Facilitating Effective Meetings (In-Person) Billions of dollars and exorbitant amounts of time are wasted annually across the globe because of organizations' meeting practices. This contributes to serious performance problems for both organizations and employees, and it has a serious impact on culture and morale. But despite the costs and consequences, every-day people in any role have the ability to change that. They can reduce cost, improve productivity, and enhance their workplace cultures by improving their meeting facilitation skills. And that is because facilitation skills start in the planning stage, not in the live meeting stage. In this course, participants will learn that their responsibility as a facilitator is to be a steward of time, money, relationships, and performance. To do that, they will learn to estimate costs of meetings and practice a variety of strategic thinking and analysis tasks to effectively plan results-aligned meetings. They will also apply several techniques and strategies to proactively prevent and deal with conflict in meetings, as well as give objective, constructive feedback to others in order to create behavior change during meetings. Participants must bring laptops with them and have internet access during the course (both virtual classroom and traditional classroom). The laptops are needed for specific activities. Also note that this course pairs well with IIL's Conflict Resolution Skills and Decision Making and Problem Solving courses, which go much deeper into related skills and tools that support effective meeting facilitation. What you will Learn At the end of this program, you will be able to: Estimate the financial and time costs of attendance for real-world meetings Use a performance formula to define the purpose of meetings Describe the responsibilities and qualities of an effective facilitator Analyze situations to determine when a meeting is necessary Articulate performance-driven meeting goals and results Align meeting goals and results Strategize to invite, involve, and exclude appropriate attendees Explain research-based best practices for meeting decisions and agenda development Create an effective agenda for a results-driven meeting Apply proactive tools and strategies for relationship-building dealing with meeting conflict Give constructive behavioral feedback using the Situation-Behavior-Impact® technique Getting Started The Business Case for Effective Facilitation Embracing the research on meetings Estimating the real costs of meetings Determining a meeting's performance value Clarifying the meeting facilitator's role Facilitating the Meeting Plan Determining if a meeting is necessary Aligning meeting goals with meeting types Identifying the right attendees Creating a strategically effective agenda Facilitating the Live Meeting Building relationships from the start Dealing with conflict proactively Giving feedback on unproductive behavior Summary and Next Steps
Innovation Project Management: Virtual In-House Training Companies need growth for survival. Companies cannot grow simply through cost reduction and reengineering efforts. This program describes the relationship that needs to be established between innovation, business strategy, and project management to turn a creative idea into a reality. We will explore the importance of identifying the components of an innovative culture, existing differences, challenges, and the new set of skills needed in innovation project management. Companies need growth for survival. Companies cannot grow simply through cost reduction and reengineering efforts. Innovation is needed and someone must manage these innovation projects. Over the past two decades, there has been a great deal of literature published on innovation and innovation management. Converting a creative idea into reality requires projects and some form of project management. Unfortunately, innovation projects, which are viewed as strategic projects, may not be able to be managed using the traditional project management philosophy we teach in our project management courses. There are different skill sets needed, different tools, and different life-cycle phases. Innovation varies from industry to industry and even companies within the same industry cannot come to an agreement on how innovation project management should work. This program describes the relationship that needs to be established between innovation, business strategy, and project management to turn a creative idea into a reality. We will explore the importance of identifying the components of an innovative culture, existing differences, challenges, and the new set of skills needed in innovation project management. What you Will Learn Explain the links needed to bridge innovation, project management, and business strategy Describe the different types of innovation and the form of project management each require Identify the differences between traditional and innovation project management, especially regarding governance, human resources management challenges, components of an innovative culture and competencies needed by innovation project managers Establish business value and the importance of new metrics for measuring and reporting business value Relate innovation to business models and the skills needed to contribute in the business model development Recognize the roadblocks affecting innovation project management and their cause to determine what actions can be taken Determine the success and failure criteria of an innovation project Foundation Concepts Understanding innovation Role of innovation in a company Differences between traditional (operational) and strategic projects Innovation management Differences between innovation and R&D Differing views of innovation Why innovation often struggles Linking Innovation Project Management to Business Strategy The business side of innovation project management The need for innovation targeting Getting close to the customers and their needs The need for line-of-sight to the strategic objectives The innovation enterprise environmental factors Tools for linking Internal Versus External (Co-creation) Innovation Open versus closed innovation Open innovation versus crowdsourcing Benefits of internal innovation Benefits of co-creation (external) innovation Selecting co-creation partners The focus of co-creation The issues with intellectual property Understanding co-creation values Understanding the importance of value-in-use Classification of Innovations and Innovation Projects Types of projects Types of innovations Competency-enhancing versus competency-destroying innovations Types of innovation novelty Public Sector of Innovation Comparing public and private sector project management Types of public service innovations Reasons for some public sector innovation failures An Introduction to Innovation Project Management Why traditional project management may not work The need for a knowledge management system Differences between traditional and innovation project management Issues with the 'one-size-fits-all' methodology Using end-to-end innovation project management Technology readiness levels (TRLs) Integrating Kanban principles into innovation project management Innovation and the Human Resources Management Challenge Obtaining resources Need for a talent pipeline Need for effective resource management practices Prioritizing resource utilization Using organizational slack Corporate Innovation Governance Types of innovation governance Business Impact Analysis (BIA) Innovation Project Portfolio Management Office (IPPMO) Using nondisclosure agreements, secrecy agreements, confidentiality agreements, and patents Adverse effects of governance decisions Innovation Cultures Characteristics of a culture for innovation Types of cultures Selecting the right people Linking innovation to rewards Impact of the organizational reward system Innovation Competencies Types of innovation leadership The need for active listening Design thinking Dealing with ambiguity, uncertainty, risks, crises, and human factors Value-Based Innovation Project Management Metrics Importance of innovation project management metrics Understanding value-driven project management Differences between benefits and value - and when to measure Traditional versus the investment life cycle Benefits harvesting Benefits and value sustainment Resistance to change Tangible and intangible innovation project management metrics Business Model Innovation Business model characteristics Impact of disruptive innovation Innovation Roadblocks Roadblocks and challenges facing project managers Ways to overcome the roadblocks Defining Innovation Success and Failure Categories for innovation success and failure Need for suitability and exit criteria Reasons for innovation project failure Predictions on the Future of Innovation Project Management The Six Pillars of changing times Some uses for the new value and benefits metrics
Microsoft® Project White Belt® 2016 This workshop serves as an introduction to the interface and features of Microsoft® Project. This workshop serves as an introduction to the interface and features of Microsoft® Project. It is kept up to date with the framework outlined by Project Management Institute's A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide). This course will be led by an IIL-certified instructor who will outline the benefits of Microsoft Project, provide tips on using various features and common shortcuts, recommend guidelines, and discuss the application of scheduling concepts to manage project work. What you Will Learn You'll learn how to: Define key scheduling concepts and terms Effectively navigate the user interface and interpret common views Configure essential elements of a new schedule Enter and modify a task list Set dependencies between tasks Create a basic resource list and generate assignments Format targeted areas of the Gantt Chart view Prepare the schedule for printing Getting Started Introductions Course objectives Course outline Navigating the User Interface and Views The ribbon The Quick Access Toolbar General and display options Major elements on the Project screen The Gantt chart, calendar, and network diagram views The help Setting up a New Schedule New schedules from blank, templates or other files The project starting date and forward scheduling The project standard calendar and exception days Entering, Modifying, and Outlining Task Data Task entering options and edition Unscheduled tasks Duration estimates for a single task or multiple tasks Tasks organization Multi-level outline Notes to detail tasks Creating Dependencies by Setting Links The critical path Critical path calculation in Project Dynamic schedules and dependencies Link tasks in Project Displaying the critical path Entering and Assigning Resources Resource planning Resource list Resource assignments Formatting Gantt Chart View Format options for text and Gantt charts Print options
Microsoft® Project White Belt® 2016: In-House Training This workshop serves as an introduction to the interface and features of Microsoft® Project. This workshop serves as an introduction to the interface and features of Microsoft® Project. It is kept up to date with the framework outlined by Project Management Institute's A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide). This course will be led by an IIL-certified instructor who will outline the benefits of Microsoft Project, provide tips on using various features and common shortcuts, recommend guidelines, and discuss the application of scheduling concepts to manage project work. What you Will Learn You'll learn how to: Define key scheduling concepts and terms Effectively navigate the user interface and interpret common views Configure essential elements of a new schedule Enter and modify a task list Set dependencies between tasks Create a basic resource list and generate assignments Format targeted areas of the Gantt Chart view Prepare the schedule for printing Getting Started Introductions Course objectives Course outline Navigating the User Interface and Views The ribbon The Quick Access Toolbar General and display options Major elements on the Project screen The Gantt chart, calendar, and network diagram views The help Setting up a New Schedule New schedules from blank, templates or other files The project starting date and forward scheduling The project standard calendar and exception days Entering, Modifying, and Outlining Task Data Task entering options and edition Unscheduled tasks Duration estimates for a single task or multiple tasks Tasks organization Multi-level outline Notes to detail tasks Creating Dependencies by Setting Links The critical path Critical path calculation in Project Dynamic schedules and dependencies Link tasks in Project Displaying the critical path Entering and Assigning Resources Resource planning Resource list Resource assignments Formatting Gantt Chart View Format options for text and Gantt charts Print options
Microsoft Project White Belt® 2013 This workshop serves as an introduction to the interface and features of Microsoft® Project 2013. This course will be led by an IIL-certified instructor who will outline the benefits of Microsoft Project, provide tips on using various features and common shortcuts, recommend guidelines, and discuss the application of scheduling concepts to manage project work This workshop serves as an introduction to the interface and features of Microsoft® Project 2013. This course will be led by an IIL-certified instructor who will outline the benefits of Microsoft Project, provide tips on using various features and common shortcuts, recommend guidelines, and discuss the application of scheduling concepts to manage project work. What you Will Learn You'll learn how to: Define key scheduling concepts and terms Effectively navigate the user interface and interpret common views Configure essential elements of a new schedule Enter and modify a task list Set dependencies between tasks Create a basic resource list and generate assignments Format targeted areas of the Gantt Chart view Prepare the schedule for printing Getting Started Introductions Course objectives Course outline Navigating the User Interface and Views Navigate and use the Ribbon Use and customize the Quick Access Toolbar Modify general and display options Become familiar with major elements on the Project screen Navigate Gantt Chart, calendar, and network diagram views Search for a help topic Setting up a New Schedule Create new schedules Create a new schedule using existing information Enter and modify the schedule start date Enter and modify exception days in the calendar Entering, Modifying, and Outlining Task Data Enter, edit, correct, and clear information Enter unscheduled tasks Enter duration estimates for a single task or multiple tasks Organize tasks Set up a multi-level outline Add notes to tasks Creating Dependencies by Setting Links Identify a critical path in a simple schedule Understand how scheduling software calculates a critical path Describe dynamic schedules and dependencies Create links using various methods Display the critical path Entering and Assigning Resources Plan for resources Create a list of available resources Assign resources Formatting Gantt Chart View Format text and Gantt Chart bars Format a collection of items Configure print options
Microsoft Project White Belt® 2013: In-House Training This workshop serves as an introduction to the interface and features of Microsoft® Project 2013. This course will be led by an IIL-certified instructor who will outline the benefits of Microsoft Project, provide tips on using various features and common shortcuts, recommend guidelines, and discuss the application of scheduling concepts to manage project work This workshop serves as an introduction to the interface and features of Microsoft® Project 2013. This course will be led by an IIL-certified instructor who will outline the benefits of Microsoft Project, provide tips on using various features and common shortcuts, recommend guidelines, and discuss the application of scheduling concepts to manage project work. What you Will Learn You'll learn how to: Define key scheduling concepts and terms Effectively navigate the user interface and interpret common views Configure essential elements of a new schedule Enter and modify a task list Set dependencies between tasks Create a basic resource list and generate assignments Format targeted areas of the Gantt Chart view Prepare the schedule for printing Getting Started Introductions Course objectives Course outline Navigating the User Interface and Views Navigate and use the Ribbon Use and customize the Quick Access Toolbar Modify general and display options Become familiar with major elements on the Project screen Navigate Gantt Chart, calendar, and network diagram views Search for a help topic Setting up a New Schedule Create new schedules Create a new schedule using existing information Enter and modify the schedule start date Enter and modify exception days in the calendar Entering, Modifying, and Outlining Task Data Enter, edit, correct, and clear information Enter unscheduled tasks Enter duration estimates for a single task or multiple tasks Organize tasks Set up a multi-level outline Add notes to tasks Creating Dependencies by Setting Links Identify a critical path in a simple schedule Understand how scheduling software calculates a critical path Describe dynamic schedules and dependencies Create links using various methods Display the critical path Entering and Assigning Resources Plan for resources Create a list of available resources Assign resources Formatting Gantt Chart View Format text and Gantt Chart bars Format a collection of items Configure print options
Managing Stress in Challenging Times This course looks at the symptoms and causes of stress and how these affect us emotionally, behaviorally, and physically. You will learn some simple stress-busting techniques that will have a positive influence on your beliefs and behaviors around stress. You will also have the opportunity to develop a personal action plan which will serve as an ongoing reference point for dealing with pressure in its many forms - home, family, social, and work. What You Will Learn At the end of this program, you will be able to: Recognize the symptoms and causes of stress Manage and reduce the effects of stress in your life with simple stress-busting techniques Create a simple personalized plan to manage stress and promote a healthier, happier, and more productive lifestyle Getting Started Foundation Concepts What is stress? Why stress matters Flight or fight response and role of hormones Work-Life Balance How to create balance and set boundaries Learning how to say 'no' Stress-Reduction Techniques Visualization and relaxation techniques Behaviors and beliefs Putting things in perspective Circle of influence (vs. circle of control) Slowing down Be Responsible and Kind to Yourself Basic human needs Honest communication Your responsibility to yourself and others Calming thoughts
Join us for an afternoon in our studio to explore the joys of resin art seascapes.
Introduction to Project Management This course provides practical insights into what is project management and how it is performed in a structured manner. This course provides practical insights into what is project management and how it is performed in a structured manner. You will learn how projects are selected, initiated, planned, executed, monitored and control, as well as closed, which could serve you ubiquitously. The goal of this course is to provide a minimally essential orientation to practical project management concepts, tools, and techniques. You will be provided with enough of these that can be applied from both a project manager and a key stakeholder perspective. What you Will Learn You will learn how to: Articulate on the basics of the project management profession Explain project management terms and concepts in practice Speak on how projects originate in mature organizations Employ a disciplined approach to initiating, planning, and managing projects to closure Identify and describe the roles and responsibilities of key project stakeholders Consider standard project processes to implement based upon the PMBOK® Guide Getting Started Introductions Course orientation Participants' expectations Foundation Concepts Key terms and concepts Organizational framework Leadership framework Originating and Initiating Originating projects Initiating projects Planning Planning overview Scope and quality planning Resources and risk planning Schedule and cost planning Project baselining Executing and Controlling Executing Monitoring and Controlling Closing Project closing overview Closing administratively Closing financially Summary and Next Steps Review of goals, objectives, key concepts, and expectations Evaluations
Introduction to Project Management: In-House Training This course provides practical insights into what is project management and how it is performed in a structured manner. This course provides practical insights into what is project management and how it is performed in a structured manner. You will learn how projects are selected, initiated, planned, executed, monitored and control, as well as closed, which could serve you ubiquitously. The goal of this course is to provide a minimally essential orientation to practical project management concepts, tools, and techniques. You will be provided with enough of these that can be applied from both a project manager and a key stakeholder perspective. What you Will Learn You will learn how to: Articulate on the basics of the project management profession Explain project management terms and concepts in practice Speak on how projects originate in mature organizations Employ a disciplined approach to initiating, planning, and managing projects to closure Identify and describe the roles and responsibilities of key project stakeholders Consider standard project processes to implement based upon the PMBOK® Guide Getting Started Introductions Course orientation Participants' expectations Foundation Concepts Key terms and concepts Organizational framework Leadership framework Originating and Initiating Originating projects Initiating projects Planning Planning overview Scope and quality planning Resources and risk planning Schedule and cost planning Project baselining Executing and Controlling Executing Monitoring and Controlling Closing Project closing overview Closing administratively Closing financially Summary and Next Steps Review of goals, objectives, key concepts, and expectations Evaluations