SKILL POWER MINI-WORKSHOP SERIES

(copyright 2009 by Karen A. Kolb)

The Skill Power Mini-workshop Series promotes the development of life skills on the job. A product of Skill Power LLC, this job focused skill-building series was developed for businesses that are interested in increasing employee productivity, but may not have an onsite training staff. Giving employees an opportunity to strengthen job skills often leads to increased self-confidence and a better focus on job success. The Skill Power Mini-workshop Series provides information on 12 topics vital to workplace interaction and productivity: Assertiveness, Attitude, Communication, Conflict Resolution, Cooperation, Decision-making, Flexibility, Goal-setting, Motivation, Organization, Personality and Stress Management.

Workshops can be purchased individually or as a complete package. The core of each workshop is a participant booklet that includes both visual and bullet point discussion of and suggestions for implementing the skill highlighted. Pre/post tests, evaluation sheets, motivational bookmarks and a copy of the book Commonsense Management / Leadership are also included with each mini-workshop.

the Skill Power Mini-workshop Series© can provide a basis for in-house employee training or used as self-guided trainings in which booklets are sent home with employees at one staff meeting and evaluation sheets are collected at another. Discussions – especially on how the topic relates to specific workplaces – is certainly encouraged, but not essential. (Suggestions for facilitating a discussion group are also included.)

Each of the Skill Power Mini-workshop Series booklets has three main sections: Pre/post test, clipart illustrated ideas for implementing the skill and a list of tips, suggestions or beliefs that can help develop the skill. The following are examples of the information given, but not necessarily in the booklet format.

Pre/post test without rating scale (Assertiveness)

2. I cannot be successful without being assertive.

3. I can be assertive while respecting other views.

4. It is okay to be passive sometimes.

5. It is okay to be aggressive sometimes.

6. I can be aggressive without being cruel.

7. Generally I am an assertive person.

8. I value assertiveness in my work relationships.

9. I know the boundary between assertiveness and aggressiveness.

10. Relationships are better if both people are assertive.

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Written portion of clipart section (Stress Management)

• Lack of Time, Money, Energy.

• Interaction with a difficult person.

Keep Perspective:

• How important is this situation? Is it really a crisis?

• Is it urgent? Do I have some time to work through it?

• How does this situation affect the by picture?

Practice Self-discipline:

• Impulsive actions can result in feeling overwhelmed.

• Impulsive reactions can create unnecessary stress.

• Emotional extremes can escalate a stressful situation.

Plan Ahead:

• Maintain a “To Do” list, with realistic timeframes.

• Set long-term goals to help identify areas of potential stress.

• Add extra time to allow for mistakes and setbacks.

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Note: The book Basic Job Skills and Job Success, also available through Skill Power LLC, combines all 12 workshops offered in the Skill Power Mini-workshop Series. This book provides a comprehensive resource for individuals.

To place an order for one or all of the workshops offered in the Skill Power Mini-workshop Series, please go to www.skill-power.com . You can also request a sample booklet through the Contact Us page.