Change: Here It Comes Again

Change is constant. The ability to meet, implement, and manage change is a key skill in today’s work environment. Having the right tools enables an organization to meet change as a challenge and not as a threat to its mission.

Using information from experts such as Kotter and Stoltz, this session will present strategies and tools to assist any organization in meeting change head on. It will examine how to initiate change and how to help individuals in the organization to work through the change process.

Effective Communication

The ability to communicate is essential to accomplishment on the job. It does not matter if you are talking to subordinates, co-workers, or your boss, the ability to get your point across is essential.

This session will enable you to recognize your communication style and its affect on others. It will show how verbal and nonverbal communication impact the message that is being sent; it will present how various communication styles impact the ability to be understood; it will assist all attendees in understanding better how to get their point across. A communication style instrument will be used in the course.

Most of us “talk” based on a long pattern of learned communication. However, do you know if that style is effective or not? Effectively communicating can enable you or your work unit to become better able to solve problems, accomplish tasks and make decisions. This workshop will help participants recognize not only their communication style but also the styles of those with whom they come into contact with on a daily basis.

Effective Teams and Work Groups

The “I will do it myself – er” has a hard time in today’s work environment. In order to accomplish the multitude of tasks presented each day, individuals in organizations must be able to work better together. Effective teams and work groups accomplish more because they have a better understanding of what is expected of them.

As fast as change happens today, there is no doubt that Together Everyone Accomplishes More. That is why it is essential that individuals work as closely together as possible and in a climate of understanding. This workshop will cover the skills of effectively getting your point across so there will be more understanding, it will discuss what motivates one person may not motivate another, and it will reveal various working styles that can hamper productivity. Each of these skills will assist in a more effective work environment.

Getting Your Point Across AKA Getting Rid Of Sweaty Palms

The ability to stand up in front of a group, present information, and be sure you get your point across is one of the most feared activities. It does not have to be that way. There are ways to reduce sweaty palms, present, and survive.

It is essential when speaking that you are clearly, concise, and understood – especially when you are briefing a boss or a visiting dignitary. A presentation can either sell your point or break it. The skills for doing it right are examined in detail so that the next time you are in front of a group your palms may sweat but you will be prepared, confident, and get your point across.

This session will assist individuals to become more confident and calm when their job requires them to stand in front of a group. The step-by-step process will ensure individuals are prepared and consequently boost their confidence so their points are well made.

Handling Conflict Before It Handles You

“Conflict is inevitable.” “Conflicts are good.” “Conflicts are easily resolved.” “Conflicts are bad.” These are some ideas about conflict. They justly illustrated the various ideas and feelings about conflict.

Conflict robs as much as 20% of an individual’s time from the workday. It costs an organization a great deal, if it is not dealt with in a productive manner. This session will examine what conflict is, how it affects the organization, and present proven steps to assist you in handling conflict instead of it handling you. It will assist participants in understanding the various styles and causes of conflict as well as present concrete information about how to resolve conflict in a manner that is productive. A conflict style instrument will be used in the course.

Leadership

Effective leadership is a key element in the smooth operation of an organization. Understanding that different individuals need different styles of leadership depending on the project will ensure a more productive work unit.

The workshop addresses various leadership styles, it examines the advantages and disadvantages of the various styles, it examines the use of power when leading, as well as assists with the understanding of management versus leadership and more.

Someone will lead the way. This session will assist participants in determining the best way to lead based on the individual and what the circumstances are at the time. Leadership is not limited to a few but can be utilized by many others. The essential element is to understand how to lead so others can follow. A leadership instrument can be used in the course.

Managing Meetings

Meetings should be designed to produce an outcome. Meetings should also solve problems, decisions should be made, and meetings should not be a waste of valuable time. If meetings are properly run, they will be productive and reduce frustration for those in attendance.

Participants will take away concrete methods of keeping meetings on track and on time. The processes of a facilitating a well-run meeting will be examined starting with the purpose of the meeting, the expected outcomes, and assigning tasks so that the outcomes of the meeting can be met.

Beginning with definitions of various types of meetings and continuing with the purpose for holding a meeting, how to evaluate a meetings, and the framework to hold effective and efficient meetings, this workshop will enable participants to facilitate a constructive outcome to their meetings.

Managing Performance

The ability to manage performance is central in a well functioning work environment. Examining why an individual’s performance is not up to expectations is one of the more difficult duties of a manager or supervisor.

When performance is not properly managed, it can affect everyone in the organization. Performance management is not a once a year event but an on-going process that allows individuals to be successful in all of their endeavors. Consequently, managers and supervisors need to be able to not only recognize poor performance and work with the individual to improve performance but also to recognize good performance and praise the individual.

How do you determine where the performance problem began, how do you determine what to do, and how do you approach and work with the individual areas that are key to a positive outcome. This workshop will cover several components of effective performance management and present a method for analyzing performance.

Power And Influence: Do I Have Any?

Every day in a variety of situations, the use of power and influence come into play in the working environment. The key is to appreciate when to use various styles and to understand how you as a leader need to recognize the importance of power in the work environment.

The ability to establish a cohesive working environment is fundamental to a productive work force. Consequently, it is essential the individual in charge of leading the work unit understands the importance of how to use their power and influence to ensure that the team accomplishes its goals.

This session will examine various styles of influence and types of power to assist individuals in developing a more productive working relationship within their organization.

Problem Solving and Decision Making

The ability to solve problems and make decisions is an essential skill that individuals at all levels should sharpen. Being able to critically examine a problem and then make a well thought through decision will enable an organization to run smoother and more effectively.

All organizations in today’s environment must work toward common goals. No matter the size of the organization, problems do arise and decisions need to be made. At the same time, each of these problems must be addressed in an expeditious manner while ensuring that all decisions are not made in a unilateral manner. It is important to have these skills to enable all individuals to work in a more productive manner. This workshop will examine both problem solving skills and decision-making skills and how they are intertwined.

Project Management

This in depth multi day basic project management session will explore a step-by-step process from implementation to completion of a project. Participants will learn about initiating a project, the various components of a well-planned project including work break down structures, risk management plans, communication plans and more. Also included are components of plan execution and close out.

In order to have a project run smooth with as few “mishaps” as possible, it must be properly planned. When it is properly planned, a project can run much smoother saving time, money, and frustration for the organization and the project management team. The skills obtained in the workshop will assist in developing a clear plan that will enable the project team to complete the project in a timely manner.

Strategic Planning

It is essential in an organization for everyone to be “playing off the same sheet of music.” The key to accomplishing this is to focus on the future. A proactive process, strategic planning determines what perimeters will be used to solve future challenges.

When everyone understands an organization’s vision, the organization can better determine the direction it is heading, can plan how long it will take to get there, and determine who is supposed to be doing what to ensure the success of the organization. Strategic planning forms the backbone of any organization through the understanding of its history, trends affecting it, and understanding what stakeholders expect.

Supervision

Supervision is much more than ensuring tasks are completed through employees. It also deals with the human element and the ability to communicate, motivate, delegate, and ensure people are set up for success.

One of the keys to being a competent supervisor is the ability to develop keen interpersonal skills, provide performance feedback, and ensure that employees understand what is expected of them so they can effectively deliver the tasks they are assigned.

Supervisors represent the front line to the employees they supervise. This means employees look to supervisors to do just that — supervise. This encompasses ensuring the right employee is in the right position so that the work unit goals can be accomplished in a timely and accurate manner. Knowledgeable supervisors can make the difference between success and failure of a work unit. That is why it is important that supervisors are properly selected and well trained so that work can be accomplished.

Working With Difficult People

Working with difficult people…what is it that makes them difficult? Is it the way they work, how they perceive work, how they communicate…what is it?

When people are asked to be very productive, the environment needs to be conducive so that it is easier to meet goals and deadlines. If there is a perception that someone is difficult to work with, then the environment may not assist employees in producing to their utmost. Thus, understanding what could make people difficult will enable the work environment to become one where people can complete their work in the most fruitful way possible.

This workshop will identify reasons why some individuals are difficult, it will present specific skills for coping with various types of difficult people, it will lend insights about why participants could be difficult and present positive ideas about coping and working with difficult people.

For a complete list please contact us:

Phone: 512-515-0580
Fax: 512-515-0590
E-mail: Kathleen McCleskey

E-mail: Bob McCleskey