Stress is a normal and very functional part of life; however, unmanaged stress can wreak havoc in every area of one's life. The ability to manage stress successfully is a huge advantage when dealing with daily demands, professional as well as personal. Successful Stress Managers provides information and motivation to encourage behavioral changes that lead to less distress, as well as promoting and maintaining healthy balance.

What to Expect: These sessions contain stress test(s), information, reminders, and exercises to control one's reaction to stressors. Specific topics of discussion include identifying specific sources of stress, becoming aware of burnout, naming stress-prone personalities, changing perceptions, recognizing self-induced stressors, using time-saving techniques, valuing relaxation, and setting realistic goals. Discover ways to break old habits that produce fatigue, irrational thoughts, and stress.

A "Successful Stress Managers" audio presentation (2 hours) is available upon request. This program has proven to increase retention from training.

In June 1997, Karen created and videotaped a three-part stress training series entitled "How to Manage Stress" for Fred Pryor Resources, which is distributed nationally and internationally through Nightingale Conant.

E.Q. (Emotional Quotient or Emotional Intelligence) has proven to be a better barometer than I.Q. (Intelligence Quotient) when determining one's success. Emotional Intelligence is the ability to understand one's emotions and to manage and use them to improve personal and/or professional relationships. People with high E.Q.'s can empathize with others and use emotional information to make connections and enrich relationships.

What to Expect: The class identifies perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors, while providing steps toward acceptance and change. Assertive techniques are taught to build confidence to better handle emotionally charged events. Managing anger, stress, and negativity is discussed in detail. Communicating effectively when dealing with criticism and conflict are among the most rewarding segments of training. Participants have many opportunities to review past behaviors that have produced negative or unproductive results. Troublesome situations and circumstances, as it relates to the work environment, are identified.

EQ and Anger Management tests can be ordered to evaluate how participants manage their own emotions or anger.

Projecting a positive, professional image imparts a commanding, competitive edge. This is particularly true when organizations are under public scrutiny. Unfortunately, image is an area that's often overlooked or taken for granted. In this course, an inventory is taken to disclose one's image. This seminar takes a serious look at projecting images of choice with a focus on personal presentation.

What to Expect: Emphasis is placed on various components of nonverbal and verbal communication. Nonverbal communication covers visual presentation - wardrobe, presence, and behavior. Verbal communication includes work on voice and vocal credibility. Specific areas that can be incorporated into the training are 1) Appropriate Business Casual Attire; 2) Flattering Various Body Types; 3) Corporate Business Attire; and, 4) Business Etiquette. (Note: dining skills are a major part of the etiquette training). A full day is recommended for this workshop; videotaping is an option.

Today's work environment is comprised heavily of self-directed teams, many of which experience only a modicum of success. There are three basic reasons why teams don't succeed: 1) teams are created in name only with no true purpose or goal; 2) interpersonal conflicts and personnel problems are tolerated with no deliberate effort toward resolution; 3) previous team efforts have not been equitably compensated. This course helps groups identify the challenges unique to their team and determine the best steps to overcome potential problems.

What to Expect: Responsibility and accountability are critical to the success of a team and are the underlying theme of Committing to Team Connections. Communication, interpersonal skills, and emotional management are components central to this seminar. This course is a combination of lecture, group discussion, and exercises designed to help teams help themselves. Please note that teambuilding is an ongoing process, a six-hour training day will only identify basic principles. To effectively cause change, consider a series of customized programs to produce desired results.

Numerous companies and government agencies have contracted Karen to facilitate office or company retreats. The focus of retreats is usually to improve work relationships. Learning more about co-workers and developing cultural competency are targeted outcomes of these sessions. Success increases when retreats are offsite in an atmosphere to encourage people to "open up." Please note that retreats are not the solution, rather a non-threatening avenue to begin to work toward harmonious resolution. Communication, interpersonal skills, and emotional management are training components central to retreats.

What to Expect: Retreats are customized based on desired outcomes. Experience has proven that learning takes place when people are relaxed and having fun, therefore anticipate a variety of activities. When sensitive issues need to be addressed, they are presented in a nonthreatening manner, "rules of the day" are established by participants. Retreats have served as the initial step in organizational teambuilding.

Partnering Sessions are unique “team building” opportunities for parties involved with construction projects. Anyone in the construction business knows the range of “rocks in the road” that are integral to getting the job done within budget and on time. Customization and focused facilitation is key to moving the group in the same direction. Contact Karen for references or ideas for your session.

Leadership Enhancement Learning Programs uncover the intricacies of leadership, management and supervision. Courses are independent, comprehensive and include a variety of exercises and activities that promote experiential learning. These programs are designed to be a systematic, competency-based approach to leadership development as stated within (your) organizational guidelines. Emphasis is placed on increasing an individual's awareness of competency needs, and addressing those needs at each level of leadership development. Leadership Enhancement programs are an excellent vehicle for continuing education. Participants leave with skills appropriate for their level, an action plan for improvement, and a workbook that captures information from the week.

What to Expect:
Phase I (Entry-level or basic supervisory skills) Participants will be introduced to the skills necessary to transition more effectively to supervisory and leadership roles. Competencies addressed are: Judgment and Decision Making; Problem Solving; Analyzing Performance; Oral Communication; Listening; Leading the Work Unit and Workforce Management. A week is recommended to adequately cover course material.

Phase II (Advanced-level for experienced supervisors) Participants focus on leadership, supervisory, and managerial training to address the changing roles and competencies. Competencies include: Leadership in the Work Unit; Oral Communication; Developing Employees; Analyzing Performance, Decision Making, Problem Solving; Listening; Managing Conflict and Workforce Management. A week is recommended to adequately cover course material.

Phases III (Mid-level managers) Participants should be experienced managers preparing to move up into senior or executive positions. These competencies include: Leading and Managing Work Units; Analyzing Performance; Problem Solving; Communicating Effectively; Developing Partnerships; Managing Conflict; Fostering Employee Growth/Professional Development and Motivation. A week is recommended to adequately cover course material.