For many years now, employers have found the skills gap in candidates and employees increasing. Add to that a severe shortage of candidates applying for positions, and it is increasingly difficult for employers to build strong teams with fully engaged employees. One way to address this problem is to arm current emerging leaders and other high-potential employees with training that can leverage their personal and skills development.
Training in critical skills can drive employee engagement by teaching practical skills that help employees think creatively and strategically, adapt to change, forge strong working relationships with others, remain resilient in the face of stress, and so much more.
Rather than wait and hope that candidates with these skills will apply, optimize your workforce now by providing your high-potential employees with critical skills training. This 6-week program (4 hours per week, 2 days of 2 hours each day) prepares employees to take on greater responsibility within your organization, in leading others, and in leading projects or tasks.
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This series includes the following modules:
Problem Solving – Problem solving is the disciplined process of analyzing and evaluating information obtained through observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or other means, and using that information to influence belief, make a decision, and/or take action. This class will help participants understand how to apply non-linear and logical thinking, as well as evaluate information, apply problem-solving techniques, and revise perspective when needed.
Delegation – Management means getting work done through others. This isn’t possible without effective delegation skills. This class will provide an overview of effective delegation skills. Through examples, the class will explore the difference between transactional work and strategic work, and how to make the transition from one to the other.
Using a flexible delegation process, participants will learn to analyze, plan, structure, and assign tasks that drive employee engagement and increase productivity. Equally as important, they will learn to identify and overcome barriers that can get in the way of effective delegation.
Negotiation – We all negotiate every day; we just might not realize it. Negotiations happen when working with a colleague to prioritize projects. They happen when an employee asks for a raise, or when a customer requests a discount. Negotiations happen in our personal lives when we decide where to eat out with our family, or decide on chore assignments at home. Although negotiation is a critical skill for employees, many aren’t comfortable negotiating in the workplace. Participants will learn the phases of negotiation, tools to use during a negotiation, and ways to build win-win solutions for everyone.
Time and Stress Management – Time management and stress management are closely related and often discussed together. This class will explore both topics, with a focus on developing priorities, setting goals, and planning our work as a means of reducing stress. Stress results when we feel that we lack control; however, gaining control through time management actually helps to reduce overall stress. Participants will also learn to harness circadian rhythm for maximum productivity and other lifestyle stress management strategies.
Facilitation and Public Speaking – Effective facilitation can help a group improve the way its members work together, identify and solve problems, make decisions, and handle conflict. The role of the facilitator is to guide the group to work together more effectively by creating synergy, generate new ideas, and arrive at consensus and agreement. This class provides a framework that demonstrates how facilitation works and techniques that participants can apply to facilitate projects, committees, and meetings.
Managing Change – Change is a fundamental and regular occurrence in every business. It is necessary for businesses to grow and prosper; however, it can be disruptive. Effectively managing change in the workplace can reduce the level of disruption and help combat resistance. Whether a change is simple or complex, the primary goal is to ensure that implementation moves an organization closer to its objectives.
Certification from this program requires full attendance, participation, and completion of all assignments. Extensions and make-ups may be arranged on a case-by-case basis.
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For more program details, to learn when the next programs are scheduled to begin, or to develop a custom version that meets the specific needs of your workplace, contact Steve Lockwood.
