Blue Ox Business Academy - 2026 Supervisor Advantage

April 30, 2026 - May 1, 2026

Description

Supervisor Advantage: A two-day workshop designed to transform peers into leaders.

Struggling with supervisors who avoid hard conversations, mishandle conflict, or lose good employees? Supervisor Advantage gives them practical tools they can use immediately to lead teams with clarity, accountability, and confidence.

Through two consecutive days packed with tools and techniques, participants will learn the skills of effective management and supervision. This program is ideal for supervisors, managers, or any team members who want to improve their leadership skills alongside other area businesses.

LEARN HOW TO

• Manage former peers.
• Stop conflict from spreading.
• Hold someone accountable without damaging morale.
• Lead when people might not take you seriously yet.
• Handle tough conversations.
  
  

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

• Promoted-but-not-trained supervisors or managers
  They were great at their job. Now they have to manage people, performance, and problems often with no roadmap.
• Supervisors who want fewer awkward conversations and clearer expectations
  If accountability feels uncomfortable or conflict drags on too long, this program gives practical language and structure.
• Employers who want stronger leadership without reinventing their systems
  Send the supervisors who influence culture, retention, and performance every day.
• Employees you see leading someday
  Build their confidence and skillset now so they step into leadership prepared and not overwhelmed.
  
  

DAY 1: APRIL 30, 8AM – 4PM

Morning: Leadership & Better Supervision of Employees
Leadership Traits & Styles, Supervising Diverse Teams & Former Peers, Management vs. Leadership

Afternoon: Interviewing & Developing High Performance Teams
Effective Recruiting, Interviewing, Supervision for Increased Accountability, Recognition & Retention Strategies

DAY 2: MAY 1, 8AM – 4PM

Morning: Increasing Employee Engagement & Accountability
Employee Engagement, SMART Goals, Performance Reviews, Terminations

Afternoon: Reducing Conflict & Dealing with Difficult Employees
Team Building & Pitfalls, Diagnosing & Diffusing Conflict, Managing Difficult Employees

TAKE IT FROM OUR GRADUATES

• "It was the best training I've ever attended in my 12 years of being a supervisor! Thank you Bruce!"
• "I loved how Bruce would introduce a subject and then immediately jump to role play. That helped me cement it in my mind."
• "We were able to learn new skills and apply them while in session to real-life situations and utilize the feedback of other leaders to help determine solutions."
• "We learned causes of organizational conflict and how to address it with different leadership styles."
• "I walked away with different ways to approach uncomfortable meetings and how to create a clear focus so that there isn't as much conflict."
  
  

MEET THE INSTRUCTOR

This program is facilitated by Dr. Bruce Miles of Big River Group in-person both days. Bruce is the owner & CEO of the Big River Group. He has also been an Assistant Professor & taught Graduate & Doctoral coursework in the areas of leadership, research, planning, finance & personnel. He is a national-level presenter and trainer in the areas of strategic planning, organizational improvement, organizational conflict & difficult employees.

REGISTER TO ATTEND

Cost is $825 per person and limited to 32 Chamber members. Deadline to register is April 23rd and fees include The Leader’s Window book, class materials, and lunch both days. Through the support of Anderson Brothers Construction, scholarships (25% discount) are available upon request to very small businesses and nonprofit organizations with fewer than 5 employees. Register online. Pay with credit card or invoice.

DEADLINE TO REGISTER: APRIL 23, 2026

ABOUT THE BLUE OX BUSINESS ACADEMY
With support from Anderson Brothers Construction, the Blue Ox Business Academy delivers local, affordable, and high-quality training that strengthens our community by helping businesses succeed. By investing in yourself or your employees, you achieve the highest possible returns in enhanced skills, confidence, and job satisfaction. Blue Ox trainers are professional presenters with engaging personalities and real-world experience. Participants make great peer connections and leave with tools and ideas to immediately put into action.

QUESTIONS?
Any questions about the program or registration can be directed to Paula Chapulis at BlueOx@BrainerdLakesChamber.com or (218) 822-7113.

Time

DAY 1: April 30th, 8AM-4PM (lunch provided)

DAY 2: May 1st, 8AM-4PM (lunch provided)

Location

Brainerd Lakes Chamber