Knowledge Network Body

Welcome to the Knowledge Network, your partner in professional development and employee education. As a Knowledge Network member, your organization will benefit from educational opportunities with a top-ranked university as well as: 

• Customized organizational and individual development plans and transcripts
• Pre- and post-program support and training transfer tools
• Customized research and organizational survey resources
• Top-notch facilitators and on-staff organizational development and human resource experts
• Networking and learning with peers and professionals from other area organizations
• 20% savings over individual workshop pricing of $345 per full day and $195 per half day

How It Works

• A flat, one-time training investment opens the door to a pre-determined number of training opportunities, delivered September through August.
• A learning plan advisor will assist in selecting training classes to satisfy requirements for certificate programs, individualized development plans or customized certificate programs.
• A learning plan advisor will support your human resources professionals in strategically mapping out the organization’s professional development plan and will manage all the administrative details, ensuring a seamless, worry-free training experience.

Registration

To register for any program, call Mona Zink at 330-244-3508 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Click to view Program pdf.

Programs

 
ADVANCED SKILLS FOR MANAGING PROJECTS  (BOB JEWELL, 1 DAY)
This follow-up to the two-day Essential Skills for Managing Projects program takes a more in-depth look at critical topics in project management. At the completion of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• identify and define advanced project management skills
• apply advanced project management skills to actual work experiences

Note: The three-day Project Management Certificate offered by Kent State University is not presented as an exam preparation program, however, it will provide 21 hours of project management education. The PMP certification, established by the Project Management Institute (PMI), is one of the most valued and respected credentials in project management. Earning and maintaining this certification demonstrates a solid foundation in effectively managing projects. PMP certification requires application through PMI. For application information, please consult www.PMI.org. 

COACHING ACCOUNTABILITY (DEBORAH EASTON, 0.5 DAYS)
In empowered team environments, managers must support staff in developing accountability for innovation, creative problem-solving and effective performance. This workshop uses demonstrations, self-analysis and group discussion to:

• identify various behaviors that indicate resistance to change
• teach effective skills and communication styles to diffuse resistance to change
• develop an action plan to overcome resistance to change

CRASH THE BARRIERS: BUILD THE TEAM (NED PARKS, 1 DAY)
This program is designed to teach leaders how to build teams and improve group interactions through a totally hands-on experience. At the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:

• implement specific actions to build a high-functioning team
• seamlessly integrate new employees into the team

DiSC: KEYS TO IMPROVED COMMUNICATIONS  (NED PARKS, 0.5 DAYS)
Seventy-five percent of Fortune 500 companies utilize the DiSC Assessment to improve professional communications and build stronger, more productive teams. In less than 30 minutes, you will be able to identify your areas of strength and areas of development and then go on to learn and practice effective communication strategies you can apply immediately. During this session, participants will:

• identify your personal style using the DiSC® profile
• improve your communications with peers, subordinates, clients, friends and supervisors
• learn to read others style and connect with them
• develop effective communication strategies for different styles

EFFECTIVE DECISION MAKING (BOB JEWELL, 1 DAY)
In today’s business environment, the impact of a poorly-made decision can have far-reaching financial and professional consequences. This program utilizes group activities, movie clips, real-world examples and team case studies to:

• analyze decision-making processes and identify beneficial as well as detrimental aspects
• improve decision-making skills on the job 

ENHANCING INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS (DEBORAH EASTON, 1 DAY)
Effective communication skills give the power to achieve success in professional roles. Being effective requires choosing the best strategy for keeping the conversation on track and the people involved in sync. Through the use of self-assessments, skill-building exercises and role-play, participants will be able to:

• determine the best strategy for keeping the conversation on track
• demonstrate specific communication skills that produce positive results in a variety of situations

ESSENTIAL SKILLS FOR MANAGING PROJECTS (BOB JEWELL, 2 DAYS)
The tools and principles taught in this program are based on the Project Management Institute’s Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK). In this two-day program, participants will learn how to:

• apply standard project management tools and techniques
• effectively complete projects

LEADING EFFECTIVE CHANGE (GARY FITZMARTIN, 0.5 DAYS)
In today’s global, technology-driven world, change is a certainty, leaders invest a significant portion of their time planning, supporting and navigating change. Participants will:

• explore the processes that support effective change and the importance and impact of each element in the process
• identify and practice the skills for introducing and leading change at all levels within an organization
• learn a proven process for successfully implementing and sustaining change

LEADING EFFECTIVE MEETINGS (HELEN STEVENS-SHEATS, 0.5 DAYS)
Meetings really can be productive, focused and brief, but they require planning and must have a clear purpose. Participants will learn:

• how to optimize meeting time and realize ROI
• effective methods for obtaining buy-in
• to build consensus
• effective meeting formats and design

MANAGING DISCIPLINE (SCOTT TACKETT, 1 DAY)
Organizations and leaders that manage discipline effectively experience increased cooperation among team members, positive relationships and an open, collaborative culture. Upon completion, participants will be able to:

• identify the difference between punishment and discipline
• focus on the performance issue and not the person
• identify how discipline fits into an entire organization’s philosophy
• utilize effective front-line management strategies

MODELING AND COACHING EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION SKILLS (DEBORAH EASTON, 1 DAY)
Many team members do not recognize that appropriate interpersonal behavior is a performance requirement for any job description. Separating personality traits from performance-related behaviors is essential, but often difficult to articulate. This program addresses one of the most difficult coaching conversations: discussing “people skills” with direct reports. At the end of this program, participants will be able to:

• define and describe performance-related behavior versus personality traits
• professionally address performance gaps
• provide developmental coaching to team members

MOTIVATING EMPLOYEES (SCOTT TACKETT, 1 DAY)
Have you found what works to motivate your employees for improved performance? Participants will:

• learn about the many motivational options beyond increased pay
• identify which rewards work best in what types of circumstances
• review theories of motivation and apply these theories to real-world situations
• discuss and share ideas that impact employee performance

PROJECT LEADERSHIP  (BOB JEWELL, 1 DAY)
Organizing and managing the day-to-day activities of a project can be challenging on its own. However, great project leaders must also develop high-performing teams, make and implement effective decisions and communicate with and influence stakeholders outside the core project team. Learn how to manage the process and lead the people. This program focuses on three skills to make your next project shine:

• developing an effective team
• communicating with and influencing your stakeholders
• making effective project decisions

TURNING CONFLICT INTO COLLABORATION (NED PARKS, 1 DAY)
Conflict is natural within the workplace and a predictable part of working with others. Handling conflict is an essential skill for supervisors. Participants will:

• learn and demonstrate skills to manage conflict to keep your organization from falling into the pitfalls often encountered
• identify methods of transforming conflict into positive change for the organization