MAPS Communication Skills for Middle Managers

MAPS virtual courses are highly participatory and interactive.

Our instructors engage the participants by using many of the features of Zoom: breakout rooms, chat window, polling, class discussions, and share screen. The MAPS online experience will be similar to MAPS in-person; your learning requires your involvement. 

To receive the best experience, please join from your own device with a microphone.

Course Overview

Course Description

“Malcom in the Middle” was a sitcom in the early 2000’s centered around a gifted young boy who spent his formative years navigating the expectations of everyone around him and being held to lofty standards by his parents. Just like Malcom, those in middle management are held to lofty standards and are often under extreme pressure to meet the needs of their leaders, teams, peers and even the organizations’ customers. It can often feel unrealistic to achieve greatness when demands are coming from all directions. This course will equip middle managers with high impact communication skills to better align the expectations and goals of their stakeholders, while also leveraging energy management techniques to maintain their wellbeing.

Intended Audience

This course is designed for individuals who currently manage a team and have a direct supervisor. They are engaged in the daily operations of their department, and they influence the strategic direction of decision made by organizational leaders.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Acknowledge the unique role middle managers play in supporting your organization
• Navigate the expectations of multiple stakeholders by utilizing key components of high-impact communication
• Leverage energy management techniques that help sustain your wellbeing and garner the support needed from your direct supervisor, peers, and team members

Course Materials

A zoom link and course materials including pre-work will be emailed to you one week prior to the course.

*A computer or device with a working microphone is required
*A camera on your device or webcam is recommended

You do not need a Zoom account to attend MAPS through Zoom, but you will need to download the Zoom app (also known as Zoom Desktop Client). Download here: https://zoom.us/download

Instructor

Elisha J. Hill, M.S. HRD, is a leadership strategist and facilitator with more than 17 years of experience developing leaders across healthcare, higher education, and public‑serving organizations. She leads enterprise leadership development at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, where she designs strategic learning experiences that strengthen leader capability, communication, and alignment. As an adjunct facilitator for OSU’s MAPS program, Elisha equips mid‑level leaders with practical tools for strategic planning, high‑impact communication, and effective delegation. Her teaching blends research, real‑world application, and reflective practice to help participants navigate complexity and lead with clarity. Known for her warm, human‑centered approach, she creates learning environments that build confidence, competence, and momentum for leaders serving their communities.

FAQ's

Requirements for a Virtual Course

• A device that has a working microphone is required. A camera is strongly recommended. The online courses use features that enhance your experience with the use of your device’s camera and microphone for interaction and participation.
• Pre-work
  Virtual MAPS courses include approximately 2 hours of pre-work. Pre-work materials and instructions will be emailed to participants at least one week prior to the course date.

Follow these steps to make a cancellation:

1. Refer to your registration confirmation email
2. Scroll down to "Cancellation Policy"
3. Follow link in email
4. Enter the confirmation number from the registration email
5. At the top of the page, click on “Cancel Registration” button
6. Click Finish

Follow these steps to make a substitution: 

1. Refer to your registration confirmation email
2. Scroll down to "Substitutions"
3. Follow link in email
4. Enter the confirmation number from the registration email
5. At the top of the page, click on the “Substitute Registrant” button
6. Enter the name and email of the new registrant
7. Click Next
8. Click Confirm

CEU and CPE Policy 
Attendance in this course can earn:

• 0.6 Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
• 7.2 Continuing Professional Education Units (CPEs)

Attendance is recorded at check-in at the start of the day, and full CEU or CPE credit is awarded based on an honor system, with the expectation that participants are present and actively engaged for the full MAPS course

Course Certificate
Your course certificate will be emailed to you following the course. It will reflect your Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and Continuing Professional Education Units (CPEs) earned and your attendance of the course.

Waitlist
What happens if I am on a waitlist for a course? You will receive an email confirming you have been added to a waitlist. If a spot becomes available, you will be notified by email.

Photography
The Ohio State University may occasionally take pictures during educational events for use in program communication. If you do not want to be photographed during this course, please email the MAPS team at glenn-training@osu.edu.

MAPS Membership 
A MAPS member receives a discounted rate of $250 for each course with the initial purchase of at least 12 credits. Each credit equals one course for one individual.

To inquire about becoming a MAPS member, please fill out the MAPS Membership Form. A Glenn College Professional Development team member will reach out to you.

Questions or want to learn more?