Seminars

Leadership/Management Seminars

Our programs can be conducted in any format your organization desires. They can be presented in a one day session or in a workshop mode over a period of days. We will also meet with your management prior to presentation to ensure that the seminars are relevant to your firm's specific needs. Additionally, our seminars are available on either audio or video formats, should you decide that will suit your requirements.

1) Communication Skills For Leaders and Managers

One of the most important jobs a leader has to solve the difficulties of opinion and personality clashes which are inevitable when human beings work together. One of the key factors to encourage proper communication is for the leader to create an atmosphere where an employee is fully aware of both company and department policies and procedures, and is free to communicate and "be heard" by leadership. In the majority of communication difficulties, usually both parties have some deficiencies, some in the wrong approach, some in no communication at all, or some in the lack of listening skills. Let us work with you to help you establish an effective way of communicating. Proper interaction between leaders and staff can be a major contributor to an organization's success. Lack of it can cause continual problems and loss of productivity.

2) Teamwork

Most of us are taught what a "team" is as we are growing up, well before we enter the business world. Generally this concept is taught in a sports situation such as baseball, football, soccer, etc. Loosely defined, a team is a coordinated group of individuals, who by combining their talents, endeavor to achieve a predetermined goal or objective. The "team" actually takes on an existence of its own. For the most part, the individuals that comprise that team capitulate their individual agendas, special interests, and ambitions to become a link in the chain to achieve the team's objective. Being a member of an effective team takes sacrifice on EVERYONE'S part. Members of a team, who take it upon themselves to satisfy their own individual and personal goals without operating in concert with the team, weaken the overall unit. If enough team members behave in this manner, it can render the team ineffective, and in some cases destroy the unit. Please join us in examining this critical concept which dictates the growth and well being of any organization. We will review all the factors that contribute to good team building and illustrate the "warning signs" that will tell you that the "ship is going off course.

3) How to Get and Utilize Your Staff's Ideas

New ideas are an organization's lifeblood. Yet it is commonplace to see organizations mismanagement this important area and actually discourage free thinking ideas that may be the "next big thing." Let us show you how to create a system which will motivate staff to present new ideas and suggestions to management, and help them feel that they are part of the overall "team."

4) How to Manage Cliques

Mention the word "cliques" to any leader in an organization and you generally evoke a rather abrupt reaction, usually negative and sometimes fearful. Yes, the existence of "cliques" in an organization can create havoc in terms of morale, harmonious teamwork, and ultimately the productivity and smooth running of an operation. But, do not despair: "cliques" cannot only be managed, they can be used to foster higher productivity within an organization if this technique is used correctly. Please join us for this session to find out how!

5) Leadership Without Fear

Congratulations! You have just been placed in a Management or other type of leadership position. You are now in charge of a division, an office, or section of your company, profit or non-profit. You have always dreamed of obtaining a position of authority, able to pursue your own vision, and now you're dreams have come true. You have authority, power, and probably more money if you work for a profit related organization. You finally made it! Or have you? As a new leader, you probably have a very good idea of what you think your job is. Chances are you are wrong! Even though your formal or informal job description states that you, as the leader, are responsible for certain things to happen, whether they are profit goals, efficiency goals, or an operation or service to the organization, there is much more to the job. Let us help you discover how to lead in a self-assured, confident manner which will guarantee your organization the best chance for success. Through utilization of lecture and case studies, you will leave with a technique that will serve you for many years to come.

6) Ethical Behavior - Where Has It Gone?

Businesses are people, and people are accountable for their own ethics and morality. If you look at the good businesses, they run their firms the way they would want others to treat them: with honor and credibility. They utilize the same value systems when dealing in the business world, that they would outside the office, in their everyday lives. Their clients, their staff, and their associates are treated with respect and dignity. No wonder these are some of the most successful businesses in the world. Their staff will literally do anything for them! This session will review how you and other leaders in your organization can function as "role models," and pave the way for ethical behavior within your organization. Leadership, in addition to their various responsibilities, has one which supersedes all. Create the "environment" within the firm that will reflect on its reputation and image to the outside world. Let is help you through this difficult process to create a "model" organization.

7) The Psychology of Change

Change is stimulating for the parties initiating the process of change, but it is freightening and intimidating for those being changed. This tried and true axiom is often overlooked in organizations involved in changing procedures, policies, or other major areas involving a significant workforce or members of a group. Let us guide you through the process of preparing your organization for change: your communication with your staff, and anticipating obstacles that may occur as you go through this difficult process. You will leave this session with a more complete understanding about how to motivate your staff to work as a team in making the desired changes work, and to function as facilitators, not impediments in reaching your organization's goals.

8) How to Conduct Effective Meetings

As part of the leadership role, it will be necessary for you to conduct formal meetings with staff for various purposes. Examples of these may be review of new procedures, problem solving/workshop type sessions, policy announcements, performance appraisals, or disciplinary actions While some of these meetings will be held with all staff present, and others in a one on one setting, there are certain fundamentals, which apply in conducting effective meetings in all situations. Learn all the various techniques used in communicating information clearly and effectively to your organization. We will systematically take you through the planning process leading up to your meetings for effective communication.

9) How to Handle Client Complaints

Of all of the Management duties, resolution of client complaints is one of the most difficult and delicate tasks one must perform. Misunderstandings in this area can result in deterioration of relations with a valued client, or at the very worst, a lost customer or potential liability for your firm. In many instances, a balance must be drawn between client relations and right and wrong. In situations where a possible error on either side can result in monetary losses, the stakes go up significantly, and all of the Manager's diplomatic skills are tested to their limit. Obviously there is no way to anticipate every conceivable situation where a customer may voice a complaint about your firm, but this session will explore some options on how to handle these types of problems and preserve good client relations. Remember, "The real mettle of a firm is not determined when things are operating smoothly, but when there is a problem and the methods they use to rectify it".

10) Enabling

One may ask what an "enabler" is and what does this have to do with Leadership and Management? The answer, everything! As individuals involved in Leadership and Management roles have discovered, being a Leader is all about being a student of human behavior. This class will touch upon what seems on the surface to be a friendly, loving gesture, but in actuality does harm to the person you are attempting to help. To define an "enabler," any time you assist or allow another person to continue an unproductive or unhealthily behavior whether actively or passively, you are an enabler Let us show you how continuing to act as an "enabler" can hurt your organization and actually serve to perpetuate the individual's destructive behavior.

Relationship Enhancement Seminars

1) Conflict Resolution/Mediation/Intervention

Learn how to increase your "emotional intelligence" and create win/win situations. Using a technique called, "mirroring," let our experts teach you how to get two opposing sides to work together for a mutually beneficial solution.

Parenting Seminars

1) The ABC'S Of Parenting

For new parents, for parents of pre-teens, for parents of teens, for parents of children who want to come back home. Each phase of parenting offers its own set of challenges - and joys. Come with your questions,come with your concerns, and learn to be the best parent you can be.

2) How to Deal With "Bullies"

Bullies in school, bullies at work, bullies in your family. Learn what creates a bully and how to hold on to your personal power around one. This course also looks at developing teaching skills to end the bullying cycle.

3) How to Communicate With Your Teenager

Having a teen is different than having an 8 year old. Learn how to move from being a director to being a consultant as you help your child navigate the roller coaster years. Learn how to stay connected even as they are pushing you away.

Self Improvement Seminars

1) Low Self Esteem - Is It Holding You Back?

Low self esteem is one of the most common afflictions which impact greatly on people's lives, both personally and professionally. How many of us have heard someone refer to another person and indicate, that they seem to have such low self esteem? Low self esteem is becoming an increasingly frequent behavior which affects an individual's relationships, their family, their business, and their lives in a negative way. Generally, the more positive and uplifting a person's feeling about themselves are, the higher their self esteem. Predictably, the lower the individual's perception of their self worth is, the lower their overall self esteem will be. Having strong self esteem is vital as it gives you a sense of control over your life, facilitates relationships and interaction with others, and enables you to objectively set realistic standards for yourself to plan your life's direction.

Let us help you examine this all too common problem and steps you can take to alleviate its impact on your life and your career.

2) How We Treat Our Seniors? "Has Respecting Our Elders Gone Out of Style?"

With the baby boomers getting closer to retirement age and soon to become society's "elders," how will the way we treat our seniors change? What can we learn from the Eastern cultures about gaining wisdom from our elders? How do we instill these concepts into our youth?

3) How to Relate to Aging Parents

We are the "sandwich generation," caring for our children as well as our aging parents. How do we stay sane throughout this challenging process? How do we take care of ourselves? How do we keep from power struggling with our teens - and our parents?