Programs and Workshops

Leadership

Leadership Standards Initiative (LSI) Training   

The Leadership Standards Initiative establishes clear expectations for how we work together at Central Michigan University. Mandated for supervisors, and strongly encouraged for all others, this training clarifies the definitions of the six leadership standards, identifies how the standards are built into CMU processes, and explores the skills of providing and receiving feedback. We will also discuss 360’s and other tools for assessing leadership and relational skills.  

Supervision

Performance Management 

Performance Planning is a partnership. Learn how to develop SMART goals, deliver effective feedback, focus on career development for yourself and your staff and utilize the CMU Performance Management process.  

End of Year Performance Conversations 

Painful process or meaningful dialogue? This workshop explores techniques for creating effective two-way conversations which strengthen relationships and improve employee engagement rather than damaging both. This training covers the four basic needs of every employee and what you can do to best meet those needs  

So, I Am in Charge, Now What Do I Do? 

Stepping into a supervisory role can feel overwhelming—suddenly, you’re responsible not just for tasks, but for people. This three-part series, based on Kevin Burns’ The Carefull Supervisor, helps new and experienced supervisors build the skills they need to lead with confidence. Through practical strategies and conversations with other leaders, participants will learn how to shift from "boss" to leader, communicate with clarity and care, and create a workplace culture built on safety, respect, and accountability. Participants will receive a copy of the book. 

Interpersonal Relationships / Conflict Management

5 Dysfunctions of a Team ​ 

Based on the bestselling book by Patrick Lencioni. In his book, Lencioni reviews the five dysfunctions that prevent most organizations from optimally performing: absence of trust, fear of conflict, inability to commit, lack of accountability, and inattention to results. Participants will explore how to apply strategies to overcome the challenges teams encounter.  

Speak My Type: MBTI and Communication Styles  

Explore how MBTI preferences shape communication styles and impact everyday interactions. This session offers practical strategies for adapting communication to different personality types, fostering clearer dialogue, reducing misunderstandings, and building stronger working relationships across diverse roles and teams 

Self-Awareness and Personal Effectiveness

Clifton Strengths 

The Clifton Strengths assessment helps individuals identify their natural talents and understand how they can use them to succeed at work and in life. Through a strengths-based approach, participants gain greater self-awareness and learn how to intentionally apply what they do best. Coaching sessions are available for both individuals and teams to help interpret results, build on strengths, and enhance collaboration, communication, and overall effectiveness. There is a cost for this program.  

Wellness

Mental Health First Aid Training 

In collaboration with the CMU Counseling Center we can organize and host a MHFA session. This certification program is designed to assist faculty, staff and students in developing skills to recognize early signs and symptoms of mental health challenges and instructs them on an approach that can be used to approach and assist someone who is struggling. The skill set learned from this program can help us support everyone around us in being able to address and discuss mental health concerns and taking care of each other.   

MBTI and Being in the Grip 

How can your Myers Briggs Type impact how you react to stress? Learn what it means to be "in the grip" of your least-preferred function during times of stress. This interactive session helps participants recognize their own stress responses, understand how others may react differently, and develop strategies to manage pressure constructively in professional settings.   

Change and Transitions 

Change happens!  Whether at home or work, chosen or not, we all face change of various kinds and intensities.  How can I work through change to obtain the best possible results, while helping those around me who may be experiencing some of the same things?  Based on 3 different models of change, this interactive workshop will explore the dynamics involved, so participants can better navigate through both the change and their personal reactions to it. 

Team Dynamics

Teambuilding 

Adventure learning techniques will be used to deliver powerful and effective problem-solving experiences. In this workshop, teamwork, cooperation, communication, and trust become much more than just words; they become actions. Hands on activities will be followed by a processing session where participants analyze performance and think critically about lessons learned from the experience. Challenge yourself, build relationships, have fun, and learn teambuilding techniques that will be applicable to your particular work unit.  

Building Teams with the MBTI 

Discover how the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) can enhance team collaboration and effectiveness. This session explores how different personality types contribute to group work, problem-solving, and decision-making. Participants will learn to appreciate diverse strengths, navigate team challenges, and foster a more inclusive and productive work environment.   

Service Excellence 

Care, Knowledge, Availability, Follow-Through. These service standards and CMU's long tradition of service excellence are reinforced at this workshop. Also learn how to deal with difficult people and difficult situations. This will help you create an understanding of how to serve others and support your own team.  

Planning, Organization, and Time Management 

I Want to Get “Organizedish” This Year! 

Do you start off the semester with the best intentions of being more organized? Have you ever bought a new planner and after a few weeks give up using it? This session is designed for people who find time management a challenge or just want some new ideas. We will share some simple, free and realistic ways to manage your time and priorities without pretending you have your life together. 

Running Effective Meetings 

Spend too much time in meetings? Many of us do. Learn techniques to increase buy-in, participation, and commitment. Be a meeting leader who uses meetings to get things done, make decisions, build morale, and communicate pertinent information. Participants will review how to bring more structure and direction to their meetings, while keeping them interactive and positive. 

Time and Life Management 

Picture a life that's more organized, more peaceful, and more productive. Imagine balancing your roles more successfully and achieving your highest priorities. This workshop will focus on time tested time management principles and tools that you will be able to immediately apply to all aspects of your life, both at home and at work.  

Project Management I 

This workshop will provide an overview of the major stages involved in taking a project from inception to completion. Some basic tools for managing the project will be shared and hands-on practice provided. It will lay the groundwork necessary for such scheduling tools as Gantt charts and Microsoft Project to be used effectively.