Brown Bag Talks

Talk Topics

Project Management

Having the skill to manage projects to a successful conclusion is useful in any industry or discipline. There are a few essential components to this skill. This session will explore these components to enable you to maximize project success.

Strategic Management

Strategic Management is both a method and a set of tools. We will take a 50,000-foot viewpoint to examine an overview of the method and provide a small amount of detail by discussing several of the tools that can be used to successfully manage a business or product line effectively.

Continuous Improvement Tools

The term “Continuous Improvement” covers a broad array of methods and processes, all effectively used in situations where a business is attempting to improve its performance. We'll discuss these methods and processes, as well as identify the situations in which each method is most effectively used.

Time Management & Productivity

Can we ever have enough time? We will explore the limits of time in our lives and look at our attitudes about the use of our time. We’ll also discover the impact productivity improvements can have on our effective use of our time and look at several methods of improving our productivity.

Customer Service & Problem Solving

“Respect + Repair + Resolve” is acknowledged as a formula for providing long-lasting excellence in customer service. Great problem solving, and the use of some simple tools and procedures, can allow you to improve your performance in all three areas. We’ll look at how to use these tools and procedures, and the impact that they can make on your customer service success.

Learning Styles

Every person learns differently. Whether you are in talent development or want to communicate your message better, it is important to understand how adults learn.

Micro-learning

What is it and why should you try it? Micro-learning delivers frequent, bite-sized bursts of highly focused content to learners. Learning small pieces of information at a higher frequency is clinically proven to be better for retention.

Energy Vampires: Dealing With People Who Suck All Your Energy

It has been an exhausting week at work. You’re tired, depleted, and just exhausted. Many people think that it’s the task and responsibilities that are exhausting them. While work can be demanding, the real culprit is often the negativity of those around you.

The Power Positivity in the Workplace

Research in the field of positive psychology in the last 10 years has demonstrated that employees who are happier at work are better at keeping their jobs, show as much as 31% higher levels of productivity, are more resilient, and suffer less burnout—resulting in lower turnover.

Management for the New Manager

I have been promoted to a new manager. Now what? You will learn seven tips for making the transition successful and landmines to avoid.

I Have a Remote Team, Now What?

Understand the similarities and differences in managing your remote team. Sneak peek: There are more similarities than differences.

Career Development

Want to keep the talent you have? We hear a lot in today’s work world about work-life balance, the different generations in the workplace, and employee engagement. We also know that replacing talent in our organizations is costly. Career conversations between managers and employees are the most important factor in building, motivating, and developing a highly skilled and professional workforce.

Training for the Non-trainer

Help! I need to put training together, and I don’t know where to start. I’ve given presentations before—is there a difference between presentations and training someone? How will I know if they learned anything?

Conflict Styles

Conflict is unavoidable. Learn to identify your conflict style, the conflict styles of those around you, and strategies to mitigate conflict when it arises. This session can be expanded to include identifying hidden sources of interpersonal and organizational conflict.

Listening Styles

On average, organizational leaders spend a minimum of 50% of their day listening. Explore your listening style, how to identify the listening style of colleagues, and how to leverage listening for improved team effectiveness and organizational efficiency.

Effective Meetings

Many meetings frustrate people and waste time. Learn how to design effective meetings that yield results and increase engagement.

Motivation

What really motivates employees may surprise you. Learn what it takes to peak productivity and engagement.

Leading Change

People resist change for a variety of reasons. Discover how to mitigate resistance and gain buy-in to move your organization forward.

Teams

Teams are the heart of our organizations. Explore barriers to teamwork and tactics to make teams more effective.

Leadership Communication

We lead through communication. We’ll discuss how to communicate to inspire, engage, motivate, and maximize your leadership effectiveness.

You, the Leader

What is leadership? Why is it important? What drives you as a leader? Why should others follow you? The most effective leaders can easily answer these questions and use them to guide their leadership practice.

Jargon-city

Leading, coaching, managing, and mentoring. Oh my! Learn how they’re different and when to use each for improved employee engagement and organizational effectiveness.

Micro-messages

Some of the most pervasive and powerful forces in our organizations are micro-messages. Discover what they are; the impact they have on engagement, conflict, and attrition; how to recognize them; and how to control them.

Equity & Inclusion

Diversity is not enough. Understand the invisible forces that inhibit inclusion and prevent organizations from maximizing this powerful source of competitive advantage.