Training Programs

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 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

View Knowledge Network program pdf

Programs

A PLAN FOR CHANGE
Facilitator - Ned Parks
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
$345.00

The ability to engage employees in change is rapidly becoming a key determinant of business success. Your leaders need a clear understanding of the factors involved, so they can take action and lead change effectively. Organizations, divisions or teams that want to increase the return on investment for change initiatives can use this program to build a shared language and collective insights into what it takes to bring people on board. This program provides a platform for:

sharing experiences of change processes
applying theoretical models for organizational change
deepening participants’ understanding of the human side of change

Participants will walk out with a plan for the change they are working on!

ADVANCED SKILLS FOR MANAGING PROJECTS
Facilitator - Bob Jewell
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
$345.00

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
Facilitator - Deb Easton
8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
$195.00

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
Facilitator - Ned Parks
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
$345.00

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

DEALING WITH DIFFICULT BEHAVIORS
Facilitator - Deb Easton
8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
$195.00

One of the greatest causes of workplace stress is dealing with “problem” people: customers, co-workers, employees or managers. Most peoples’ reaction is to “fight fire with fire,” escalating an already tense situation. Through the use of self-assessments, strategy planning exercises and skill-building exercises participants will learn to focus on the behavior and not the person and respond in an effective manner which not only handles the situation, but also maintains dignity and professionalism.

realizing my reactions
keeping the discussion issue-focused
determining which behaviors to address, which to ignore
confronting someone about inappropriate behaviors
responding neutrally to emotionally-charged messages

DiSC^®: KEYS TO IMPROVED COMMUNICATION
Facilitator - Faith Sheaffer-Polen
8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
$195.00

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
Facilitator - Philip Kim, D.Sc.
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
$345.00

In today’s business environment, the impact of a poorly-made decision can have far-reaching financial and professional consequences. Managers, employees and teams are constantly making decisions, but few examine the process and assess the quality of their decisions. This program utilizes group activities, real-world examples, and team case studies to:

explore the 7 Step Decision Model
analyze decision-making processes and identify beneficial as well as detrimental aspects
improve decision-making skills on the job
recognize the cognitive biases that can affect decision-making
implement techniques for choosing from viable alternatives

ENHANCING INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Facilitator - Deb Easton
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
$345.00

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
Facilitator - Bob Jewell
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (2 days)
$690.00

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

MANAGING DISCIPLINE
Facilitator - Hugh Littleton
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
$345.00

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

MOTIVATING EMPLOYEES
Facilitator - Kristy Frieden
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
$345.00

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
Facilitator - Bob Jewell
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
$345.00

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
Facilitator - Ned Parks
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
$345.00

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

WHAT'S PREVENTING YOUR TEAM'S SUCCESS? OVERCOMING THE FIVE CRITICAL DYSFUNCTIONS OF A TEAM
Facilitator - Kristy Frieden
8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
$195.00

Based on Patrick Lencioni’s book, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, this session will help participants build healthy productive teams by identifying strategies to overcome the critical five dysfunctions- absence of trust, fear of conflict, lack of commitment, avoidance of accountability and inattention to results. At the conclusion of this workshop, participants will be able to: