Workshops

Time Management

DURATION: 1 DAY

Course Overview

It doesn’t matter if you use a paper notebook or the fanciest smartphone, mastering your use of time will help you achieve more and worry less. Everyone has the power to take control of their time. Learn the basic principles of time management and discover the personal style that works best for you in this self-paced book.

Target Audience

Company employees wishing to take more control of the way they spend and manage time.

Prerequisites:

There are no perquisites for this course

Course Outline

Module 1: Time management and overview

• Principles of time management

• Understanding the benefits of time

• Identifying different personality types

• Assessing yourself

• Productivity cycles

• Pricing your time

• Creating a time audit

• Using the Pareto principle

• Goals and priorities

• Making a to-do list

• Identifying goals

• Setting priorities

Module 2: Time management plans

• Time management plan

• Preparing for a time management plan

• Creating a time management plan

• Daily plan

• Handling obstacles

• Identifying the steps to plan a day

• Using daily plan guidelines

Module 3: Technology and time management

• Technology saves time

• Using technology to save time

• Organizing your computer

• Handling e-mail

• Using your Internet time wisely

• Being productive with telephone time

• Say “No”

• Saying “no”

• Creating reasonable workloads

• Identifying the steps to say “no”

Module 4: Productivity

• Interruptions and meetings

• Minimizing interruptions from a visitor

• Minimizing interruptions from a co-worker

• Running productive meetings

• Attending productive meetings

• Factors affecting productivity

• Discussing factors that affect productivity

Module 5: Information overload

• Causes of information overload

• Handling information overload

• Screening information

• Reducing paperwork

• Organize your office

• Organizing your office

• Identifying types of files

• Communication

• Avoiding miscommunication

• Being an effective listener

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Emotional Intelligence Works

DURATION: 1 DAY

Course Overview

Intellectual and technical skills are no longer enough on their own to assure success in the workplace. Emotional intelligence allows you to connect with others one-on-one and in groups-a critical skill in business today. People who are emotionally smart waste less time on personality conflicts, stay in control under stress and achieve greater satisfaction at work and at home.

Target audience

Individuals wanting to improve their interpersonal relationships with others by understanding the impact of emotions.  This is an excellent course for persons wanting to understand and label emotions correctly.

Prerequisites

No prerequisites

Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to emotional intelligence

• What emotional intelligence means

• The need for “people smart” strategies

• Assess your emotional intelligence

• Five emotional intelligence skills

Module 2: “Think smart”

• Making the choice to think wisely

• Strategy 1: Self-awareness skills

• Use a new mental script

• Strategy 2: Optimistic thinking

Module 3: “Be smart”

• Three keys

• Strategy 1: Social skills

• Strategy 2: Emotional control

• Strategy 3: Flexibility

Module 4: “Work smart”

• Six strategies for smart organizations

• Strategy 1: Practice organizational self-awareness

• Strategy 2: Develop social skills

• Strategy 3: Foster optimism

• Strategy 4: Encourage flexibility and problem solving

• Strategy 5: Model and encourage emotional control

• Strategy 6: Support teamwork

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Email Etiquette

DURATION: 1 DAY

Target Audience

Office workers, information workers, receptionist, secretaries, administrators, salespeople and anyone wing to learn business etiquette.

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this course

Course Outline

Module 1: E-mail Basics

• E-mail Characteristics

• E-mail programmes

• When to use e-mail

• Writing an e-mail message

Module 2: E-mail Policies

• Company policies

• Copyright laws, viruses, and liability

Module 3: E-mail Features and Security

• Features of an e-mail program

• Securing e-mail

Module 4: E-mail Messages

• Message headers

• E-mail message body

Module 5: E-mail Effectiveness

• E-mail recipients

• Message management

Module 6: Netiquette Guidelines

• Netiquette style

• Emoticons and abbreviations

Module 7: Composing Online Correspondence

• Online communication    

• Language and punctuation

• Efficient writing habits

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Effective Time Management

DURATION: 1 DAY

Course Overview

Time is money, the saying goes, and lots of it gets lost in disorganization and disruption. We also deal with a constant barrage of technology, people, and tasks that can contribute to that disorganization. Many people find that they flit from one task to another, trying to get everything done.

In this workshop, you will learn how to make the most of your time by getting a grip on your workflow and office space, using your planner effectively, and delegating some of your work to other people.

You will spend the first part of the day getting to know participants and discussing what will take place during the workshop. Participants will also have an opportunity to identify their personal learning objectives.

Course Objectives

This one-day workshop will help teach participants how to:

  • Better organize yourself and your workspace for peak efficiency.
  • Understand the importance of, and the most useful techniques for, setting and achieving goals.
  • Identify the right things to be doing and develop plans for doing them.
  • Learn what to delegate and how to delegate well.
  • Take control of things that can derail your workplace productivity.

Target Audience

All individuals and organizations wanting to develop or manage their time management skills skills

Prerequisite

There are no prerequisites for this course

Course Outline

The Power of a Change

To begin, participants will use their pre-assignment to identify areas where they want to change their time management approach. They will also have an opportunity to write out a bucket list, which will help them identify long-term goals.

Changing Our Perspective

Next, participants will explore four priorities that we find to be most neglected: connecting with people, paperwork, reading, and exercise. Then, participants will apply their knowledge to a case study.

Setting Goals

During this session, participants will learn how to set goals with SPIRIT to help them manage their time better.

Planning Tips and Tricks

This session will explore different planning tools and their uses.

Setting up a Routine

To wrap up the morning, participants will discuss how routines can help them manage their time.

Doing it Right

Sometimes we need to approach things with a bit of attitude in order to get things done and do them well. We’re recommending to be a bit playful with this and to be BOLD.

Putting an End to Procrastination

This session will give participants some ways to tackle those tasks that they have been putting off.

Getting Organized

This session will give participants a plan to organize their work area.

Organizing Your Files

During this session, participants will explore ways to manage paper and electronic files, including e-mail.

Managing Your Workload

To wrap up the day, participants will help Mary Marvelous manage her workload. Then, they will complete a 168-hour plan to see where their time is being used up.

Workshop Wrap-Up

At the end of the day, students will have an opportunity to ask questions and fill out an action plan.

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Effective Presentation Skills

DURATION: 2 DAYS

Course Overview

Unstable economic times can mean fast and frequently unexpected organizational changes, greater responsibilities and new projects and initiatives. Being a confident, polished speaker is not only necessary but well-advised in order to communicate such matters effectively and persuasively. In this course, students will learn how to develop effective and persuasive presentations.

Target Audience

Anyone who needs to develop their presentation skills, speak in front of groups or sell ideas to others and has little or no presentation experience.

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this course

Course Outline

Module 1: Defining your goals

• Every presentation has a purpose

• Defining the goal of your presentation 

• Quantifying what you want to achieve 

• Inform, persuade, and inspire

Module 2: Determining the details

• Ask the right questions

• Who is your audience?

• What does the audience expect from your presentation?

• When is the presentation?

• Where is the presentation?

• How long are you speaking?

Module 3: Creating handouts, slides, and PowerPoint slideshows

• Reinforcing your presentation points

• Preparing slides and overhead transparencies

• Preparing a PowerPoint slideshow

• Working with an elaborate multimedia presentation 

• Preparing handouts and other takeaways

Module 4: Highlighting the main points

• Don’t bury the lead! 

• Determining what’s important—and what isn’t

• Reinforcing the key points 

Module 5: Telling the story

• A good presentation is like a good story

• Crafting your story 

• The parts of your story 

• Making it flow

• Turning your story into a presentation 

Module 6: Structuring the content

• Planning your presentation 

• Turning your story into an outline 

• Elaborate on your main points 

• Create your slides

• Write your speech 

Module 7: Working within time constraints

• How much time do you have? 

• Timing your presentation 

• Presenting a lot of data in a short period of time

Module 8: Communicating numerical data

• When numbers are important

• Presenting numbers in text form 

• Presenting numbers in tabular form

• Presenting numbers in chart form 

• Presenting raw numbers 

Module 9: Using pictures and graphics

• How and when to visually reinforce your message 

• Photos or illustrations?

• Using moving pictures 

Module 10: Adding style to substance

• Jazzing up a boring presentation

• Adding visual interest 

• Adding a soundtrack 

• Using props 

• Interacting with the audience 

• Using humour—or not 

Module 11: Preparing the room

• Never present “cold”

• Making advance preparations 

• Getting the feel of a room 

• Setting up 

• Working with the audio/visual department 

Module 12: Using a microphone or a camera

• When to use a microphone—and when not to 

• Adapting your speaking style to amplification 

• Working with different types of microphones 

• Working with a camera 

Module 13: Fighting stage fright

• It’s just nerves… 

• Controlling the jitters 

• Making nervousness work for you

Module 14: Making an effective delivery

• Managing your stage presence

• Projecting a positive appearance

• Improving your delivery skills

• Speaking with authority 

• Read, memorize, or improvise? 

• Practice makes perfect 

Module 15: Getting your audience’s attention

• First impressions are important

• Opening a presentation

• Setting up the rest of your presentation 

Module 16: Working with a slideshow and a TelePrompTer™

• A slideshow is just a tool 

• Speaking with the slides

• Transitioning from slide to slide 

• Working with a TelePrompTer 

Module 17: Answering questions

• Planning for questions

• Answering questions 

• Handling unexpected questions 

• Holding a formal Q&A session

Module 18: Dealing with a difficult crowd

• Taking control of the situation 

• Handling a restive audience 

• Dealing with “experts” in the audience 

• Handling a hostile audience 

• Dealing with other interruptions 

Module 19: Keeping track of time

• Managing the flow 

• How to track your time 

• Cutting short a long presentation 

• Stretching a short presentation

Module 20: Making a memorable close

• Ending on a high note 

• Making your point

• Crafting a call to action

• Summarizing your key points 

• The closing statement

• Q&A, feedback, and handouts 

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Creating a Workplace Wellness Program

DURATION: 2 DAYS

Course Overview

Whether you are creating a workplace wellness program from scratch or enhancing what you already have, you’re already on the right track! With increasing costs of health care, a shrinking workforce, and ageing workers, a savvy workplace understands the value in supporting workers to improve their conditioning and to live a fitter lifestyle. This two-day course includes all aspects of designing or upgrading a program, from concept through implementation, to review.

Course Objectives

This two-day workshop will help teach participants how to:

  • Describe the necessity of workplace wellness programs
  • Create program elements that reflect the needs of employees and the objectives of the organization
  • Select program elements that fit the context of current operations
  • Establish implementation and evaluation strategies

Prerequisite

There are no prerequisites for this course

Course Outline

The Case for Wellness

This session will explore the benefits of workplace wellness programs. Participants will also consider some benefits unique to them and their organization.

Building the Foundation

Next, participants will look at the fundamental elements for a workplace wellness program, including a strong committee, terms of reference, resources, and a supporting culture.

Gathering Support

This session will give participants some ideas for getting executives and employees on board with their workplace wellness program.

Gathering Data

In this session, participants will learn about metrics related to workplace wellness programs as well as where to find program ideas. They will also learn how to perform effective research with GO-PARSE.

Performing a Needs Analysis

To wrap up the first day, participants will learn how to perform a needs analysis with the ICE method. They will also consider some ways to make a strong case for a wellness program.

Program Elements

The second day of the course will start with six in-depth case studies to help participants apply what they have learned so far and design some sample programs.

Implementing Your Workplace Wellness Program

This session will give participants some ways to implement their wellness program and get the workforce excited about it.

Reviewing the Plan

Next, participants will learn about some review techniques and ideas for a successful program launch.

Evaluating and Reporting Results

The final session of the course will look at some ways to evaluate a workplace wellness program and ways to present results.

Workshop Wrap-Up

At the end of the course, students will have an opportunity to ask questions and fill out an action plan.

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Conflict Management

DURATION: 1 DAY

Course Overview

Whether it’s in the form of visible hostility or silent resentment, conflict in the workplace can take a devastating toll on productivity and morale. Managing interpersonal differences is essential to business and protects the emotional health of employees. In this self-paced course, you will learn how to help others settle their differences and work constructively as individuals and groups with a common purpose.

Target Audience

Office workers, information workers, managers, team leaders, supervisors, project managers, project administrators and anyone willing to solve conflicts amicably

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this course

Course Outline

Module 1: Understanding conflict management

  • Guiding principles
  • Preserve dignity and respect
  • Listen with empathy
  • Find common ground without forcing change
  • Honour diversity including your own perspective
  • What’s your style?
  • Nine approaches to managing conflict and disagreement

Module 2: The four-phase process for managing conflict and disagreement

  • Introducing the process
  • Phase I: Explore
  • Clarify critical issues
  • Identify stakeholders
  • Assess sources of conflict

Phase II: Plan

  • Recognize your patterns
  • Minimize pitfalls
  • Select a strategic approach

Phase III: Prepare

  • Problem solve and decide an action
  • Practice
  • Phase IV: Implement
  • Carry out plan
  • Evaluate outcomes
  • Follow up and learn
  • Review case:  serving the customer
  • Summary review
  • Reflection
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Communication Skills for Leaders

DURATION: 1 DAY

Course Overview

Effective communication is a critical element of leadership and supervision. From one-on-one to group presentations effective communication will help busy managers get positive results. This course helps you master the key concepts of communication

Target Audience

All individuals and organizations looking to improve verbal and non-verbal communication.

Prerequisite

No prerequisites required

Course Outline

Module 1: Keys to effective interpersonal communication

• The significance of believability

• Verbal, vocal, visual cues to believability

• Consistency = believability

• Making the emotional connection

• Comparing the first brain and the new brain

• Believing what we like

Module 2: Choosing positive communication habits

• Behavioural skills for interpersonal effectiveness

• Understanding habitual behaviours

• Changing your habits

• The four stages of learning

• The four stages of speaking

• Using video feedback to change personal perceptions

Module 3: Developing the nine behavioural skills

• Behavioural skill # 1:  eye communication

• Aiming for involvement with your listener

• Eye communication patterns in business

• Behavioural skill #2:  posture and movement

• Keys to effective posture and movement

• Behavioural skill #3:  gestures and facial expressions

• Keys to effective gestures and facial expressions

• Improving your gestures and facial expressions

• Behavioural skill #4:  dress and appearance

• Keys to effective dress and appearance

• Behavioural skill #5:  voice and vocal variety

• Keys to effective voice and vocal variety

• Behavioural skill #6:  language, non-words, and pauses

• Keys to effective use of language and pauses

• Behavioural skill #7:  Listener involvement

• Keys to effective listener involvement

• Involving listeners with your speaking style

• Involving listeners through interaction

• Involving listeners with content

• Behavioural skill #8: humour

• Keys to effective use of humour

• Behavioural skill #9:  the natural self

• Keys to being your natural self

• Learning like a juggler

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Coaching and Mentoring

DURATION: 1 DAY

Course Overview

Coach, Mentor, Role Model, Supporter, Guide… do these words ring a bell? Being a coach involves being able to draw from several disciplines. Coaching is based on a partnership that involves giving both support and challenging opportunities to employees. Mentorship is a related skill that is often a part of coaching. It’s about being a guide, offering wisdom and advice when it is needed.

Knowing how and when to coach (and when to use other tools, like mentoring) is an essential skill that can benefit both you and your organization.

Course Objectives

At the end of this one-day workshop, participants will be able to:

  • How coaching can be used to develop a team
  • The coaching and mentoring skills that help improve individual performance
  • The behaviours and practices of an effective coach
  • How to recognize employees’ strengths and give them the feedback they need to succeed
  • How to identify employee problems and ways that they can help correct them

Target Audience

Office workers, information workers, managers, team leaders, supervisors, project managers, project administrators and anyone interested in empowering themselves

Prerequisite

There are no prerequisites for this course

Course Outline

Defining Coaching and Mentoring

The first part of the morning will be spent exploring what coaching and mentoring mean. Participants will also learn the coaching formula and key skill areas.

Coaching Assessment Review

Next, participants will score their pre-assignment and discuss what areas for growth they can identify from it.

Interpersonal Communication Skills

Communicating well is a key aspect of successful coaching. During this session, participants will explore different communication skills, including questioning techniques, probing tools, and listening skills.

Critical Coaching Skills

In this session, participants will examine important coaching skills in small groups, including helping, mentoring, teaching, and challenging skills.

Setting Goals with SPIRIT

This session will share the SPIRIT model for setting goals, as well as ways to help people get on track.

Learning Styles and Principles

We learn in three different ways: by seeing, by hearing, and by doing. In a large group discussion, participants will identify ways to incorporate these methods into coaching. Participants will also learn about the seven principles of adult learning.

The Benefits/Consequences Matrix

During this session, we will examine a tool that coaches can use to help gain buy-in for change from employees.

Skills Involved in Coaching

Participants will work in small groups to complete a mix-and-match exercise that will familiarize them with key coaching skills.

The Coaching Model

This session will explore a four-step coaching model that can be applied to any situation.

Giving Effective Feedback

Next, participants will learn about the six elements of effective feedback.

Coaching Problems

To wrap up the day, participants will examine case studies and offer solutions.

Workshop Wrap-Up

At the end of the course, students will have an opportunity to ask questions and fill out an action plan.

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Coaching and Counselling

DURATION: 1 DAY

Course Overview

A highly interactive and practical 1-day training workshop that will equip line managers with the necessary interpersonal, coaching and counselling skills to address poor employee performance and behaviour, and improve their motivation and productivity.

Target Audience

This skills-packed workshop is aimed at all levels of management, including team leaders.

Prerequisite

There are no prerequisites for this course

Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Coaching and Counselling

• Definitions of Coaching and Counselling.

• The Benefits of Coaching

• The Benefits of Counselling

• Part Summary

Module 2: When to Coach or Counsel

• Developing Your Awareness

• Symptoms of Performance Problems

• Root Causes of Performance Problems

• Personal Problems that May Affect Job Performance

• Part Summary

Module 3: Giving and Receiving Feedback

• Making Feedback Effective

• Four Types of Feedback

• Be a Positive Role Model

• Part Summary

Module 4: Plan and Conduct Coaching and Counselling Sessions

• Preparing for a Coaching or Counselling Session

• Ten Guidelines for Conducting a Successful Coaching Session

• Ten Guidelines for Conducting a Successful Counselling Session

• Performance Appraisal Guidelines

• What to Do When All Else Fails

• Disciplinary Action – The Last Alternative

• Part Summary

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