Program Series Description

The People Matter Series offers agencies just-in-time training on topics most pertinent to their organizational needs. These courses use videos based upon public sector case studies, class discussion, co-worker assessments and other adult learning techniques to maximize employee potential through training. Courses can be tied together to build upon each other or can be used as stand-alone courses to focus upon issues vital to an agency’s success.

Participants gain knowledge, skills and abilities to assist them in reaching goals. The course methodology allows participants to direct their own learning by diagnosing their performance, identifying strengths and improvement opportunities, and choosing appropriate measures to develop their skills and understandings. Several of the courses have an additional survey component which can be utilized to enhance the learning of participants. Participants leave the sessions with an action plan and improved skills to discuss future plans with their supervisors and subordinates.

The series includes:

• Building Commitment - Successful organizations depend on unleashing and maximizing the talents of the workforce. Explore the conditions of commitment in state organizations and the factors and practices which strengthen the value of employee contributions. Targeted for executives, managers and supervisors only.

• Career Planning & Management - Participants enhance their ability to direct development after completing this course. It teaches ways to gain experiences and competencies needed to progress toward goals and satisfaction in current and future positions. Course open to all employees.

• Change Management - After completing this two-day course, managers assess their preparedness to carry out the role of change agent, lead performance improvement and guard against change that undermines an organization. Targeted for managers and supervisors only.

• Developing People - This course provides a model for discussing performance and development opportunities that produce “win-win” agreements between management and employees. Participants examine the impact of management styles; learn techniques to conduct development review meetings; and identify steps to improve performance and build capacity. Targeted for managers and supervisors only.

•  Effective Communication - Good communication is the foundation of productive organizations. Participants overcome barriers, develop active listening and improve team communication while ensuring mutual understanding and strengthening work relationships. Course open to all employees.

•  Elements of Leadership - Examine skills and techniques to build leadership effectiveness, alignment to agency goals and mission. Participants learn skills to engage people, maximize resources, communicate the vision and mission, balance day-to-day demands and play a role as a leader in an ever changing workplace. Targeted for managers and supervisors.

• Taking Charge of Change - This dynamic one-day course guides participants through understanding, learning and enhancing strategies and techniques when dealing with change. This enables individuals to make choices that better align their individual talents and skills with the desired future state of their organization. Targeted for non-supervisory employees.

• Handling Conflict - Conflict can be a catalyst for positive change.  Participants will learn knowledge, skills and abilities to improve effectiveness at handling conflict.  The course will identify and analyze the situational factors which cause unproductive conflict, assess interpersonal practices and styles, and identify steps that can be taken to improve performance.Targeted for non-supervisory employees.

• Managing Conflict - Conflict is a natural disagreement between parties and does not necessarily have to be looked upon as negative.  Left unresolved, conflict can take a fiscal and managerial toll on the workplace, possibly resulting in absenteeism, lack of productivity and employee turnover.  Participants will learn skills to improve work unit performance by increasing the effectiveness of managing conflict.  Targeted for managers and supervisors.

Eligibility

View course Web sites for course-specific eligibility requirements. Customized sessions are available to meet agency/team specific needs.

There is no charge for these courses.

Contact Information:

Ohio Department of Administrative Services
Office of Training & Development
30 E. Broad Street, 29th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215-3414

(614) 387-6183, (888) 577-6276; Fax (614) 728-9464

E-mail:hrd.training.staff@das.state.oh.us