Lunchtime Learning Series (VIRTUAL) (MSLLSERIES)

OPTIMAL OUTCOMES: FREE YOURSELF FROM CONFLICT AT WORK, AT HOME AND IN LIFE - AUGUST 11, 2020

Where can you turn when your attempts to resolve conflict fail? Most approaches emphasize collaboration. You are supposed to sit down, calmly talk through your differences, and find a solution. But what if nothing seems to work, no matter what you do? When situations resist resolution, the Optimal Outcomes Method teaches us conflict freedom. Based on a book by Jennifer Goldman-Wetzler, PhD, this session explores eight groundbreaking practices proven to help people everywhere free themselves from conflict. Applying the practices, you’ll reach your Optimal Outcome—which may be vastly different from what you originally imagined, but more satisfying than you ever dreamed possible.

This virtual session’s instructor is Anna Irwin. Anna is a Certified John Maxwell Instructor specializing in engagement, teamwork, productivity, and all things leadership.

INNOVATIVE LEADERSHIP - AUGUST 25, 2020

As part of a work team, we have extraordinary knowledge and expertise. We are skilled in getting the real work done each day. Despite that, you may be asking yourself some questions. What are we trying to achieve and why? How do we accomplish our goals? What people and resources do we need to make it happen? Innovation leadership weaves together traditional leadership processes with principles of innovative thinking to help shift our understanding of situations and open the door for new approaches and solutions. This virtual session will explore six innovative thinking skills and how leaders need to apply them to create innovative responses to change and challenges in teams, departments and organizations.

Dr. Rebecca Eastham, Executive Director of Business & Industry Services for Meridian Technology Center, will be the facilitator for this virtual event.

I DID NOT SIGN UP FOR THIS: LEARNING TO EMBRACE CHANGE - SEPTEMBER 23, 2020

In work and in life, change is inevitable. Some changes are planned, while others are unanticipated or even unwelcome. Each change bring a slew of transitions and adjustments that take time and energy. This virtual session will offer strategies to guide you through the process of change. You’ll learn insights regarding the science of change and the emotions it evokes, as well as tips on how to navigate the process of stretching your comfort zone and creating new thought and behavior patterns to project you forward, both personally and professionally.

Bonnie Cain-Wood loves sunshine, movies, the color yellow, and being a redhead. She serves as Manager of Library Communications at her alma mater, Oklahoma State University, where she earned a B.S. in environmental science and a M.S. in mass communications. Bonnie stumbled upon a career in public relations after a life-changing afternoon washing dirt. She has worked in communications for more than a decade, specializing in education, libraries and the arts. Bonnie became accredited in public relations in 2007. Now, she enjoys mentoring students and sharing her skills and experience with others.

DEEP WORK: RULES FOR FOCUSED SUCCESS IN A DISTRACTED WORLD - OCTOBER 22, 2020

'Deep work' is the ability to focus without distraction on a cognitively demanding task. Coined by author and professor Cal Newport, deep work will make you better at what you do, let you achieve more in less time and provide the sense of true fulfilment that comes from the mastery of a skill. In short, deep work is like a superpower in our increasingly competitive economy. In this virtual session based on the book by the same name, you will learn how to develop and cultivate a deep work practice, so you can get more of the right things done.

This virtual session’s instructor is Anna Irwin. Anna is a Certified John Maxwell Instructor specializing in engagement, teamwork, productivity, and all things leadership.

FIVE SIGNS IT'S TIME FOR A COMPANY CULTURE OVERHAUL - NOVEMBER 17, 2020

When a company’s performance isn't at its best, employee competence and commitment are frequently blamed. Quite often, though, it’s actually the company culture that needs an adjustment. This virtual session will explore the patterns of behavior that indicate your culture may need a facelift, and Amie will offer strategies to overcome those behaviors and convert your organization to a high functioning and values-driven culture, where you and your colleagues can thrive. Amie Haar will be the facilitator.

$39 for all 5 sessions if registered prior to July 31, 2020. After July 31, 2020, it will be $50 for all 5 sessions.