Learning & Development

Self-leadership is a fundamental skill essential for the success of all staff in today’s modern workplace. Whether you’re an individual contributor looking to grow, make a meaningful impact, and feel empowered to lead regardless of your role—or a manager currently leading others and seeking to elevate your ability to lead from within—true leadership begins with leading yourself.

WashU has opportunities for all staff to engage in development that empowers you to lead with confidence, inspire positive change, and contribute to organizational growth.

Join our Learning & Development MS Teams Channel!
University staff interested in social learning with peers are invited to join our Learning & Development Teams Channel – a dynamic space to share insights, strategies, and resources that support continuous growth. From self-leadership best practices to everyday development tips, this channel is your go-to hub for collaboration, conversation and connection with peers across the university.

Self-Leadership Learning Path

Leadership isn’t about a title; it starts with the ability to effectively lead yourself. The Self-Leadership Path is a curated learning journey for WashU staff who want to lead with purpose, confidence and impact – no matter their role. This path offers six engaging instructor-led workshops (available virtually and in person) and three flexible on-demand courses, all designed to help you build the mindset, skillset and habits to lead from within. Whether you’re looking to grow personally, influence others, or make a meaningful difference in your work, this path supports your development every step of the way.

View the courses offered below to get enroll today

Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue Series

Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue teaches powerful skills to help you speak up quickly, directly, and effectively when it matters most. This workshop, grounded in decades of social science research, introduces the foundations of holding impactful dialogue and takes a deeper dive into mastering the most challenging conversations, at work and at home. This series is delivered over a total of 12 hours, divided into three four-hour sessions held over three consecutive weeks. Attendance at all three sessions is required to successfully complete the workshop. Check back at the end of June for a link to enroll on Workday.

Crucial Conversations for Accountability Series

Crucial Conversations for Accountability teaches a process for managing performance, strengthening trust and reliability, and eliminating inconsistency. It provides skills for holding peers accountable—regardless of position or authority—and empowers participants to learn these skills through instruction, reflection, practice, and coaching. Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue is a prerequisite for this series. Check back in Fall 2025 for additional information.

The Five Behaviors of a Cohesive Team: Personal Development Series

The Five Behaviors of a Cohesive Team: Personal Development was created to help individuals become better teammates using the team-development process described in Patrick Lencioni’s best-selling book The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, including personal development skills such as building trust, mastering conflict, and embracing accountability. This workshop is designed specifically to work for individuals; participants do not all need to be part of the same team. Instructor-led workshop presented in a series of three, half-day sessions over the course of three consecutive weeks. Attendance at all three sessions is required to successfully complete the workshop. Check back at the end of June for a link to enroll on Workday.

Peer Learning Groups

Continue your learning journey through connection and conversation. WashU staff who complete learning and development programs will be invited to join Peer Learning Groups, which are small, discussion-based gatherings where you can reflect on what you’ve learned, share how you’ve applied new skills and gain fresh perspectives from colleagues across the university. These groups foster a supportive community where growth continues through shared experiences and meaningful dialogue.