Leadership Services Program

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Tier One - Personal Leadership

Self Management

Effective Leadership begins with self-awareness. This module utilizes an individual assessment tool such as the DiSC, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), Keirsey Temperament or Berens Interaction Styles to determine preferences and identity behavioral styles. Through interactive exercises, participants learn how their preferences impact leadership method, interpersonal communication, group dynamics, decision making and preferred work environment. Participants learn to avoid "type" bias and labeling, and see how each type contributes to the organization.

How Leaders Build Trust

The ability to build trust has the potential to create unparalleled success for leaders at all levels of an organization. However, "building trust" is a critical leadership competency that is often neglected, misunderstood or underestimated. This module engages participants in an experiential learning exercise called "Achieve" that identifies behaviors that either build or destroy trust. The results of the simulation motivate discussion of the impact of trustful leadership on employee productivity, department effectiveness and organizational success. Models include the Four Cores of Credibility and the Five Waves of Trust. Pre-work includes an online 360 credibility survey that can be utilized to develop a personal action plan to build trust with individuals within and outside an organization.

Resilient Leadership - Turning Setbacks into Comebacks

Resilience is a critical leadership competency. Taking risks that have unexpected results, making decisions that produce undesired outcomes, and experiencing challenges they did not initiate all provide an opportunity for growth and development IF leaders see them as learning opportunities rather than roadblocks to success. In this module, participants will learn how to effectively transform disappointments, failures and mistakes into “stepping stones for success” by developing the skills and attitudes that will enable them to bounce back from set-backs. The step-by-step program includes learning how to 1) utilize the “Personal Responsibility Model,” 2) distinguish facts from stories, and 3) apply practical tools and techniques for building resiliency.

Work-Life Balance

Stress is an unavoidable part of day to day life. Many “stressors” are beyond a leader’s control so it becomes essential that he or she learn how to deal with the effects of stress in a healthy and productive way. In this module participants will learn 1) to identify the symptoms of stress overload, 2) how lifestyle choices can contribute to or diminish stress, 3) stress reduction techniques that can be implemented immediately and 4) how to develop a long-term plan to prevent the cumulative effects of stress.

Strategic Thinking

Strategic thinking is the leadership competency at the individual level that is essential for other strategic leadership competencies such as strategic planning, effective decision making and strategy development. Participants will build strategic thinking skills by participating in exercises and applying what they learn to organization issues and challenges. They will also be supplied with powerful and practical tools such as 5-Whys, S.M.A.R.T. goals, Stakeholder Analysis and SWOT Analysis.

Governing Values

For leaders to deliver outstanding and lasting results, they must make decisions that hit the “bull’s eye” consistently. The foundation of that decision making process is driven by their governing values – the standards they establish for themselves for operating in the world around them. In this module participants will learn: 1) the Personality versus Character ethic, 2) how to identify what matters most to them, 3) the four principles of a values based leader – self-reflection, balance, true self confidence and genuine humility, and 4) the capacity to select and define their own set of principles and values.

Leadership and Ethical Values

This module focuses on the critical nature of personal values, ethics and their impact on character and behavior. Topics covered include: 1) values and how they are developed and applied, 2) professional values and expectations including the organization’s core standards, 3) major ethical theories and models, 4) evaluation and discussion of actual case studies.

Servant Leadership

In this module, participants learn the Robert K. Greenleaf model of servant leadership. The ten characteristics of a servant leader are presented and discussed through interactive exercises and group dialogue. Participants learn to differentiate between a power model and service model of leadership, evaluate the impact of servant leadership principles in their organization, and create an action plan for implementing servant leadership in their day-to-day work environment.

Tier Two - Team/Group Leadership

Effective Leadership

Supervisors and Managers are no longer “individual contributors.” In this module they learn strategies and techniques for leading and developing their direct reports and improving the productivity of their entire team or work group. Topics include: 1) Leadership, authority and power 2) Difference between leadership and management 3) Importance of trust and respect 4) Characteristics of high performance leaders 5) Effective leadership styles and strategies.

Essentials of Interpersonal Communication

Top performing leaders are great communicators and they understand that good interpersonal skills are critical to success. In this module participants learn that interpersonal mastery is achieved through understanding different communication styles and the strengths and challenges of each preference. Participants also learn how to “flex” their style to accommodate individual differences as well as conversational strategies for key business situations. A core component of this module is self-awareness based on the results of an assessment tool such as the DiSC, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, or EQ.

Authentic Listening Skills

Every team or group member needs to be heard and understood in order to work effectively. Research confirms that poor communication in organizations is directly linked to poor results and performance. Listening to understand is an acquired skill that requires training and practice. In this module participants will learn: diagnosis always precedes prescription, the six different listening styles; a successful communication model, to use proactive rather than reactive language, and how to respond during emotionally charged situations.

Leading with Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence has been defined as the combination of emotional, personal and social competencies that influence the ability to be personally effective and professionally productive. Research indicates that what distinguishes star performers in every field, from entry-level jobs to executive positions, is not IQ, advanced degrees, or technical experience – it is “EQ.” Today’s leader must possess both the intellectual skills to perform the job and the emotional intelligence to effectively manage, develop, and retain people. This module provides foundational concepts with an emphasis on EI competencies for leaders. Participants will identify areas for development and learn practical methods for increasing their emotional intelligence.

Team Development

Building effective teams take time, knowledge, and reinforcement. With proper development, a team can be one of the most powerful contributors to organizational productivity. In this module, leaders learn the characteristics of a high performing team and leadership strategies that create synergy. Learning is strengthened by participation in an experiential team building exercise. Participants identify and prioritize the major issues affecting their team and design an action plan for improving their team’s effectiveness. Topics include: • Assessing current team effectiveness • Recognizing team essentials • Identifying types of teams • Evolving from group to team – the 4 phases of development.

Leading Teams to High Performance

While most teams have the potential for high performance, many never reach their potential and few consistently operate at peak level. Participants explore what keeps teams from reaching high performance, utilize a model of values for teamwork, and examine the critical elements of cohesiveness. The ideal behaviors for a team leader that support their team’s growth and development to high performance are identified, discussed and practiced. High performing teams interaction with other teams to improve overall organizational effectiveness is also explored via an experiential group activity.

Managing Virtual Teams

Employees today work at a variety of locations. Members of the same team may be at different sites and geographically remote from their manager or supervisor. Virtual teams create both opportunities and challenges for leaders. In this module, participants learn how to effectively interact with and lead employees with whom face-to-face interaction is limited or non-existent. Topics include 1) building trust, relationships and teamwork with people at remote sites, 2) conducting virtual meetings, 3) communicating remotely and 4) managing virtual team dynamics.

Team Decision Making

Making good group decision is a critical skill for teams today. Teams and Team leaders unskilled in group process can find decision making frustrating and time consuming. In this module, participants learn different approaches to group decision making (consensus is NOT the only alternative) and techniques that produce more timely and effective decisions. The risk and impact of “groupthink” is discussed and participants have the opportunity to assess the groupthink risk for their teams and create a plan for avoiding it.

Employee Engagement

High performance leaders understand what motivates their employees. They know the value of setting clear expectations and giving consistent, honest feedback. The ability to effectively motivate and recognize employees is a crucial leadership competency in light of the fact, as reported by Gallup, employee engagement in most organizations is documented at around 28%. Leaders today are tasked with creating a positive, engaging work environment and recognition is an effective way to reinforce an organization’s culture, align to corporate goals and retain talent. This module focuses on teaching leaders proven strategies for optimizing employee engagement, boosting morale and increasing productivity.

Delegating Effectively

Most leaders agree that delegating work to others is an important part of their job and valuable for motivating, engaging and developing employees. Yet many admit they don’t delegate as much as they could. Reasons for lack of delegation include: wanting control of the situation, lack of time to explain how to do the task, a bad experience delegating in the past, and uncertainty of the ability of the employee to do the task. This session addresses these concerns and provides an effective model for successfully delegating. Topics include 1) the value of delegating, 2) how to diagnose the ability and willingness of employees, 3) identification and effective use of participant’s style of delegating, 4) how to clarify and oversee delegated work, and 5) developing an action plan to delegate more effectively.

Facilitation Skills

Facilitation is a key leadership skill and this module provides some simple and effective practices that will help participants guide groups of people to have productive discussion, align expectations, reach decisions (that actually stick), and want to continue working together. In this highly interactive program, participants will focus on the practical application of group dynamics and presentation, training and facilitation techniques to both impromptu discussions and planned meetings.

Generational Diversity

One of the unique challenges facing leaders today is the presence in the workplace of four generations – each bringing distinct and very different strengths, values, expectations, requirements and focus. This module presents some innovative strategies to capitalize on the strengths and bridge the limitations of the Mature, Baby Boomer, Gen X and Gen Y employee groups. Participants will learn: 1) the different frames of reference of each generation and the challenges/opportunities these present to business leaders, 2) the unique contribution each generation offers to the workplace, 3) how to identify and capitalize on commonalities, 4) how to build effective working relationships between the generations, and 5) how to attract, engage, utilize and retain the best talent from every age group.

Constructive Conflict Management

One of the least enjoyable aspects of leadership is dealing with workplace conflict – the inevitable disputes, disagreements and personality conflicts that arise. Unresolved conflict can cripple team effectiveness, result in lost business opportunities, or escalate into expensive and divisive lawsuits. Conflict can also be a source of creative solutions, but only if people understand both the value of conflict and how to resolve it. In this module leaders will learn how to identify the real causes of conflict, “win-win” communication techniques, the collaborative approach to preventing conflict, their own conflict management style, and critical conflict resolution “dos and don’ts.”

Cultural Diversity

The reality of the global organization and the increasingly multi-cultural nature of the workforce require leaders at every level to develop cross-cultural competence and the ability to lead diverse teams and groups. In this module, participants will develop cross-cultural skills by understanding more about their own cultural worldview, identifying key attitudes they have towards cultural differences, gain awareness of cultural practices and worldviews different from their own, and learn a seven step process that will improve their cross cultural connections.

Performance Management

What is the cost to organizations of “actively disengaged workers?” According to a June 2004 Gallup Management Journal article, the cost to the US economy is about $300 billion annually. In this module managers will learn how the best practices of performance management can produce a more engaged workforce, higher productivity, and an improved bottom line. Topics include: 1) how to identify performance drivers and set performance standards, 2) how to develop processes and opportunities to motivate and retain top performers, 3) how to align individual performance to organizational goals and initiatives, 4) how to effectively provide feedback and 5) how to avoid mistakes that derail employee success.

Conducting Effective Performance Appraisals

The management of performance is achieved through a continual process of communication regarding the attainment of objectives in which the manager/supervisor and the employee share joint responsibility. In reality, how often is the performance appraisal process viewed this way? This module provides participants with 1) an overview of a successful appraisal process, 2) keys to making the process effective, 3) tips on good communication including active listening, 4) keys to evaluating performance and avoiding common rating errors, 5) the value of coaching in performance management.

Building Accountability

Great leadership produces employees that perform at the highest level. A crucial component of performance management that is often overlooked or underemphasized is ensuring accountability in direct reports. This interactive module provides leaders at all levels with the tools they need to identify causes of inadequate performance, arrange effective consequences and hold employees accountable to measurable outcomes. Topics covered include: effective ways to get people to perform and be accountable, requirements of organizational support, how to accurately measuring performance, accountability as “value,” responsibility charting (RACI), and the SOS method of identifying & resolving accountability problems.

Improve Employee Job Performance

An increasingly competitive environment has intensified the need for achieving and sustaining high employee performance levels. This module focuses on how supervisors, managers and directors can obtain vital employee commitment to improved quality and higher productivity. Topics include: 1) Specific job structuring and enrichment strategies 2) Job analysis and identification of effective motivators 3) Identifying and clarifying expectations 4) SBI model of effective feedback 5) Sustaining performance improvement.

On Boarding and Training

A crucial component of a supervisor or manager's job is to train both new and existing employees; yet formal instruction in how best to accomplish this is often overlooked. To fill the gap, this module focuses on the characteristics of a good trainer as well as “best practices” training principles and techniques. Topics include: 1) Analyzing performance problems 2) Justifying training 3) Effective adult learning theories and methods 4) Designing helpful employee orientations 5) Four crucial steps for on-the-job training.

Coaching for Results

Research from a variety of sources demonstrates that coaching is one of the most effective ways leaders can increase employee engagement and retention, improve team performance and boost organizational productivity. In this dynamic, interactive module, participants learn fundamental coaching skills, based on the International Coach Federation (ICF) core competencies, from professional business coaches through observing demonstrations, participating in practice sessions, and applying what they learn on the job. Key topics include active listening, powerful questions, giving feedback, and accountability for results.

Mentoring - Developing Human Potential

While training is probably the most familiar method used to develop an employee’s skills and improve their performance, mentoring is an often-overlooked tool for developing human potential that can aid individual career advancement and help organizations prepare for succession. In this module, participants will learn how to best capitalize on the knowledge, experience and skills of their employees utilizing a focused approach and systematic application. Participants will identify and discuss the value of mentoring to the overall organization as well as the individual mentor and mentee. They will learn the importance of executive buy-in and how to gain it, the key ingredients of successful mentoring relationships, and how to structure and support an effective mentoring process. Participants will leave the session with a clear picture of what is needed to get a mentoring program started in their organization or improve the effectiveness of an existing program.

Recruitment and Selection

Organization leaders are hiring managers that play a key role in identifying and selecting candidates who will not only be top performers, but also fit well in the work environment and mesh with existing team members. In this module participants learn to: 1) Conduct a job analysis and determine the technical and performance skills required 2) Create an accurate job description 3) Evaluate resumes and job applications 4) Plan and conduct the job interview 5) Comply with EEO and other guidelines in hiring selection 6) Implement effective on boarding.

Effective Corrective and Disciplinary Skills

Managers and supervisors need the skills to address employee infractions in a timely and appropriate manner. This module teaches participants a progressive approach and emphasizes the important difference between corrective feedback and disciplinary action. The focus is on improving employee performance while avoiding common misperceptions and practices that can negatively impact the process.

Gender Diversity and Prevention of Sexual Harassment

This module fulfills the requirement of state mandated training under AB 1825. The interactive, face-to-face learning environment allows discussion of case studies and evaluation of real life situations. Participants receive a consistent “no tolerance” message about sexual harassment in the workplace as well as practical guidance regarding Federal and State laws; employer, supervisor and employee responsibilities; and remedies available to victims.

Tier Three - Organization Leadership

Mission, Vision, Values

Managers typically focus on the day-to-day – doing ‘things right’ to accomplish tasks and achieve objectives. Effective leaders focus first on doing ‘the right things’ and understand the necessity of defining their organization, department or team mission, vision and values (M-V-V.) They recognize it is the M-V-V that establishes and drives the operational blueprint. In this module participants will learn 1) the importance of identifying key stakeholders and understanding their needs (both internal and external), 2) how to develop and define their team’s vision and purpose, 3) the importance of co-missioning, and 4) how to sharpen strategic focus on key priorities.

Strategic Leadership

The focus of this module is on the key role of an organization leader as strategist. Successfully formulating and executing strategy requires a different way of thinking – a “big picture’ focus and awareness of the organization as a system. Strategic leaders provide the vision and direction for growth and productivity of their team, business unit, or organization. Participants will gain practical tools for strategy formulation and implementation and develop skills for effectively incorporating both the analytical and human dimensions in the strategic management process.

Organizational Design

In this highly interactive program, participants will explore a variety of organizational models, an effective and efficient organizational design process, and a proven and practical approach to change. Participants will learn tools, templates and processes they can immediately apply in the workplace and that will answer questions such as: 1) What is the best structure for our organization? 2) How do we achieve that structure? 3) What other factors do we need to consider when driving this kind of change? 4) Beyond structure, what are the other levers of organizational performance?

Systems Thinking

Systems Thinking is THE critical competency for effective leadership in the new age of ‘integrative thinking’. Leaders who see ‘the big picture’ - the interconnections between people, processes, systems and the business environment - can unlock the value creating potential in people and organizations. This module offers participants a combination of cutting edge work on systems thinking and practical application. Participants will have an opportunity to improve their leadership and problem solving effectiveness through highly interactive discussion and exercises designed to teach: 1) How to integrate the various facets of 'leadership' to drive results 2) How to create a culture of learning and adaptability 3) Improved decision making and communication 4) How to break down silo's 5) How to identify the common barriers to systems thinking, and strategies to address these barriers

Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility

Unethical utilization of organization resources has a significant impact - on investors, employees, strategic partners (vendors and customers) and the communities in which the business operates. This module focuses on the ethical obligations of business leaders, managers, and employees and teaches participants techniques designed to ensure that organizations meet these obligations. Through a series of case studies and exercises, participants will improve their ability to identify unethical business practices, manage unethical employee behavior, implement preventative strategies, and understand the critical link between business ethics and firm performance.

Culture as Competitive Advantage

Smart organizations leverage their unique culture to build competitive advantage. One of the hallmarks of successful leaders is the ability to intentionally create and maintain a culture that enhances employee experience while improving individual effectiveness and company performance. In this module, participants will explore how organizational culture influences employee retention, customer engagement and organizational productivity. They will discuss case studies of organizations that have strategically fostered a culture that innovates, creates value and builds competitive advantage. They will acquire practical tools & techniques for engaging employees to create and sustain the culture they desire and learn how to how to implement systems to support a culture that is a competitive advantage.

Executing with Excellence

It is a sad, but true, fact that more companies receive failing grades due to poor execution than flawed strategy. The ability to effectively execute is what separates the best companies from the rest, and top performing leaders from those who have trouble achieving their goals. In this module, participants will learn how to identify and navigate the common roadblocks that keep smart companies from executing well. They will also learn how to: 1) understand and analyze their organization’s execution strengths, 2) define and apply leadership practices that foster execution, 3) create a framework for overcoming the five barriers to execution, 4) identify small day-to-day wins that cultivate the discipline of execution, and 5) create a culture that places a premium on getting things done.

Financial Acumen

This module teaches non-financial managers the key concepts of running a business in a competitive environment to create value for the owners or stockholders by using the Enterprise ProfitAbility™ business simulation. Participants are organized into teams that each operates its own business. The teams create and implement strategies, formulate tactics, compete in the marketplace to deliver products and services. At the end of each “cycle,” every participant prepares the scorecards essential to any business. Between cycles, teams are given brief, hard-hitting lessons and tools to examine and evaluate their successes and failures, assess their competitors, evaluate their own business positions, and plan for the next period. Group debriefing allows the teams to learn from one another and apply new insights to the real organization. An ongoing awareness of how their decisions impact the “bottom line” can help leaders at every level develop a big picture perspective as they combine financial acumen with performance metrics.

Leading Change

Many organizations are in the midst of major changes driven by factors that may include current economic conditions, legislative mandates, or a significant change in leadership. High performance leaders identify the need for change, prepare their organizations and then effectively execute change. This module includes best thinking, as well as tools and techniques (i.e. stakeholder analysis, 7-S model, etc.) participants can utilize to build consensus, create momentum and attract sustained support. Topics include change models, organizations as systems, leadership and influence, and effective communication. A Change Style assessment is also available that identifies participants preferred change management style.

Managing Transition

This session helps leaders understand the importance of setting expectations, preparing for change, communicating effectively and engaging employees in the change process. Using William Bridges’ model, participants will learn how organizations and leaders can cope with the stresses of change, while bringing along all members of the team in transition. Successful organizational change takes place when employees have a purpose, a mental picture, a plan for, and a part to play in change. For leaders, this course provides practical, step-by-step strategies for reaching this goal and for minimizing disruptions caused by workplace change. No matter what the scale, when change hits the workplace, the literal, situational shifts are often not as difficult as the psychological transitions that accompany them.

Crisis Management

Organizational crises are just that – difficult to predict, challenging to deal with, and likely to escalate if not managed effectively. This modules helps participants become effective crisis managers who: 1) Understand the various stages of a crisis and recognize the stage they are in 2) Know the characteristics and objectives of each of the stages of recovery 3) Can identify the major players and determine the psychological, social and behavior profiles of people at each stage 4) Have learned the most effective interventions and leadership strategies for each stage 5) Take proactive steps to avoid unintended consequences 6) Recognize and change what's not working 7) Know when to move on and select the optimal time to transition to the next stage 8) Employ swift and sound decision making.

Managing UP

Top performers effectively manage one of the most vital relationships they have at work – the one with the person to whom they directly report. Depending on what position an individual holds in an organization, this could be their supervisor, manager, director, department head, bureau chief, CEO or board of directors. In this module participants will learn how to create and extend their organizational influence by consistently making positive choices when dealing with their manager and other higher-ups. They will also 1) gain new perspectives on manager-employee relationships, 2) understand the advantages of managing up, 3) identify different styles of managing and how to work effectively with people who utilize these different styles, and learn the important “Do’s and Don’ts” of managing up.

Operating in a Matrix Environment

Working in a matrixed organization can be a challenge. Leaders work outside traditional organization structures and need to rely heavily on others to accomplish work and meet strategic objectives. Conventional methods of influencing, evaluating competing goals, and prioritizing work often do not operate effectively in a matrix. In this module, participants learn how to succeed and capitalize on what makes a matrix environment unique. Topics include creating shared goals, clarifying roles and responsibilities, and building and maintaining effective relationships.

Career Management

Success – some would say survival – in the dynamic work environment of the 21st century requires more than excelling in one’s chosen field and accruing years of experience. In addition to demonstrating value to their employer or clients, today’s professionals must be adept at a “second job”: managing their career. Studies show that a proactive approach to career management results in better career choices and improved job fit, while increasing the ability to work with purpose and make meaningful contributions on the job. In this module, participants will learn a process for strategic career management that incorporates self-knowledge, continuous learning, and building productive networks.

Succession Planning

In order to build the organizational capability to achieve business results, leaders need to develop an ongoing process that systematically identifies, assesses and develops people talent in order to ensure continuity for critical leadership positions. In this module participants will learn 1) how succession planning contributes to an organization’s survival and business success, 2) how to identify critical positions of leadership in their organization, 3) how to successfully groom high-potential employees for advancement, and 4) how to initiate a Succession Planning Process that identifies both internal and external prospects for key positions, linked to their organization’s core competencies.

Political Insight and Influence

“Politics” often has a negative connotation. For leaders, however, mastering positive political skills is critical to facilitating the type of changes they desire in their organization and achieving commitment at all levels. This module focuses on the positive aspects of organizational politics and provides strategies for leading up, down and across to create powerful alignments.

Keys to Customer Satisfaction

In this module, participants will learn key strategies for mastering the “art” of creating the total customer experience and building a culture of service. Participants will learn skills that motivate their employees to deliver quality service and employees, in turn, will benefit from decreased job-related stress, improved working relationships, and greater job satisfaction. Miscommunication, misinformation and lack of communication are minimized; customers get their problems solved and needs met; and the enterprise benefits from reduced service costs while creating “customers for life.”

Tier Four - Business Mastery

Leading and Facilitating Meetings

Meetings – attending and participating in them, as well scheduling and facilitating them – are a solid fact of life for leaders at every level. This module teaches participants simple, yet highly effective, strategies and techniques for making meetings more productive and efficient. Meeting tools and tips include planning and organization, keeping on track and on time, getting (and keeping) attendees involved and engaged, and achieving desired results through good decision making and action plans.

Making Powerful Presentations

High performance leaders know how to develop and deliver powerful presentations. However, the ability to effectively present information to groups of people – whether motivating a team, facilitating a department meeting, conducting a training session or delivering a keynote address – is often overlooked or ignored. This module provides participants with specific strategies and technique regarding preparation, delivery, organization, use of visuals, room set up, etc. The optional two day program incorporates videotaping and individual coaching.

Project Management

Good project management skills can be crucial to success whether leaders are overseeing local programs of short duration or long-term regional/global projects. Participants will learn proven strategies for completing projects on time and within budget including: 1) creating a strong project team, 2) identifying and assigning tasks, 3) determining timetables and milestones, 4) managing time and resources effectively, 5) accurately tracking progress, and 6) dealing with setbacks and surprises.

Managing Time and Energy

Today’s leaders have more competing claims on their time than ever before. Personal and organizational effectiveness is often the result of good time management. In this module, participants will learn tips and techniques that will help them schedule their calendars, prioritize their workloads and balance personal and professional commitments. Leaders will experience better organization, less anxiety and higher productivity in their critical role.

Setting S.M.A.R.T. Goals

The capability to set and reach goals is crucial to effective leadership. During this module participants will learn strategies and methods for effectively developing individual, team and organizational goals. Learning outcomes include understanding the value and purpose of setting goals, the difference between long term, short term and stretch goals, developing a step-by-step approach to making goals a reality, and identifying and overcoming common elements that sabotage goal realization. Participants will engage in group exercises where they will have the opportunity to create goals and strategic plans for achieving them based on actual organization issues and current business situations.

Business Writing

Effective written communication is a critical skill in today’s business environment. This module helps develop skills necessary for clear, concise and correct factual writing. Topics include: 1) principles of Shirtsleeve English, 2) the use of power language, 3) keeping things simple and short, and 4) formatting writing to match the reader audience. Participants will learn a “four-step writing process” that includes determining purpose, addressing the reader’s interests and needs, composing a draft, and reviewing and editing. Participants will learn to write reports, memos, letters and emails that are well organized, easy to understand, and get results.

Innovative Problem Solving

Employees are increasingly required to create new strategies, streamline processes and find more effective ways to respond to challenges. In this module, participants learn how to harness creative right-brain thinking to achieve common goals, solve problems collaboratively, and communicate more effectively. This highly interactive course provides leaders a proven system to seed, harvest and cultivate a crop of ideas that can continually grow and positively impact the organization. Participants will learn to draw out the ideas of those around them and turn the viable solutions into action. In addition, they will walk away with a new, energized perspective on leading innovation and change by engaging employees and teams.