SSC Magazine

Harvard ManageMentor: Learning Leadership, Strategy & More For frontline associates who do not have a college degree, Harvard ManageMentor (HMM ) is the perfect next step. Many of our frontline associates who have transitioned into manage- ment roles have received the education they need at no cost to them through HMM. These self-directed, online classes fo- cus on professional and personal leadership development, and are geared towars first-time man- agers. Topics covered include leadership basics, innovation, decision making, strategy and more. Frontline associates who have shown potential and the de- sire to enter management have the opportunity to be a part of our Manager in Training (MIT ) Program. MIT covers on-the-job training, with the goal of placing each participant in a manage- ment role upon training comple- tion. Each MIT participant works and learns alongside an experi- enced SSC manager to learn the day-to-day responsibilities of leading a team. Manager in Training Program (MIT)

HiPo Program: Developing Soft Skills & Professionalism

From Frontline to MIT Cheyenne Ragsdale

For many of our hourly associates, their career development process starts with participating in our HiPo program. HiPo is a 10-week, foun- dational training opportunity that gives hourly associates the lan- guage and skills they need to grow professionally. During the program, participants receive education and training on a range of topics, from professionalism to customer service; diversity, equity & inclu- sion; workplace safety, and more. Each topic lays the groundwork for a wider understanding of what it means to step into a leadership role and how they, as frontline associ- ates, can contribute positively to their teams from where they are.

At the end of the program, associates are challenged with a presentation oppor- tunity. Team members are asked to select a topic from what was covered in the program and present what they have learned to senior leadership within their region. These presentations encour- age each associate to feel comfortable “raising their hand” and speaking with all levels of management.

Cheyenne Ragsdale was a student at the University of Mary Hardin- Baylor, seeking a job during her first year. Her advisor recommended cleaning with SSC, and for four years following that conversa- tion, Cheyenne provided custodial services on campus as a frontline associate. Throughout all four years of her employment as a frontline team member, Unit Director Sohn Stan- cell saw promise and potential in her. During her senior year, Sohn recommended SSC’s MIT Program to Cheyenne, and following her graduation in 2023, Cheyenne be- gan the online courses and hands- on training. Cheyenne has enjoyed the oppor- tunity to learn how to manage a custodial program in both a higher education environment at the Uni- versity of Mary Hardin-Baylor and more recently in a K-12 environment at Queen City Schools. Her man- agers and supervisors have been essential to her as she learns and grows in her career.

Associates who complete the HiPo program and still crave more opportunities have various options for continued development.

“Sohn is an amazing mentor, and I also have great supervisors who are helping me as well. You can’t have a bet- ter team to support you and teach you things that you don’t feel like you know yet, but you’re learning along the way.”

We Never Stop Learning!

The goal for the training and development department is to set all new associates up for success on day one and continue to provide them with additional personal and professional development opportunities to promote career progression.

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