In the time it takes to eat a sandwich, you can gain valuable tools to work better.

Each of our classes, workshops, and seminars cover a number of topics. Perhaps a more concentrated treatment of a single topic would be more appropriate for your group.

Lunch and learn sessions are an attractive alternative when you require succinct training in a delivery method that is less intrusive into your employees' workday. Whether you provide lunch or encourage attendees to brown bag it, practical learning is always featured on the menu. The special of the day is interactive exercises with a heaping side order of fun. Best of all, no tipping is required.

Please click on the title of the session(s) in which you are interested to read the full description and for additional information on the length and fees.

Avoiding the Ten Sins of PowerPoint Presentations
PowerPoint has a lot of fun bells and whistles, and it can be tempting to experiment with the various slide transitions, text effects, and background colors. The challenge lies in creating a visually appealing and effective PowerPoint presentation that neither detracts from the impact of your message nor outshines you, the messenger. In this webinar, you'll learn the ten most common errors people make in creating a PowerPoint presentation and how you can avoid them.
Length: 2 hours/Fee: $500


Becoming An Authentic Communicator at Work
Good communication starts with being authentic. This includes knowing when and how to say "no" and understanding how your nonverbal communication plays a role in authenticity. Learn the five keys to becoming an authentic communicator at work and beyond during this lunch and learn session.
Length: 3 hours/Fee: $650

Objectives:

• Learn how and when to say "no" in the workplace.
• Learn how to reach win-win conclusions by suggesting alternatives.
• Learn the role of nonverbal communication cues in authenticity.
• Learn how to recognize incongruities in your verbal and nonverbal communication.
• Learn how to read another's nonverbal cues and adjust your verbal communication accordingly.
• Learn the principles of reciprocity in authentic communication.
• Learn how to establish and maintain your personal boundaries.
• Learn how to maintain your integrity in all communications.



Being Assertive Without Being An "Ass"
There's a fine line between being assertive in the workplace and being aggressive. In this lunch and learn, we'll explore how you can get your point across, ask for what you want, and say no without being an ass. We'll also review the five things you may be doing that undermine your assertiveness.
Length: 3 hours/Fee: $650

Objectives:

• Learn your assertiveness quotient by taking an enlightening self-assessment.
• Learn the difference between passive, assertive, and aggressive communication.
• Learn the five things you may be doing that undermine your assertiveness.
• Learn how, when, and why to say "no".
• Learn how to convey your message assertively and effectively using the 6Cs.
• Develop a specific assertiveness action plan in response to a real-life work situation.

Module 1: What Does It Mean to Be Assertive?
Module 2: Conveying Your Message Assertively Using the 6 Cs
Module 3: Developing An Assertiveness Action Plan


Building Bridges Across Work Groups
Does your company have communication silos? Perhaps members of the IT group find it difficult to share information with members of your sales team? Sometimes it's simply a matter of logistics. Other times, the issue is much deeper. In this lunch and learn, we'll explore practical ways to tear down those communication silos and foster interaction between and among the work groups in your company.
Length: 2 hours/Fee: $500

Objectives:

• Understand the five causes of communication silos in the workplace.
• Learn how to use the BRIDGES Model to bridge the communication gap between functional teams.

Module 1: The Five Main Causes of Communication Silos
Module 2: Using the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Model to Foster Intergroup Communication


Controlling Your Emotions at Work
It's human nature to sometimes let our emotions get the best of us. However, this can be particularly problematic in the workplace. In this lunch and learn, you'll learn how to channel your raw emotions constructively. You'll also discover how to express differences in opinion effectively without compromising your professional integrity.
Length: 3 hours/Fee: $650

Objectives:

• Learn how to identify and recognize your personal emotional triggers.
• Learn how to identify constructive outlets for your temporary frustrations.
• Learn the C.O.O.L. method to maintain your composure in heated situations.
• Learn the benefits of constructive disagreement.
• Learn how to voice disagreement using the 5W/1H Model.
• Learn how to use the Eight Ps Model to de-escalate conflict.

Module 1: Controlling Your Emotions Instead of Letting Them Control You
Module 2: Voicing Disagreement Effectively


Does Your Meeting Agenda Have Bite?
Productive meetings start with effective agendas. In this lunch and learn, we'll explore the four components of an effective agenda. We'll also review examples of well constructed and poorly constructed agendas.
Length: 2 hours/Fee: $500

Objectives:

• Learn the BITE formula to create an effective agenda. Compare effective and ineffective agenda formats.
• Develop a hypothetical agenda for your next business meeting.

Module: Developing An Agenda With B.I.T.E.


Five Elements of Highly Effective Email
Ever experienced email remorse? A feeling that overcomes you after you've hit the  "send" button and realized you forgot to include an attachment or responded to everyone on the distribution list instead of the original sender? In this lunch and learn, you'll learn the five elements of highly effective email communication. By incorporating the five elements, you'll be assured of sending correct, complete, and concise emails every time. Even when you're in a hurry!
Length: 1 hour/Fee: $350

Objectives:

• Learn how to send accurate emails every time with the EMAIL Model.
• Review before and after examples of emails.

Module 1: The EMAIL Model
Module 2: Email Makeovers


Five Keys to Communicating With Tact
Common sense isn't common and good manners often seem to be in short supply. In this lunch and learn, we'll explore the five keys to handling difficult people and challenging situations with tact and professionalism.
Length: 2 hours/Fee: $500

Objectives:

• Gain a greater understanding about what tactful communication is and is not.
• Learn the characteristics of temperate communication.
• Learn how to communicate difficult information tactfully using the NTACT Model.

Module 1: Introduction
Module 2: Easy Ways to Tell the Hard Truth - The NTACT Model


Keeping Your Project on Track and Meeting Deadlines
In the world of business, time is money and money is time. Both are at a premium and neither can be wasted. In this lunch and learn, you'll learn the keys to keeping your project on course, saving time, and meeting benchmark deadlines.
Length: 2 hours/Fee: $500

Objective:
Learn how to keep your project on track using the DEADLINES Model.


• Module 1: Understanding the Goal for Your Project
• Module 2: Staying on Track Using the D.E.A.D.L.I.N.E.S. Model



Office Sandbox Rules Everyone Should Know
In this lunch and learn, we'll review the six rules of the office sandbox everyone should know.
Length: 3 hours/Fee: $650

Module: The Rules of the Office Sandbox


Quick and Painless Ways to Give Constructive Feedback
In this lunch and learn, we'll examine the ten qualities of constructive feedback. What it looks like and what it should sound like. Giving constructive feedback can be quite challenging. Being on the receiving end of constructive feedback can be equally challenging. No need to worry! We will also review the seven tips for giving constructive feedback and the five tips for receiving constructive feedback.
Length: 2 hours/Fee: $500

Objectives:

• Learn what constructive feedback looks and sounds like.
• Learn how to give constructive feedback.
• Learn how to receive constructive feedback.

Module 1: The ABCs of Effective Constructive Feedback
Module 2: Tips for Giving Effective Constructive Feedback
Module 3: Tips for Receiving Constructive Feedback


Recognizing Bullying Behavior in the Workplace
During this lunch and learn, we'll look at the definition of bullying, highlight some statistics on workplace bullying, review examples of bullying behavior and tactics, and conclude by discussing reasons why people bully. In the second part of this session, we'll look at some practical strategies to use in the workplace when confronting bullying behavior. Managers will learn techniques to deal with bullying effectively. We'll also tackle ways to deal with bullying from an individual perspective and what actions you can take if you are the victim of bullying.
Length: 2 hours/Fee: $500

Objectives:

• Learn how to recognize different kinds of bullying behavior in the workplace.
• Learn common reasons and causes of bullying behavior in the workplace.
• Learn the major categories of bullies.
• Learn how to deal with bullying from a managerial perspective.
• Learn what components to include in an anti-bullying office policy.
• Learn what you can do to address bullying in your workplace from an individual perspective.
• Learn what to do if you are the target of bullying in your workplace.

Module: Recognizing Bullying in the Workplace


Responsible Communication in the Age of Social Media
This lunch and learn is a primer on what you need to know to protect your company's brand and reputation in the age of social media. We'll also explore how to develop a responsible social media policy for your employees and how to address ethical issues presented by social media use.
Length: 3 hours/Fee: $650

Objectives:

• Learn practical ways to protect your company's brand and reputation on social media.
• Learn the importance of having a crisis management plan in place for PR nightmares.
• Learn how to use online social network criticism from customers to your advantage.
• Learn the essentials of a responsible social media policy for your employees.
• Learn the various ethical issues for your company presented by social media use.

Module 1: Protecting Your Company's Brand and Reputation
Module 2: Developing a Responsible Social Media Policy
Module 3: Ethical Issues Presented By Social Media Use


Ten Simple Keys to Managing Your Time More Efficiently
In the business world, time is money and money is time. Valuable employees know how to maximize the use of their time. In this lunch and learn, we'll let you in on ten key secrets to managing your time more efficiently.
Length: 2 hours/Fee: $500

Objectives:

• Learn helpful tips to organizing your work area.
• Learn methods to effectively prioritize your tasks.
• Learn how to prepare for Murphy's Law circumstances.
• Learn how to avoid people and things that sap your energy and time.
• Learn key ways to combat procrastination.
• Learn how to say "no" diplomatically.
• Learn helpful tips to delegate tasks.
• Learn how to use a log to uncover your productivity peaks and valleys.

Module: Ten Keys to Managing Your Time

Workplace Etiquette Lunch and Learns

Avoiding Improper Workplace Relationships
This session will delve into ways employees can avoid romantic and unethical relationships with co-workers, supervisors, subordinates, and clients. It will also examine those less familiar gray areas that can prove troublesome.
Length: 3 hours/Fee: $650


Before You Hit Send - Principles of Email Etiquette
This session will cover practical ways to avoid email emotionalism, the 5 Cs of highly effective emails, the seven deadly sins of email communication, and what areas should be covered in an office email policy.
Length: 3 hours/Fee: $650


Cubicle Courtesy - Being A Good Neighbor in Close Quarters
Anyone who has ever worked in a cubicle environment will attest that it can be challenging. Exactly what the dos and don'ts for being a good cubicle neighbor? In this session, we'll take a lighthearted yet informative look at resolving common cubicle etiquette issues. Specifically, we'll discuss cubicle cuisine, phone conversations, nixing noises, playing music, privacy, and other matters.
Length: 3 hours/Fee: $650


Dealing With Gossip and Office Politics
Gossip and office politics in the workplace can be a serious problem is allowed to go unchecked. In this session, you'll learn practical tips to combat both of this productivity and morale killers from the perspective of an employee and a manager.
Length: 3 hours/Fee: $650


The Eight Ps of Office Meeting Protocol
This session will focus on the 8Ps of office meeting protocol both the meeting facilitator and the meeting attendees should observe. In this session, you'll learn the importance of being punctual, prepared, participatory, positive, productive, polite, proactive, and professional.
Length: 3 hours/Fee: $650


Making Wise Workplace Wardrobe Decisions
Addressing questions of proper workplace attire can be tricky. In this session, you'll learn how to do it effectively and without causing hurt feelings. This session will cover the five reflections of workplace wardrobe, the five Fs of appropriate office attire, and tips for establishing an effective office dress code policy.
Length: 3 hours/Fee: $650


Minding Your Manners in Common Areas
Hey! Who spilled coffee in the breakroom and didn't clean it up? Is this a common refrain in your office? In this session, we'll review general etiquette rules of thumb for office common areas including the kitchen, copy center, fax machine, elevator, restroom, and receptionist area.
Length: 3 hours/Fee: $650


Telephone and Technology Etiquette
No matter where we go, it seems as though everyone is talking on their cell phones, texting, and tweeting. In this session, we'll discuss proper protocol for using technology in the workplace.
Length: 3 hours/Fee: $650