Leaders Lab

UHR Leaders Lab is designed to inspire, support, and strengthen leadership across the University. Held on the second Tuesday of each month via Zoom, Leaders Lab offers a dynamic space for supervisors, managers and leaders to connect, learn, and grow together.

Each session features timely University Human Resources updates focused on today’s most relevant leadership topics. All presentation materials will be recorded and posted on this webpage for future reference. The comments, discussion, and Q&A portions will not be recorded to support open and candid conversation

Leaders Lab is an interactive learning experience, and topic suggestions are always welcome. Feel free to propose during a session or by emailing AskHR with your suggestion.

The 2026 series will explore a wide range of leadership and HR-focused areas listed below.

Join us throughout the year as we build skills, share insights, and strengthen leadership across our University community.

2026 Leaders Lab Session Calendar

Topics subject to change

A two-column table with a header row in the first row that details the date and topics for Leaders Lab in 2026.
Date	Topic
January 13	Creating Effective Position Descriptions
February 10	CapTrust--W&M's financial advisors share benefits available to all employees to access their services.
March 10	Performance Management--a review of W&M's current performance management process, with a preview of what's to come next year as we shift to Workday.
April 14	Succession Planning & Off-Boarding
May 12	Smart Move with Long and Foster--a benefit all employees are eligible to utilize, and of particular importance as hiring managers extend job offers.
June 9	Recruitment & Hiring--the latest/greatest on recruitment and hiring and an opportunity to help UHR continue to refine the process in Workday.
July 14	Onboarding--best practices and tools to help hiring managers.
August	*No session*
September 8	Class & Compensation Analysis
October 13	Ask HR--a freebie session to ask UHR anything! Come with questions.
November 10	Professional Development--learn more about the Professional Development Support Fund and what's available to everyone using LinkedIn Learning.
December	*No session*

Why You Should Attend Leaders Lab

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Leaders get concrete tools and strategies they can use immediately such as writing better position descriptions, navigating performance conversations, or improving team engagement.

Sessions often include timely UHR updates, policy changes, and best practices, helping leaders stay aligned with institutional expectations and evolving workplace trends.

By learning alongside peers and gaining clarity on complex topics, leaders feel more prepared to handled challenges and make informed decisions.

Leaders rarely get time to connect with others doing similar work. Leaders Lab fosters relationships, shared problem-solving, and a sense of belonging across departments.

Because only the presentation portion is recorded and not the discussion or Q&A, leaders can ask candid questions, share experiences, and explore sensitive topics without hesitation.

Hearing how others approach similar challenges often leads to creative solutions leaders can bring back to their teams.

2026 Leaders Lab Session Calendar

Why You Should Attend Leaders Lab

Topics

Explore practical leadership skills

Keeps leaders informed

Strengthens confidence

Creates a supportive community

Encourages open dialogue

Sparks new ideas