Business and Community Solutions

2015 Dubuque Business Consortium

What is the Business Consortium?Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) Business and Community Solutions mission is to collaborate with businesses, industries and the community to provide tailored, high-quality professional educational opportunities that enhance personal and professional development. Realizing that organizations are facing increased fiscal responsibility, we have implemented a model that pools financial resources and allows employers to gain access and exposure to quality training at a reasonable cost, increasing the return on investment and exposing employees to expert trainers.

How do we become a member?Invest in an annual membership of $1,525 in addition to $3 per full time employee. Example: A company with 100 employees would pay annually $1,525 + $300 = $1,825. The annual investment per employee is $18.25.

Where is the training?Classes begin in January of each year at Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC): Town Clock Business Center680 Main Street • Dubuque, IA 52001

For additional information or to become a member, contact: Bailey Kloft 563.557.8271, ext. 140 kloftb@nicc.edu

For questions regarding class registration, contact: NICC Business and Community Solutions 563.557.8271, ext. 380

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Microsoft Excel 2010 Fast-Paced - Level 1 This class is for users with little or no experience with Microsoft Excel 2010. Students will learn about the new Ribbon interface and practice data entry and editing, selecting cells and ranges and formatting cell contents. An introduction to creating charts, using formulas and printing worksheets is also included. An illustrated textbook is included in the cost of the class.

Date: Tuesday/Thursday, March 3 & 5, 2015Time: 9 a.m.-Noon (Attendees Must Attend Both Sessions)Trainer: Karen TueckeRoom: 105

The Perfect Storm (Generational Mix) For the first time ever, there are four generations (soon to be five!) in the workforce. This has never happened before and is creating all kinds of new issues. Each generation, Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Generation X and Generation Y, brings a different perspective to the workplace. Unless bridged, these differences can be frustrating and will impact an organization’s bottom line. What are each generation’s core values? What do they expect of their leaders and how do they define success? In this engaging program, John Graci answers these questions and much more. Filled with concrete examples and entertaining front line stories, this presentation will show all attendees we are all “different” and how to make the most out of cross-generational differences.

Date: Tuesday, March 17, 2015Time: 8-10 a.m.Trainer: John GraciRoom:106C

Leadership Institute: Develop the Leader Within You! No longer can one rely solely on technical and management skill for professional success. Today’s professionals need 21st century skills which include team management techniques, powerful communication methods and effective self-development.

The NICC Leadership Institute provides interactive, relevant, learner-centered training that is engaging, meaningful and results in professional growth. The six-week series includes four-hour modules that build on each other and weave together components of several leading-edge approaches to leadership. Participants are to attend all six sessions.

Session 1: “Discover Your Leadership Style” utilizes appreciative inquiry as a way for participants to explore concepts of leadership and management, formulate a common vision of effective leadership and identify shared organizational values. Additionally, participants assess their own personal leadership style and recognize a range and variety of leadership, managementand organizational development theories.

2015 Class Schedule

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Session 2: “Communication, The Heart of it ALL” uses small and large group exercises to identify effective communications skills. The session also explores characteristics of learning organizations, with a particular focus on understanding the power of mental models (unspoken assumptions). Participants practice advocacy, inquiry and narrative techniques as ways to address mental models and other forms of interference in communication.

Session 3: “Supervision and Management” further explores characteristics of learning organizations by introducing the concepts of personal mastery and whole systems as management frameworks. After identifying their unit’s purpose via customers’ needs, wants and expectations, participants have the opportunity to share exceptional supervisory experiences. They then apply leadership styles and applications to real-life supervisory situations through role-plays utilizing objective, reflective, interpretiveand decisional questions.

Session 4: “The Power of Teams” is designed for individuals who currently head teams but have little or no formal training in group dynamics or team leadership. The session covers essential elements of effective teams (e.g., ground rules, agendas and evaluations), group task and maintenance functions, stages of group developmentand climate assessment primarily through interactive exercises and large and small group discussion. The emphasis is on application to current job responsibilities.

Session 5: “The Art of Conflict Resolution and Negotiation” presents a framework for understanding conflict, exploring different conflict resolution styles and adopting a positive approach to resistance. Through discussions and group exercises, participants learn to recognize the value of conflict, identify its various sources and express, appreciate and manage resistance.

Session 6: Attitude of Service - Leading Change uses a systems approach to highlight the advantages of adaptive change. Drawing on their own work experiences and key leadership concepts introduced throughout the course, participants will envision their accomplishments six months out and will develop individual action plans, as well as next steps towards building and nurturing a learning organization.

Dates: Tuesday, April 7, 14, 21, 28 and May 5 &12, 2015Time: 8 a.m.-NoonTrainer: Lisa SchaeferRoom:106C

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Tips for Balancing A Busy Workload Feel like you’re always short of time? The reality is that we won’t get more time in our days no matter how hard we try, so we’d better learn to use what we have as effectively as possible. Planning, prioritizing and productivity are critical skills necessary for accomplishing more in the time we do have and discussion and activities in this class will focus on strategies you can apply immediately. Regardless of whether you have attended other trainings on this topic or not, it’s an investment in your continuous improvement to learn new concepts and refresh the skills you already possess. We can help you make a difference in your day!

Date: Thursday, April 16, 2015Time: 9-11 a.m.Trainer: Celina PeermanRoom:106A

Brunch & Learn- Business Email: Write it Right Are your email messages effective? Do they get the results that you want? Are you aware of how to contribute to your organization’s success via email? During this workshop, you will discover best practices for composing and writing, using this primary mode of communication, making it easier for your readers to read, understand and respond to your messages.

Date: Tuesday, May 26, 2015Time: 9:30-10:30 a.m.Trainer: James BrimeyerRoom:106C

Microsoft Excel 2010 Fast-Paced - Level 2 This intermediate-level class introduces more features of Microsoft Excel 2010, building on Level 1. Students will learn to create large worksheets and workbooks, tables, outlines and templates. They will also practice inserting clip art, pictures, SmartArt and digital signatures. An illustrated textbook is included in the cost of the class.

Date: Tuesday, June 16, 2015Time: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.Trainer: Karen TueckeRoom: 105

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A Roadmap for Talent Management and Succession Planning The future success of an organization hinges on two primary factors. Recognizing the organizational culture, particularly as it relates to the hiring process, is critical to creating a succession plan and a solid succession plan is dependent on the organization’s current attention to attracting and retaining talented employees. It is the job of every member of the organization to contribute to this effort, but managers who supervise staff have an especially important role in the support and development of the next generation of leaders. We’ll address talent management issues such as providing quality performance reviews and offer transition tools to implement a smooth succession process. Are you ready for your future?

Date: Tuesday, June 23, 2015Time: 1-4 p.m.Trainer: Celina PeermanRoom: 106A

Business Writing I & II Strong writers make successful professionals. Using humorous, practical examples and practice ex-ercises, this seminar offers business writers interesting, advanced ideas that will enhance the quality of written communication in business letters, reports, memos and emails. The seminar includes strategies for composing clear, concise, persuasive writing along with valuable lessons on editing the grammar, usage and mechanics of formal written English. Each participant will also receive a copy of Brimeyer’s book, “Taming the Writing Tiger: A Handbook for Business Writers.”

Date: Tuesday/Thursday, July 7 & 9, 2015Time: 8 a.m-NoonTrainer: James BrimeyerRoom: 106A

Tough Talks: Handling Difficult Conversations We’ve all probably been part of a challenging conversation and recognize how uncomfortable they can be. When you understand why and how these conversations arise and learn some strategies to keep them on a constructive track, you can respond more effectively when difficult conversations occur in the future. We’ll talk about how to cope with difficult behavior patterns, avoid defensiveness and seek to understand and learn from difficult conversations. This is one circumstance at which we can never be too skilled.

Date: Wednesday, July 15, 2015Time: 8 a.m-NoonTrainer: Terry WhitsonRoom: 106C

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Peer Feedback: Delivering and Receiving It For today’s professionals, understanding how to engage in conversations that strengthen relationships and build trust with coworkers is a critical skill for career success. Fortunately, effective peer communication knowing what to say, how to say it and when to say it – is a set of skills that can be learned and practiced. We’ll explore the challenges of addressing difficult behavior, conflicting priorities and communication pitfalls. We’ll also examine different scenarios and learn techniques to provide productive feedback, support and assistance to a fellow coworker and to graciously receive feedback that is being offered by a colleague.

Date: Wednesday, August 12, 2015Time: 8-10 a.m.Trainer: Celina PeermanRoom: 106C

Advanced Leadership Institute -The Leader is Within YOU! Attendees may attend the sessions individually. Recommendation: Attend all seven sessions

Session 1: “DIY: Delegate, Implement, YOUR Authority” Do you want a favorable reputation from upper management by having the ability to get more quality AND quantity of work accomplished through your employees? This class will demonstrate that through the empowerment of employees, giving them autonomy to make decisions and allowing them to do their job, their leader becomes even more valuable to an organization. Come try to stump the instructor on why delegation may not be in your best interests! See how to overcome the most popular tactics used by employees to resist delegation. By the time this session is over, you will see that appropriate delegation just makes plain dollars and sense!

Date: Tuesday, August 4, 2015Time: 8 a.m.-NoonTrainer: John GraciRoom: 106C

Session 2: “Goals Vs. Time: When There’s More To Do Than There is Time ?” It’s a daily dilemma. Regardless of whether it’s personal or professional, we are constantly juggling too much and pressured to handle even more. The only thing that doesn’t increase is the amount of time in a day. Wouldn’t it be nice to feel balanced and in control of your life? This class will focus on the development and use of customized strategies and management tools that will encourage healthy practices to improve attitude, relationships, time management and communication.

Date: Tuesday, August 11, 2015Time: 8 a.m.-NoonTrainer: Matt BoothRoom: 106C

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Session 3: “Professionalism: Choosing Success” Professionalism in the workplace is a very important part of business etiquette. We portray professionalism by how we look, talk, act and work. When employees are professional, it creates a competitive advantage within their business circle. In this class, participants will identify and discuss the impact of image and appearances, effective communication strategies, appropriate use of social technology and strategies for personal accountability.

Date: Tuesday, August 18, 2015Time: 8 a.m.-NoonTrainer: Lisa SchaeferRoom: 106C

Session 4: “Problem Solving & Critical Thinking” Problem solving involves discovering, analyzing and, ultimately, meeting and overcoming challenges. During this class, participants will work within groups, using effective and strategic tools to find optimal solutions for issues. Process mapping, brainstorming, Pareto analysis and fish-bone diagramming will be part of this class’ “bag of tricks.” The instructor will also provide the standard formula for using critical thinking skills in obtaining the overall desired outcome of working smarter, not harder.

Date: Tuesday, August 25, 2015Time: 8 a.m.-NoonTrainer: Dean RussellRoom: 106C

Session 5: “Situational Leadership-Conflict Resolution and Negotiation II” As leaders continue to grow into their role over time, they must also progress in their conflict resolution skills to remain successful. This session challenges attendees to adapt to different scenarios and utilize higher-level techniques for effective conflict resolution. Participants will discuss a new process that creates a conflict resolution strategy unique to their situation, a system that holds them accountable and a road map for continued growth.

Date: Tuesday, September 1, 2015Time: 8 a.m.-NoonTrainer: Celina PeermanRoom: 106C

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Session 6: “Appraising People & Performance” The purpose in conducting performance reviews and providing ongoing feedback is to ensure that team members perform at their best. Ironically, the process of conducting performance reviews can be a stressful process that many participants prefer to avoid. In this class, participants will discuss typical problems encountered in the performance review process to identify the steps that need to be taken to overcome them. Participants will be armed with specific approaches and methods to deliver effective performance feedback without having to change or modify their company’s performance review system.

Date: Tuesday, September 15, 2015Time: 8 a.m.-NoonTrainer: Laurie JohnsonRoom: 106C

Session 7: “Coaching & Mentoring” Coaching and mentoring are two different approaches for helping employees reach their potential in the workplace. Being successful requires the ability to discern their differences, make the appropriate choice and execute a successful plan. A key focus of this class will be how to select a formal or informal plan as the most effective coaching or mentoring approach. Attendees will be challenged to define their personal approach based on their unique situation, create a plan to insure successful coaching or mentoring and develop benchmarks to measure effectiveness.

Date: Tuesday, September 22, 2015Time: 8 a.m.-NoonTrainer: Lisa SchaeferRoom: 106C

Microsoft Excel 2010 Fast-Paced – Level 3 Do you want to challenge your Excel skills? Here is the advanced Excel class for you! Learn how to work with pivot tables and macros, financial functions, data analysis, auditing and additional functions. You will also practice advanced formatting and analysis tools, collaboration and more. An illustrated textbook is included in the cost of the class.

Date: Thursday, October 8, 2015Time: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.Trainer: Tish YoungRoom: 105

Motivating Employees Using Common Sense This class challenges supervisors’ assumptions that low motivation is usually the fault of the employee. News flash: Changing how YOU lead can change your employees’ attitudes and increase motivation! So take a look in the mirror and open yourself to developing leadership techniques that get the results you want - productive, motivated employees.

Date: Tuesday, November 10, 2015Time: 8-10 a.m.Trainer: John GraciRoom: 106C

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Meet the TrainersMatt Booth is the owner of Mattitude, LLC and is a nationally-known speaker, trainer and speech coach. He entertains people, educates minds, and impacts lives. Matt has been recognized as an Outstanding Young Iowan and Dubuque Rising Star Award winner.

Jim Brimeyer is a career teacher of writing, 25 years at the high school level, and more than two decades at NICC. His college composition textbook, “You’ve Gotta Have Heart in Your Writing,” is in its second edition. He is also an instructor for the Iowa Writing Project and conducts pedagogical and business writing presentations throughout the U.S. Jim has garnered state and national awards for his exceptional teaching.

John Graci has more than 15 years of experience in leadership development and training. He received his bachelor’s degree in speech communication from the University of Wisconsin - River Falls and is the author of the leadership book, “The Buck Stops with You,” published in 2009. John has performed at locations from the Mirage in Las Vegas to overnight retreats located in International Falls, Minn. to CNN! He currently resides in Cottage Grove, Minn.

Laurie Johnson has a wide range of management experience in human resources, industrial relations, organizational development, business information systems, training and development, management coaching, mediation and communication disciplines. She has more than 15 years of experience helping companies elevate the performance of their employees and improve productivity. Laurie is also CEO of Innovations Communications Consulting, a company she founded in 2004.

Celina Peerman, Ph.D is a trainer and instructional designer specializing in organization behavior and human resource management related topics. She received her psychology degree, with a distinction in organizational psychology, from Capella University, Minneapolis, Minn. and received her master’s in business leadership, specializing in human resource management, from Upper Iowa University, Fayette. Her undergrad degree was from the University of Dubuque in psychology and international studies. Dr. Peerman is a trainer and consultant with 20+ years of experience, specializing in organizational behavior and human resource management-related topics. She also has expertise in senior leadership roles in human resource, organizational development and operations positions in both profit and not-for-profit businesses - where she was responsible for quality service, effective processes, staff diversity and achieving measurable results.

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Jan Powers is a communication and public relations professional with more than 20 years of experience in communication consulting and training, public relations, advertising, marketing, corporate, employee and media communication and event planning. She holds a bachelor’s degree in speech communication, a master’s degree in public relations, and is a member of the Public Relations Society of America.

Dr. Dean Russell is an organizational effectiveness consultant with Trusight, Inc. He is certified in many areas including lead auditor for ISO 9000/13485 Series/14000 Series and a facilitator and administrator for the Myers-Briggs/DISC Behavioral Type Indicator. Dean uses the ISO/Baldrige quality models as the primary instrument in the installation of Quality and Environmental Systems. He has served as adjunct faculty at Limestone College, S.C., Southern Wesleyan College, S.C. and Haywood Community College, N.C. Dean is a national speaker and a frequent speaker at the University of St. Thomas, Minn. He received his doctorate of philosophy in international business from the University of South Carolina.

Lisa Schaefer is the owner of Shine with Schaefer, Northeast Iowa Community College’s (NICC) instructor of the professional development courses for community college faculty and brings online instructor position a wealth of educational and work experience. Ms. Schaefer’s career path includes positions with the K-12 Wisconsin Public School system as a high school counselor, psychology instructor with Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, director of students services with Southwest Wisconsin Community College, and currently a human services program instructor with NICC. Ms. Schaefer’s experience offers a broad background of instruction in all modalities: face-to-face, hybrids and full online environments. Ms. Schaefer received her bachelor’s in psychology with a minor in marketing as well as her master’s of science in education degree in school and adult counseling from the University of Wisconsin, Platteville, Wis. In addition, Ms. Schaefer has earned an Educational Leadership Certificate from Winona State University, Winona, Minn., as well as numerous Wisconsin Technical College Course Certifications including Lean/Six Sigma, Teaching Methods, Curriculum Design (WIDS), Guidance and Counseling, Educational Diversity, and Survival Spanish for Educators.

Karen Tuecke has a master’s degree in business with experience in sales, marketing, public relations and interactive media. She is a Microsoft certified trainer and has been teaching a range of computer classes at NICC since 2007.

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Terry Whitson is an independent training and development consultant with more than 25 years of experience in corporate training. She earned her undergraduate degree in business and marketing from the University of Iowa and master’s degree in adult learning and organizational performance from Drake University.

Prior to starting TW Training, she was a human resource professional and corporate trainer for large companies and has been a director of customer service. Terry’s program topics include leadership, team building, customer service and communication. She is also an adjunct faculty member at Kirkwood Community College and Mt. Mercy University in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Tish Young has more than 20 years of experience in the field of information technology, having worked as a trainer, help desk staffer and consultant. She specializes in software instruction, frequently teaching Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, FrontPage, Publisher and Outlook for college credit, continuing education and business training. Tish creates a comfortable, open and conversational classroom, incorporating real life examples that apply to her students’ career and personal goals.

The NICC Business Consortium has provided our professionals at American Trust an opportunity to develop their professional, technical and leadership skills with high quality courses and instructors. The courses are offered at convenient, manageable times and the content is immediately applicable to our work environment.- Lisa Bowers 2nd Vice President, Human Resources Director of Professional Development American Trust & Savings Bank