace important?

Humans are naturally curious. Since we spend so much time at work, it’s important that we get to engage our brains while we’re here. Also, providing opportunities for your team to learn and prioritizing their development shows that you value them as a whole person, whether they’re content in their current position, or looking ahead to the next step in their career.

5. What have you recently learned, what are you currently learning about, or how are you developing yourself as a professional?

Professionally, I’m working to be more strategic and effective at how I tell our story and show our impact. Also watching YouTube videos on data visualization with Power BI, and trying to remember what I learned in statistics class a very long time ago. In my personal life, I’m taking ceramics classes again after a few years out of the studio, and teaching myself to knit!