Four HR summer classes offer opportunities for professional development

Human Resources’ Organization Development and Learning Unit is offering a variety of workshops this summer for faculty and staff. Topics include dealing with difficult co-workers, conflict management for supervisors, time and energy management, and a customizable session that gives faculty and staff the opportunity to share their own best practices.

 

Bringing out the Better Side of Difficult People

When people at work engage in unpleasant behaviors, our reactions are often to avoid them, complain or write them off. While these responses may provide a momentary sense of satisfaction, none of them improve the relationship. In contrast, when we make an effort to “walk in the other person’s shoes,” we can begin to gain some insight into the reasons for the unpleasant behavior. We may never end up liking or approving of the difficult person, but when we start to appreciate what makes him or her “tick,” we enhance our ability to work with the person effectively. This workshop provides strategies for moving from impasse to insight with difficult people on the job. You will have the opportunity to:

  • Examine a difficult work relationship
  • Learn new ways to “get curious,” rather than furious
  • Plan a new approach to a difficult person
  • Select “experiments in change” at work

When: Tuesday, June 28, 2011 from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Where: Room 209, Crawford Hall

Facilitator: Shirley Mosley, Human Resources

Register now.

 

Managing Conflict Across Differences for Supervisors

This workshop examines conflict behaviors at the interpersonal, group and organizational level. Participants will explore conflict, its manifestation in organizations and groups, its management and its resolution. Participants will look at conflict styles, perception, inclusion and decision-making. The goal of the workshop is to acquire a deeper understanding of conflict and to recognize it when it’s occurring. Participants are encouraged to draw upon experiences both inside and outside the workplace experience for learning. This workshop will be practice-focused.

When: July 7, 2011 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Room 209, Crawford Hall

Facilitators: Shirley Mosley and Erica Merritt, Human Resources

Register now.

 

Managing Your Time and Energy

Are you running out of time and energy before you get through your daily to-do list? Managing your time and energy can be challenging when the demands are high and the hours are long. We become frustrated because we cannot get more done in the time allotted. This workshop will explore how learning to manage our time and energy effectively improves work-life balance, leads to increased productivity, lowers stress levels, leaves more time for what’s important, develops delegation and organizational skills, and enables goal achievement.

When: Tuesday, July 12, 2011 from 1 to 4 p.m.

Where: Room 209, Crawford Hall

Facilitators: Erica Merritt, Human Resources

Register now.

 

Quick Takes: Little Sessions with BIG Takeaways

ODL is launching a new initiative called “Quick Takes: Little Sessions with BIG Takeaways.” These sessions will be facilitated by you. We invite you to share your interests and expertise with the campus community. Sessions will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays 12-1:15 p.m. beginning July 19 and running through August 25. The deadline for proposal submission is Tuesday, June 28 at noon. You will be notified with the status of your proposal by Wednesday, July 6. Should your proposal be selected, the ODL staff will work with you to schedule your session based on your availability.

Presentations should focus on one of the following themes:

  • Leadership
  • Diversity/Inclusion
  • Sustainability
  • Health/Wellness
  • Work/Life Balance
  • Professional Growth/Development
  • Social Media/Technology

Learn more and submit a proposal.