Each workshop as described above is one-half day in length (3 hours) with ample breaks provided. A variety of learning methods will be employed including small and large group discussions and activities, partner exercises, individual self-assessments, role-play and video. The emphasis is on an interactive experience for participants. Each session incorporates a skills practice using real-life situations in order to provide participants with an opportunity to practice the skills taught in a low-risk environment (thereby facilitating the transfer of skills to the job). Participants will also develop an action plan for implementing the skills when they return to work.

1. Communicate for Results: More Dynamic Strategies for Effective Communication

2. Expressing Yourself: Presenting Your Thoughts and Ideas

3. Interviewing and Selecting Staff

4. How to Deal with Attitude Problems and Workplace Negativity

5. How to Motivate Staff

6. Effective Goal Setting

1. Communicate for Results: More Dynamic Strategies for Effective Communication

Last semester, Communicate with Style covered communication basics - communication styles, effective listening, and nonverbal communication. This program explores additional techniques for becoming a more effective communicator and building more effective working relationships. One strategy we will discuss is how to improve the exchange of feedback – both giving and receiving. Also included is a discussion of “Hi Tech” versus “Hi Touch” communication, as well as techniques for using email and voicemail effectively.

2. Expressing Yourself: Presenting Your Thoughts and Ideas

This session raises participants’ confidence and skill in presenting their thoughts and ideas. They will learn techniques for planning, organizing, and delivering results-oriented messages in situations ranging from informal discussions to formal presentations.

3. Interviewing and Selecting Staff

Few management decisions impact organizational success more significantly than employee selection. Participants will learn how to consistently choose high-quality performers who fit their organization’s immediate needs and long-term goals. We will discuss effective interviewing techniques and making the selection – candidate evaluation, references and other considerations.

4. How to Deal with Attitude Problems and Workplace Negativity

In this program, we will define the most common attitude problems that surface in the workplace. Participants will learn techniques for dealing with attitude problems. We will also discuss how to create a more positive, productive work environment.

5. How to Motivate Staff

In this workshop, participants will learn the fundamentals of motivating others. Topics include setting expectations, making work meaningful, delegating effectively, accountability, empowering others, and expressing appreciation (“encouraging the heart.”)

6. Effective Goal Setting

In this workshop, participants will learn how to create goals for themselves and for staff that link to the University’s strategic initiatives, how to write effective goal statements, and how to use a collaborative process to set goals with staff, employing effective communication techniques.