New Supervisor Onboarding (NSO) Program

New Supervisor Onboarding (NSO) Program is the enhanced supervisory development program that spans a new supervisor’s first year. This new approach is part of our wider initiative to create learning solutions that are transformational for the individual learner, their team/department, and ultimately, the City.

Who is Required to Complete the NSO Program?

The NSO Program is for new externally hired City supervisors and City employees promoted to a supervisory position within the City for the first time or City supervisors rehired after the effective date of this policy and who have not successfully completed this new program. This includes Classified supervisors from both Houston Police Department and Houston Fire Department.

Below is a breakdown of the three main learning components of the enhanced NSO Program:

NSO Step 1

NSO Virtual Session

A seven-hour, live virtual session hosted on Microsoft Teams that provides...

new supervisors with essential information about the City, its rules, policies, and programs. Offered monthly, new supervisors must complete it within 45 days of hire, rehire, or promotion. Some topics include risk management, positive correct action program, employee rights & responsibilities, and emergency management. New supervisors will register themselves in TMS. .

NSO Step 2

Self-Paced eLearning Modules

NSO HEAR (the City’s Performance Management System): A series of three...

self-paced eLearning modules are automatically assigned to new supervisors and focus on building their ability to fulfill their supervisory responsibilities under the HEAR program. Topics include SMART goal development and HEAR plan creation. From the date assigned, new supervisors must complete the modules within two weeks.

NSO Step 3

NSO Peer to Peer (P2P)
Learning Workshops

A series of eight, 90-minute live virtual peer to peer learning workshops hosted on...

Microsoft Teams serves as a follow-up to each self-paced eLearning module. Workshops engage new supervisors in a diverse learning discussion based on a specific tool, video, or worksheet from the module. Learners share their lived experience applying Drucker’s teachings and gain valuable feedback from their peers while building a supportive network.

As new supervisors complete each Drucker Playbook for the Public Sector self-paced eLearning module, they can register for its respective peer to peer learning workshop in any order in the Talent Management System. All eight peer to peer learning workshops must be completed within 11 months of hire, rehire, or promotion date.

NSO Checklist button

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: If I took NSO prior to April 2023, am I required to complete this new NSO Program?
A: No. If you already took NSO (New Supervisor Orientation), you do not need to complete this new program.

Q: If I took NSO prior to April 2023, am I required to complete this new NSO Program?
A: No. If you already took NSO (New Supervisor Orientation), you do not need to complete this new program.

Q: How do I check if I have completed NSO (New Supervisor Orientation) in the past?
A: Check your completed learning transcript in TMS.

Q: I have registered and completed other HEAR classes, do I need to complete the NSOP HEAR eLearning?
A: Yes. The NSOP HEAR eLearning are specifically designed and unique for the NSO Program. It is possible that you have completed the NSOP HEAR eLearning in other training environments. If so, TMS will automatically mark you complete for the courses upon assignment.

Q: Can I register for the NSO Peer to Peer Learning Workshops at the same time as registering for the NSO Virtual Session?
A: No. You must first complete the Virtual Session, the NSO HEAR courses, AND the eLearning module topic(s) prior to being able to register for the Peer to Peer Workshops.

Q: Will I still be able to take CAPS even though I’m still taking the eLearning modules and Peer to Peer Workshops?
A: No, one CAPS requirement is completion of the New Supervisor Onboarding Program.

Administrative Policy 3-32

If you would like to review the Administrative Policy 3-32, New Supervisors Onboarding Program, click here.

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NSO Virtual Sessions

If you are a new supervisor, welcome!
CLICK HERE to register for the first step, New Supervisor Orientation Virtual Session.

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Have Questions?

If you have any questions about this program, please emai:
Lisa Stricklan
NSO Program Coordinator
Lisa.Stricklan@houstontx.gov

Lisa