Daily Archives: January 5, 2015

GRCC In the News, 1/5/2015

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State’s focus on workforce development plays to GRCC’s strengths, president says
12/21/14 MiBiz.com
As companies across the country and in West Michigan pay close attention to talent issues, they’ve largely looked to , community colleges as the go-to source for skilled workers. However, attracting students to technical training programs and sourcing funding for those programs continue to be issues for those schools. During his tenure, Grand Rapids Community College President Steven Ender has worked to grow the college’s programs and curriculum to meet the needs of employers in West Michigan. He spoke with MiBiz about the role community colleges will play in training workers in the coming year.

Staff Development offers some learning opportunities

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Staff Development has completed the winter schedule of learning opportunities. We are still waiting to receive the GVSU schedule. Their workshops will be added to the Staff Development registration page http://grcc.edu/staffdevelopment/currentlearningopportunitiesregistration as soon as the schedule is available. Workshops are open to all Staff and Faculty.

Making your Resolutions Stick

Tue Jan 6, 2015 from 10:30-11:30 Am in Room 140 Calkins Science Center

Did you know that only 10-12% of those that make resolutions actually keep them? Don’t be another statistic. Keep your resolutions by making smaller goals and understanding your readiness to change. Goals are powerful in achieving progress towards better health. Learn how to set goals that can be personalized and attainable for you! Facilitated by Allegro Coaching.

Effective Communication

Tue Jan 20, 2015 from 9-11 AM in Room 118 Wisner-Bottrall Applied Technology Center

Communication problems are so often the issue between colleagues, friends, and associates. There are many elements to effective communication – what we say, how we say it, and how the message is perceived. This class will explore the impact of the many elements of communicating and how you can use this knowledge to improve your communications. Topics include: Assumptions; Body language and tone; Listening; and barriers to receiving messages. Facilitated by Zoe Carmichael.

Investment Basics (Lunch & Learn)

Wed Jan 21, 2015 from 12-1 PM in Room 103 Sneden Hall

Part of the PNC Bank ‘Community Development Banking Lunch & Learn’ series. Learn the ins and outs of investing and how to get started. **PNC Bank will be providing a complimentary lunch to all attending this presentation**

Organic Foods-Are they safer and more nutritious?

Tue Jan 27, 2015 from 1-2 PM in Room 103 Sneden Hall

Complete title “Organic Foods-Are they safer and more nutritious?” Part of the Kent County Health Department Nutrition Series: Is it really worth spending the extra money on organic products? What is the difference between organic foods and their traditionally grown counterparts? How do you decide which is best for you when considering nutrition, quality, taste and cost? Do you know where to find locally grown produce? This presentation has all of the answers you are looking for to help you make an educated decision for yourself. Facilitated by Kent County Health Dept.

Bullying in the Workplace

Tue Jan 27, 2015 from 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM in Room 122 LRC (Diversity Learning Center conference room)

Bullying may not have been left behind as we all grew older! Some of the behaviors we experience in the workplace may exhibit the characteristics of bullying. The resulting environment may be so uncomfortable as to affect the work of an individual or the climate of an entire office. The workshop will help identify bullying and its effects while becoming aware of intervention strategies. Participants will recognize and define bullying; Review prevention policies, actions and methods, and become aware of possible intervention strategies. Facilitated by Tamber Bustance.

Team Leadership

Wed Jan 28, 2015 from 1-3 PM. Location TBD

Team roles, processes, and effectiveness are explored. Best practices for team leadership are presented. Diagnostic tools for teamwork and team effectiveness are completed. Learning Objectives: Understand your role as a team leader; Manage essential teamwork processes and roles; Utilize best practices for leading teams; and examine the effectiveness of your team. Facilitated by Zoe Carmichael.

Sauces of Italy (SESSION FULL)

Fri Jan 30, 2015 from 12-1:30 PM in Room 130 Wisner-Bottrall Applied Technology Center

Part of the Kent County Health Department-Adult Nutrition Series: Tired of jarred marinara sauce? You can make a variety of easy and delicious Italian sauces right in your own kitchen. Leave with recipes to add to your collection- You’ll never be bored with noodles again! Facilitated by Dawn Davies.

The Engaging Leader

Fri Feb 6, 2015 from 1-3 PM in Room 336, Student Community Center

This session emphasizes ‘engagement’ as coaching others, communicating, giving effective feedback, handling performance issues, and delegating. Through exercises and discussion, participants will leave with practical tools and tips to begin to be more effective leaders immediately. Learning Objectives: To learn how to obtain more/improved productivity from direct reports as well as how to motivate others in order to improve the overall work-life experience. Facilitated by Kathy Pyatt.

The Neuroscience of Influence

Tue Feb 10, 2015 from 3-4:30 PM, Location TBD

In the hyper-connected world we now live in – where “viral” is something we try to generate instead of avoid – it’s more important than ever to understand how influence is generated. How do ideas and values spread? The answers lie inside our brains. Neuroscience is generating new insight into the ways in which we influence one another – and come of the news may surprise you. Facilitated by Denise VanEck, Thought-Design.

Tax Advantaged Investing (Lunch & Learn)

Wed Feb 11, 2015 from 12-1 PM in Room 103 Sneden Hall

Part of the PNC Bank ‘Community Development Banking Lunch & Learn’ series. PNC Bank officers will explain methods of investing that will provide tax advantages. **PNC Bank will be providing a complimentary lunch to all attending this presentation**

Resistance Band Workout

Wed Feb 11, 2015 from 2-3 PM in Room 202, GRMTEC

A resistance band is a great tool for working out at home or on the go. Learn to use this piece of fitness equipment correctly and progress it with your goals. You’ll get a 10-minute full body workout and group interaction is guaranteed for optimal fun and learning! Facilitated by Allegro Coaching.

Motivating Others

Tue Feb 17, 2015 from 9-11 AM, Location TBD

Participants will learn how to empower and engage others in order to reach shared goals. Specific tactics for setting goals, promoting expectations of success, reinforcing valued behaviors, and building trust and cooperation are explored. Styles of motivation are also discussed. Facilitated by Kathy Pyatt.

Personal Self-Defense (Parts 1 & 2)

Tue Feb 17, 2015 and Tue Feb 24, 2015 from 3:30-5 PM in Room 234 Student Community Center

THIS IS A 2 PART SESSION – In this session, Officer Robert (Bo) Peters will teach you basic self-defense against attacks, as well as ways to become more self-aware.

Persuasive Communication

Wed Feb 18, 2015 from 10 AM – 12 PM. Location TBD

Scientifically-supported methods of getting others to say `Yes’ are discussed. Practical approaches to being more influential are demonstrated. Critical moments of persuasion are highlighted. Small changes in how you deliver your messages can have a dramatic effect be the difference between Yes and No. Facilitated by Zoe Carmichael.

Social Contracts… An Intentional Approach

Tue Feb 24, 2015 from 11:30 AM – 1 PM in Room 122 LRC (Diversity Learning Center conference room)

Whether you are leading in a classroom, a small group meeting, or managing a project, the Social Contract approach will assist you in an intentional process of building and defining inclusive principles, guidelines and consequences for social behaviors. Do not play the expectation guessing game in regard to appropriate social behaviors. Instead, attend this workshop, which will: Introduce a model of an intentional, inclusive Social Contract approach; Practice the model by developing your own Social Contract; Share wisdom with other teachers, community organizers, and professionals; and take back the model to your community. Facilitated by Tamber Bustance.

Real Change: a brain-based approach to healthy change management

Tue Mar 10, 2015 from 9:30-11 AM, Location TBD

The paradox of change is this: the human brain craves change and yet often reacts to it with resistance. Theories and systems abound related to managing change, yet it remains a challenge for almost every organization and team. In this workshop, Denise VanEck takes a different approach, beginning with understanding how the brain experiences and adapts to change and exploring brain-friendly ways to manage a change process in an organization. Facilitated by Thought-Design.

Facilitating Difficult Conversations

Tue Mar 17, 2015 from 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM in Room 122 LRC (Diversity Learning Center conference room)

Facilitating Difficult Conversations is an experiential look at the process of facilitating difficult dialogue, focusing on the qualities of the facilitator and the nuances of group dynamic that impact the process. Participants will examine their conflict management style; develop cultural communication and facilitation skills to address difficult conversations, and practice processing difficult conversations. Workshop facilitated by Tamber Bustance.

The Role of Insurance in Your Financial Plan (Lunch & Learn)

Tue Mar 17, 2015 from 12-1 PM in Room 125 Student Community Center

Part of the PNC Bank ‘Community Development Banking Lunch & Learn’ series. Complete title: “The Role of Insurance in Your Financial Plan.” PNC Bank representatives will discuss the importance of a financial plan that includes life insurance. **PNC Bank will be providing a complimentary lunch to all attending this presentation**

Change Your Mental Talk

Thu Mar 19, 2015 from 10:30-11:30 AM in Room 103 Sneden Hall

Let’s face it – we all have conversations with ourselves internally. When the mind focuses on only negative self-talk, we begin to believe this and limit our true potential when it comes to overall health. How can you harness the power of positive thoughts? What does research show about health and happiness? If you can get your mind right, your body will follow suit. Learn the best rules for being happy, positive, and radiating joy to others in our daily lives. Facilitated by Allegro Coaching.

Leadership / Followership

Wed Mar 25, 2015 from 10 AM – 12 PM, Location TBD

Leadership is the process of an individual influencing a group of individuals to achieve a common goal. Effective leadership requires people to fulfill their roles as leaders and as followers. However, there are many different styles of leading and following and not all of them are effective. This course will examine different styles of leadership and followership in order to promote more effective leadership processes. Facilitated by Zoe Carmichael.

Power Tools to Build a Stronger Team

Tue Mar 31, 2015 from 9-11 AM in Room 103 Sneden Hall

When communication decrease and conflict increases it may be time for a team-building tune-up. In this workshop we’ll explore leadership styles and discuss strategies that you, as team leaders or leaders of your own career, can personally manage conflict and enhance positive communication and collaboration in the workplace. As a team, we’ll develop communication statements that will help foster clearer dialogue and promote understanding. And we’ll explore 6 Power Tools that help build stronger teams and produce a more collaborative and constructive workplace. Facilitated by Kim Monaghan, KBM Coaching & Consulting, LLC.

Using Your Emotional Intelligence to Build Relationships

Tue Apr 7, 2015 from 9-11 AM in Room 103 Sneden Hall

We’ve all heard the importance of emotional intelligence, but how can it, along with social and interpersonal intelligence, help you build your career and develop stronger, more powerful and mutually beneficial relationships. Learn how to prevent conflict, stand out as a leader and empower others as well as yourself. In this 2 hour workshop, we’ll explore the importance of self-awareness, self-management, social awareness and relationship management. Facilitated by Kim Monaghan, KBM Coaching & Consulting, LLC.

Fast, Fresh and Fabulous

Fri Apr 10, 2015 from 12-1:30 PM in Room 130 Wisner-Bottrall Applied Technology Center

Part of the Kent County Health Department-Adult Nutrition Series: With every season, there are foods that we love – recipes that capitalize on fresh ingredients and in-season flavors. Learn how to make delicious and healthy seasonal dishes in under 30 minutes. Facilitated by Dawn Davies.

Desire Stress Relief-Try using the 4 A’s

Wed Apr 15, 2015 from 2-3 PM in Room 103 Sneden Hall

The effects of stress can weigh us down. Coping with daily life can be very difficult. Try using one of the four A’s: Avoid, Alter, Accept or Adapt. Learn to restore the balance back into your life! Facilitated by Allegro Coaching.

The Thriving Organization

Tue Apr 21, 2015 from 1-2:30 PM, Location TBD

Do your employees leave work at the end of the day more excited, more engaged and more inspired than when they arrived? Are people able to do their best thinking and make their best, most authentic contributions to the organization? Or are you all just getting through it all, grateful to survive another day? Even the best organizations can get stuck, losing momentum and energy.

In this workshop you will learn:

  • How to identify the ways in which your organization/team is failing to thrive
  • How brain research reveals some surprising ways you can help your employees to be more fully engaged and inspired
  • Strategies for moving your organization from surviving to thriving

Facilitated by Denice VanEck, Thought-Design.

Retirement Planning (Lunch and Learn)

Wed Apr 22, 2015 from 12-1 PM in Room 202 GRMTEC

Part of the PNC Bank ‘Community Development Banking Lunch & Learn’ series. PNC representatives will explain retirement planning and will help participants prepare to achieve their retirement vision. **PNC Bank will be providing a complimentary lunch to all attending this presentation**

Collaboration With the Brain in Mind

Tue May 5, 2015 from 9:30-11 AM, Location TBD

Today’s most successful organizations are those that maximize their abilities to think, learn and create in collaborative ways. The challenge is that true collaboration requires high emotional intelligence and communication skills, which are often lacking in diverse work teams. Getting under the hood and understanding how the brain works can provide a helpful model for influencing and collaborating with others.

In this workshop, you will learn:

  • Some basic concepts about the social nature of the human brain
  • Ways in which the brain works to manage threat and reward in the workplace
  • How to remove several common barriers to collaboration
  • Strategies for creating an environment that fosters collaborative relationship and thinking

Facilitated by Denice VanEck, Thought-Design.

What to do with your old 401-k or other retirement plan (Lunch and Learn)

Thu May 14, 2015 from 12-1 PM in Room 125 Calkins Science Center

Part of the PNC Bank ‘Community Development Banking Lunch & Learn’ series. Complete title: “What to Do With Your Old 401-k or Other Retirement Plan.” PNC representatives will present the options of what to do with a 401-k account from a former employer. **PNC Bank will be providing a complimentary lunch to all attending this presentation**

Importance of Sleep

Tue May 19, 2015 from 10:30-11:30 AM in Room 103 Sneden Hall

Sleep is just as important as nutrition, exercise and stress management. In fact, it is in the limelight for research shedding light into weight gain and hormone imbalances. Find out how much sleep is enough, why you should go to bed earlier, and how to change your behavior with simple bedtime tips and goal setting! Your energy (and your waistline) will thank you! Facilitated by Allegro Coaching.

8 Heart Healthy Diet Tips to Prevent Heart Disease

Thu Jun 11, 2015 from 10:30-11:30 AM in Room 202 GRMTEC

Certain foods can increase your risk for developing heart disease. Whether you know it or not, it can be tough to change your eating habits. Learn 8 dietary steps to kick start your way to a heart-healthy lifestyle! Facilitated by Allegro Coaching.