Professional Skills Courses

These courses provide information and hands-on practice in workplace skills such as facilitating meetings, making presentations, and managing time.

Around the World - 180 Minutes

The University is host to many students and staff from other parts of the world. In this lively session, International Student and Scholar Services will provide a whirlwind tour of the globe by addressing a series of questions, including general questions such as:

• What is the U of MN's largest international students population?
• How has this population changed over time?

As well as specific questions such as:

• Are there significant cultural differences among our Asian students and scholars?
• What are some tips for communicating with non-native English speakers?

Bring your own questions and hear directly from a student panel about their impressions of the U.S. and U of MN.

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Communicating Across Cultures

Many of us strive to find practical tips and specific skills for being more effective in our communication with people from different cultures. In this session, you'll explore some of the most common cultural differences encountered, identify your own communication style preferences, and gain concrete ideas for your next steps in developing your intercultural competence.

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Conflict Fluency

In this two-part workshop, we will explore different models and approaches to conflict and the ways in which it can be a source of creativity and growth. “Conflict fluency” is the ability to interact and engage with conflict in intentional and effective ways. Participants will increase their understanding of how conflict can be constructively engaged and managed and the ways in which this can improve morale, productivity, efficiency and innovation.

In Part One, participants will explore models and tools as applied to various conflict situations in order to:

• Gain knowledge of strategies and techniques for dealing with conflict and the ways in which these can be applied in a variety of situations;
• Better understand the nature and value of conflict;
• Increase awareness of barriers to conflict fluency;

In Part Two, participants will continue to explore models and tools in order to:

• Enhance capacity to interact and engage with conflict in intentional and effective ways;
• Apply and practice specific tools of conflict engagement, particularly “receiving” and “sending” skills;
• Gain knowledge and resources to assist in continuing the process of gaining greater conflict fluency.

There is a $12 fee for this course to cover the ISCI instrument. You will receive an email with instructions for payment.

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Influencing Without Authority

In our collaborative environment, much of the University's work is done in project teams and other work groups. This means that employees need to be effective communicators, able to have influence even when they don't have formal authority.

This session will provide tools to help participants:

• Learn ways to use their preferred communication styles to communicate
• Identify behaviors that enhance and limit their ability to listen effectively
• Create an environment in which team members can discuss work issues and share feedback in a supportive manner

There is a $10 fee for this course. You will receive an email with instructions for payment.

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Leading Effective Meetings

Are you leading, or do you take part in, meetings that aren’t as productive as they could be? This course teaches proven methods and techniques meeting facilitators can use to make meeting time more productive.

After completing this course participants will be able to:

• Create and use an agenda that improves meeting efficiency and effectiveness
• Lead the creation and implementation of meeting norms/ground rules
• Take steps that will open up discussion and increase participation in meetings
• Recognize the pros and cons of the five most common decision making methods
• As a facilitator, confidently address meeting participants who engage in “unproductive” behavior

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Transitions and Change: Understanding the Dynamics of Change

This course is a pre-requisite for "Transitions and Change: Managing Transitions at Work."

Major transitions at work are becoming more and more common. This session will outline how change and transition affect your work and personal life. This session will introduce transition and change models and allow time to practice with tools that will help you be successful in changing times.

Participants will:

• Understand key models describing transition and change
• Examine changes and transitions in their own work and personal lives
• Apply specific tools to create an action plan for managing change

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Transitions and Change: Managing Transitions at Work

Pre-requisite: Supervisors and team leaders take this course as a follow-up to "Transitions and Change: Understanding the Dynamics of Change."

Supervisors and team leaders play a key role in ensuring that change and transition occur smoothly and successfully. This session will provide the tools you need to effectively manage transitions and change within your work group.

Participants will:

• Apply change and transition models to current work situations
• Understand how to manage polarities that may arise out of transitions and change
• Learn tools for help employees be successful in managing change

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