LGMA - Local Government Management Association of British Columbia

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E-Learning Series - Spring 2010

Dynamic Communication
May 25, 26 & 27

9:00-10:00 am
Presenter: Tracey Lorenson, Paragon Strategic Services

By obtaining insight into how we communicate we are better able to communicate with key individuals both inside and outside our organization. This session will discuss team dynamics, and the unique benefits of different communication styles. Attendees will complete an online behavioral styles assessment and receive a 26 page report of their preferred ways of dealing with challenges, people, change and rules.
Our Most Popular Offering!

Attendee Testimonials:
  • Awesome! Loved it!
  • I have really been enjoying this course.  Initially I thought it would help me with verbal communication but instead, to my surprise, it has made me think about how I listen.  It has also made me aware of my body language while I listen.
  • The session was awesome.  I see a lot of value in this course and would recommend that everyone takes it. 
  • I loved this course!  It was easy to answer all the questions and to gain insight from all reports.  Just talking about the different personalities and traits that make us who we are showed me that how I portray myself is not always how people see me.  Thanks for the opportunity to take a better look at my natural ways to communicate.

Management Effectiveness
May 25, 26 & 27

Noon-1:00 pm
Presenter: Tracey Lorenson, Paragon Strategic Services

Management skills are important in many positions in an organization. This course will provide attendees with an approximately 70 page report after completing an online assessment of their current strengths and developmental opportunities in 12 distinct management competencies. During the discussion the group will be discussing the best ways to manage in a rapidly changing environment.
This course will also be of value to those considering stepping up to a supervisory or management position.

Attendee Testimonials:
  • Thank you Tracy, it was a great 3-day course.  Our open discussions and information-sharing between participants was most useful, along with the tools you provided us with.  I came into the course seeking best practices for managers, and I feel as though I received this information specifically on performance management strategies.
  • Great session Tracey!  I've enjoyed learning new tools that I will be able to immediately use in my work environment.  The course was beneficial in that it helped to reaffirm for me that I am ontrack with my management effectiveness.  I'm excited to learn of new software tools that will benefit my organization.

Issues Management: Keeping Your Keister Out of the Coals!
June 1, 2 & 3

9:00-10:00 am
Presenter: Jan Enns, Jan Enns Communications

Managing issues before they arise is the best way to ensure your programs and services roll out as smoothly as possible. Learn steps to identify and deal with potential issues in advance that will save you time and energy. Ensuring issues are managed well helps keep your organization's reputation and image intact and helps build stronger ties to the community.


Managing in YOUR Unionized Environment
June 8, 9 & 10   

9:00-10:00 am
Presenter: Tracey Lorenson, Paragon Strategic Services

This course is targeted at all individuals that manage or supervise others in a unionized environment. Rather than dealing with vague legal concepts, this course will deal with the pragmatic challenges that those supervising others face. Participants will be referring to their own collective agreement throughout the course, and will end up with a greater comfort level with the rights and responsibilities that exist in a unionized workplace.


"Customer" Service in the Public Sector
June 8, 9 & 10

Noon-1:00 pm
Presenter: Tracey Lorenson, Paragon Strategic Services

The unique challenges of service delivery in the local government sector will be discussed, including the difficulty of dealing with such a diverse client base. We will discuss whether private sector "customer service" approaches are relevant in the public sector, and why good service is critical to both staff and Council success. Participants will complete an online assessment of their personal skills and abilities in delivering customer service.


Public Consultation in 10 Easy Steps:  Planning for Successful Public Engagement
June 14, 15 & 16

Noon-1:00 pm
Presenter: Jan Enns, Jan Enns Communications

In order to be successful, planning needs to inform, involve or engage stakeholders at the outset. When done right, programs can move forward on time and on schedule.  When done wrong, it can mean a drain on resources, damaged relationships and even damaged reputations. This engaging session will elevate your understanding of public consultation and provide you with a step-by-step guide to apply effective consultation planning in your organization.


Dealing with Conflict
June 21, 22 & 23   

9:00-10:00 am
Presenter: Tracey Lorenson, Paragon Strategic Services

Some level of conflict is inevitable in all workplaces, including local governments, and different individuals tolerate (and embrace) conflict in very different ways. In this course individuals will assess their own approaches to conflict, and will consider whether there are strategies that can make them more successful. This course will be useful for those that find workplace conflict very stressful, as well as those that enjoy "spirited" debates, and will provide tools for those impacted by both direct and indirect (gossip) conflict.


Respectful Workplace - Behavioural & Generational Issues
June 21, 22 & 23

Noon-1:00 pm
Presenter: Tracey Lorenson, Paragon Strategic Services

In this session we will be exploring what is meant by "respectful workplace" and how generational issues impact organizations. We will be discussing whether different standards of behavior are appropriate depending on the workgroup (e.g. Inside or outside staff ), and what individual employees can do to support the development of a respectful workplace. This session will also discuss the unique challenges of working with and leading different generational styles, with specific practical suggestions.


Respectful Coaching
July 13, 14 & 15

9:00-10:00 am
Presenter: Tracey Lorenson, Paragon Strategic Services

Do you have to communicate information to others in your organization, either direct reports or peers? Organizations are expecting employees to coach others in the organization on a regular basis, and many of those providing guidance to direct reports and peers have not been trained in the skills this requires. Particular emphasis will be placed on "coaching without authority", how do we assist peers when the individual doesn't report directly to us? Attendees will have the opportunity to complete an online assessment of their personal coaching skills, and will receive tools to plan for difficult conversations.


Negotiation Skills
July 13, 14 & 15

Noon-1:00 pm
Presenter: Tracey Lorenson, Paragon Strategic Services

While we sometimes think of negotiation as a "big ticket" event, we negotiate every day with individuals inside our organization and key stakeholders in the community, including those difficult conversations with individuals with divergent opinions. Even simple discussions of allocation of resources require individuals that have an awareness of their negotiation style so that they can maximize the benefits to their organization in an environment of respect. This course focuses on interest based negotiation techniques, and is of use to those negotiating, or to those that deal with difficult individuals.

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