Workplace Education

Are you comfortable with grammar, spelling, punctuation, tone and tailoring your emails/documents to your audiences? Are you ready to take your writing to the next level? If your answer to these questions is “YES,” then this course is for you. We will focus on identifying techniques to capture and hold your reader’s attention, writing for internal communications, making an impact in the digital world – whether for social media, marketing, blogging or corporate communications. Attendees will have the opportunity to assess their current writing levels and receive practical feedback. You are invited to bring a writing sample to class. There will be an assignment to complete between the class sessions.

INSTRUCTOR: Christy Bouziotis, PhD, MA, CPRW

This class is offered through our Grant-Supported Training program, and is free to employees of most NJ businesses. To see if you qualify, or to explore all of our grant-supported classes, please click here. If you do not qualify for free training but would like to pay to take the course, let us know by emailing us at wfd@ccm.edu so we can assist with enrollment.

Across all fields, industries, and workplace settings, the ability to communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, managers and subordinates is a critical skill. While writing isn’t necessarily everyone’s favorite task, those who do it well definitely stand out. In this class, you will learn strategies and tips for producing clear, concise business communication to not only inform but also to drive your audience to desired action.  Specific topics to be covered include:

• The basics of structuring business communication
• How business communication differs from other forms of communication
• Email etiquette and approaches to achieve desired results
• Tailoring your writing to a specific audience
• Common grammatical, punctuation, and usage errors to watch for and avoid
• How to apply strategies to specific channels, including emails, instructions and business reports
• Strategies for communicating certain topics, including praise, discipline and change

INSTRUCTOR: Christy Bouziotis, PhD, MA, CPRW

This class is offered through our Grant-Supported Training program, and is free to employees of most NJ businesses. To see if you qualify, or to explore all of our grant-supported classes, please click here. If you do not qualify for free training but would like to pay to take the course, let us know by emailing us at wfd@ccm.edu so we can assist with enrollment.

The ability to handle yourself properly can sometimes outweigh having the right technical skills. This is how important business etiquette is. Learn how to take your professionalism to the next level by learning proper business etiquette that will set you apart from competition. This course includes topics for various business settings such as:

• Effective networking, including making introductions, shaking hands and using business cards appropriately
• How to dress appropriately for every business occasion
• How to feel comfortable when dining in business and formal situations
• How to feel more confident of your business communication in every situation
• That extra edge that establishes trust and credibility
• How to navigate the virtual and hybrid environment

INSTRUCTOR: Rita Williams-Bogar, MBA, CPCU, ARM, AU, AINS, ChFC

This class is offered through our Grant-Supported Training program, and is free to employees of most NJ businesses. To see if you qualify, or to explore all of our grant-supported classes, please click here. If you do not qualify for free training but would like to pay to take the course, let us know by emailing us at wfd@ccm.edu so we can assist with enrollment.

THE ESSENTIALS FOR EXCEPTIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE (WDT-208E)

Excellent service does not simply come from a friendly transaction or helpful technology—it is the result of truly understanding your customer’s expectations and putting the right guidelines and service standards in place to exceed them. When an organization puts the customer at its core, exceptional service becomes possible at every point of contact.

Participants will:

• Assess current customer service practices
• Determine how to differentiate the service to become a provider of choice
• Discuss quality service standards to create a consistent service experience
• Use tools to gauge the needs of customers
• Understand customer service practices that consistently deliver exceptional service
• Plan for Action

INSTRUCTOR: Georgann Occhipinti, MA

This class is offered through our Grant-Supported Training program, and is free to employees of most NJ businesses. To see if you qualify, or to explore all of our grant-supported classes, please click here. If you do not qualify for free training but would like to pay to take the course, let us know by emailing us at wfd@ccm.edu so we can assist with enrollment.

BUILD CONFIDENCE AND SHARPEN YOUR PUBLIC SPEAKING SKILLS TO WIN AT WORK

Does your presentation delivery capture your audience’s attention, so they become fully engaged to receive your message? Would you like to be able to control your jitters and increase your confidence? The techniques acquired in this training will provide you with a natural confidence to speak candidly and the composure needed to deal with either large or small audiences – whether virtually or in person. Learn how to use your PowerPoint presentations effectively and to sharpen your public speaking skills by focusing your message points, tailoring them to your audience, and conquering your jitters. Acquire tips to fine-tune your elevator pitch and to dress appropriately for your presentation. You will have the opportunity to practice and receive feedback in a safe environment.

INSTRUCTOR: Christy Bouziotis, Ph.D., M.A., CPRW

This class is offered through our Grant-Supported Training program, and is free to employees of most NJ businesses. To see if you qualify, or to explore all of our grant-supported classes, please click here. If you do not qualify for free training but would like to pay to take the course, let us know by emailing us at wfd@ccm.edu so we can assist with enrollment.

SUCCESSFUL NEGOTIATION – ESSENTIAL STRATEGIES AND SKILLS (WDT-206E)

Does the thought of having to negotiate create stressful feelings? Could it be because there are images of “hard negotiators” who intimidate their opponents? It doesn’t always have to be a negative experience. Attend this session to learn at least five negotiation techniques to increase your confidence, seek the win-win, and to know when – or whether – to walk away. We will cover the phases of the negotiation process, practical strategies, and effective tools to achieve your goals.

INSTRUCTOR:  Rita Williams-Bogar, MBA, CPCU, ARM, AU, AINS, ChFC

This class is offered through our Grant-Supported Training program, and is free to employees of most NJ businesses. To see if you qualify, or to explore all of our grant-supported classes, please click here. If you do not qualify for free training but would like to pay to take the course, let us know by emailing us at wfd@ccm.edu so we can assist with enrollment.

Research in North America suggests that more than 1 in 3 employees have experienced bullying, abuse, harassment or discrimination in their workplaces. This course provides organizations of all sizes in any industry with proactive tools for all employees to combat bullying, abuse, harassment, discrimination, and incivility for a safer, more productive quality of life in the workplace and their personal spaces as well.

INSTRUCTOR: Georgann Occhipinti, MA

This class is offered through our Grant-Supported Training program, and is free to employees of most NJ businesses. To see if you qualify, or to explore all of our grant-supported classes, please click here. If you do not qualify for free training but would like to pay to take the course, let us know by emailing us at wfd@ccm.edu so we can assist with enrollment.

An Interactive and Engaging Spanish Language Course for Business Professionals

If you are a non-Spanish speaking professional who would like to enhance communications with your Spanish speaking workforce, this program is for you. This course is designed for English-speaking professionals who understand and speak very little or no Spanish, and are interested in learning basic workplace vocabulary, Spanish grammar, conversational expressions, questions, and commands. Join this effective tailored to the workplace language learning experience.

This course is designed for English-speaking professionals who understand and speak very little or no Spanish, and are interested in learning basic workplace vocabulary, Spanish grammar, conversational expressions, questions, and commands. Join this effective tailored to the workplace language learning experience.

INSTRUCTOR: Gabriela Enser, MA

This class is offered through our Grant-Supported Training program, and is free to employees of most NJ businesses. To see if you qualify, or to explore all of our grant-supported classes, please click here. If you do not qualify for free training but would like to pay to take the course, let us know by emailing us at wfd@ccm.edu so we can assist with enrollment.

Bullying is called the silent epidemic. Although almost half of workers have experienced or witnessed bullying, policies and laws dealing with it are far less prevalent.  This is, in part, because bullying can be hard to identify and address. People wonder, what does bullying look like? How can we discourage it in our workplace? What can I do to protect my staff and co-workers? These questions and more will be answered in this introductory class on Bullying in the Workplace.

INSTRUCTOR: Rita Williams-Bogar, MBA, CPCU, ARM, AU, AINS, ChFC

This class is offered through our Grant-Supported Training program, and is free to employees of most NJ businesses. To see if you qualify, or to explore all of our grant-supported classes, please click here. If you do not qualify for free training but would like to pay to take the course, let us know by emailing us at wfd@ccm.edu so we can assist with enrollment.

Effective leaders understand how powerful an opportunity can be when they can tap into the intelligence, wisdom and innovation present in their workforce. Conversational leadership provides the space and infrastructure for knowledge sharing to take place; for employees, stakeholders and the community to be involved in discussing big, important questions; and to generate solutions that people within the organization can act on. In this course, understand the wisdom inherent in encouraging conversational leadership. Realize the power of communication through learning to describe the four I’s of conversational leadership. Learn to apply the principles of conversational leadership to improve results and enhance collaboration in your organization.

INSTRUCTOR: Rita Williams-Bogar, MBA, CPCU, ARM, AU, AINS, ChFC

This class is offered through our Grant-Supported Training program, and is free to employees of most NJ businesses. To see if you qualify, or to explore all of our grant-supported classes, please click here. If you do not qualify for free training but would like to pay to take the course, let us know by emailing us at wfd@ccm.edu so we can assist with enrollment.

CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS TO BECOME A PROBLEM SOLVER (WDT-207E)

The ability to clearly reason through problems and to present arguments in a logical, compelling way have become key skills for success in today’s world. This workshop will provide tools and hands-on experience with critical thinking and problem solving. We will define the differences between critical and non-critical thinking, identify your preferred thinking style, describe other thinking styles, such as left/right brain and whole mind, develop a process to build or analyze arguments and use creative techniques. Attendees will have the opportunity to practice preparing and presenting arguments and receive feedback on their technique.

INSTRUCTOR: Rita Williams-Bogar, MBA, CPCU, ARM, AU, AINS, ChFC

This class is offered through our Grant-Supported Training program, and is free to employees of most NJ businesses. To see if you qualify, or to explore all of our grant-supported classes, please click here. If you do not qualify for free training but would like to pay to take the course, let us know by emailing us at wfd@ccm.edu so we can assist with enrollment.

Implicit bias or unconscious bias are subconscious attitudes that affect the way individuals feel and think about others.  We will examine how implicit bias impacts communication, relationships and decisions in the workplace.  In addition, we will discuss ways to handle situations where implicit bias is evident.

Participants will:

• Understand that everyone has implicit bias
• Learn about how implicit bias limits our perceptions and opportunities
• Understand roles that individuals play in implicit bias

Learn steps that can limit and address implicit bias.

INSTRUCTOR: Georgann Occhipinti, MA

This class is offered through our Grant-Supported Training program, and is free to employees of most NJ businesses. To see if you qualify, or to explore all of our grant-supported classes, please click here. If you do not qualify for free training but would like to pay to take the course, let us know by emailing us at wfd@ccm.edu so we can assist with enrollment.

LEADING WITH CONFIDENCE

Are you a “Natural Born Leader?” Despite the common phrase, a strong leader is not made overnight. In this course, learn how to develop your mindset to make decisions confidently. Using key principles, gain knowledge on how to develop your character, become trustworthy and earn respect. You will learn how to assist others in developing their own characters. Realize your long-term success in your organization through this leadership development course.

INSTRUCTOR: Rita Williams-Bogar, MBA, CPCU, ARM, AU, AINS, ChFC

This class is offered through our Grant-Supported Training program, and is free to employees of most NJ businesses. To see if you qualify, or to explore all of our grant-supported classes, please click here. If you do not qualify for free training but would like to pay to take the course, let us know by emailing us at wfd@ccm.edu so we can assist with enrollment.

MASTERING THE DELIVERY OF PERFORMANCE REVIEWS FOR MANAGERS

Performance reviews are an essential component of employee development. The performance review meeting is an important aspect of career planning, and the outcomes of the meeting should be known to the employee and supervisor before the meeting actually takes place. Setting goals and objectives to aim toward, gives both supervisors and employees a focus. Having a focus is a key aspect to meeting overall company objectives. Supervisors must also learn how to give feedback, both positive and constructive, on a regular and timely basis so that employees can grow and develop. In this class, participants will learn how to master the art of delivering performance reviews and effective feedback.

INSTRUCTOR: Rita Williams-Bogar, MBA, CPCU, ARM, AU, AINS, ChFC

This class is offered through our Grant-Supported Training program, and is free to employees of most NJ businesses. To see if you qualify, or to explore all of our grant-supported classes, please click here. If you do not qualify for free training but would like to pay to take the course, let us know by emailing us at wfd@ccm.edu so we can assist with enrollment.

When we adapt well to change, we find opportunity within each change and a sense of peace or even excitement. This is what we call resilience, or the ability to keep moving forward and make the most of any change, and not be paralyzed with fear, or lost sorting through the many possibilities for action. In this course, learn how to embrace resilience through identifying areas of irrational thinking to keep perspective, accept change, maintain a hopeful outlook and even learn from your past.

INSTRUCTOR: Georgann Occhipinti, MA

This class is offered through our Grant-Supported Training program, and is free to employees of most NJ businesses. To see if you qualify, or to explore all of our grant-supported classes, please click here. If you do not qualify for free training but would like to pay to take the course, let us know by emailing us at wfd@ccm.edu so we can assist with enrollment.

Success as a manager is heavily influenced by how well your team operates and what kind of results they achieve. Is your team able to solve problems? Can they resolve conflict? Are they enthusiastic and motivated to do their best? Do they work well together? This course is designed for participants who want to develop their team leadership skills and unleash the talent of their individual team members. Build teamwork by recognizing and tapping into the characteristics of an effective team. Promote trust and rapport by exploring your team player style and how it impacts group dynamics. Recognize the key elements that move a team from involvement to empowerment and how to give these elements to your team. Last, but not least, develop strategies for dealing with team conflict and common problems.

INSTRUCTOR: Rita Williams-Bogar, MBA, CPCU, ARM, AU, AINS, ChFC

This class is offered through our Grant-Supported Training program, and is free to employees of most NJ businesses. To see if you qualify, or to explore all of our grant-supported classes, please click here. If you do not qualify for free training but would like to pay to take the course, let us know by emailing us at wfd@ccm.edu so we can assist with enrollment.

Women face unique challenges in the workplace, but they also add unique value and perspective. They improve communications dynamics and reinvigorate companies in ways that make them more competitive. Research shows companies with a critical mass of top-team gender diversity enjoy significantly better financial performance. This interactive session will enhance women’s leadership behaviors. Participants will leave with new ideas, skills, confidence and fresh perspectives to add more value to their organization.

Participants will:

• Build awareness of decision-making biases
• Learn how to create high-performing teams
• Negotiate win-win outcomes
• Manage crises
• Drive innovation
• Create an authentic leadership style 

INSTRUCTOR: Georgann Occhipinti, MA

This class is offered through our Grant-Supported Training program, and is free to employees of most NJ businesses. To see if you qualify, or to explore all of our grant-supported classes, please click here. If you do not qualify for free training but would like to pay to take the course, let us know by emailing us at wfd@ccm.edu so we can assist with enrollment.

LinkedIn is a valuable social platform for professionals and business owners to maximize their exposure and reach, directly engage new customers, and search for new opportunities. Many well-established brands use this platform to create fresh connections and build long-term relationships. Learn from a dedicated professional who works at LinkedIn: how to maximize your LinkedIn presence for you or your business; the etiquette of LinkedIn; posting your credentials; how to get the most out of its settings; and much more. Learn how to define your audience and craft a strategy focused on your organization’s goals. In this course, you will gain a better understanding of best practices to incorporate content on LinkedIn while also defining which content resonates most effectively on the platform.

INSTRUCTOR: Steven Carroll, MBA

This class is offered through our Grant-Supported Training program, and are free to employees of most NJ businesses. To see if you qualify, or to explore all of our grant-supported classes, please click here. If you do not qualify for free training but would like to pay to take a course, let us know by emailing us at wfd@ccm.edu so we can assist with enrollment.

COMPUTER BASICS

PREREQUISITE: People must bring their Windows based laptops and chargers to class.

This course is designed to familiarize individuals with computers, their operation and applications. Participants will be introduced to varied MS Windows topics such as exploring the internet, conducting searches, how to find applications and files on your computer as well as printing.

INSTRUCTOR: Patricia Callahan, MBA

This class is offered through our Grant-Supported Training program, and is free to employees of most NJ businesses. To see if you qualify, or to explore all of our grant-supported classes, please click here. If you do not qualify for free training but would like to pay to take the course, let us know by emailing us at wfd@ccm.edu so we can assist with enrollment.

Google’s powerful free cloud-based series of apps allow you to work, collaborate, and manage your life from wherever you are. Perhaps you want to learn more about a particular key productivity app that , or you just like the cost-effective idea of using a free Office Suite—these classes are for you! 

PREREQUISITES:

• Solid comfort level using a computer and software programs.
• Chrome web browser active on your computer before starting class (required).
• Gmail or Google account established prior to class. You can do this by going to com and creating an account; remember your sign-in and password.

All classes offered Remote-Live via Zoom.

Email Agarver@ccm.edu with any questions you are specifically looking to have answered during the class. Instructor to add highlighted directions in the course handout sent two days before each class.

INSTRUCTOR: Alyce Garver, BA

These classes are offered through our Grant-Supported Training program, and are free to employees of most NJ businesses. To see if you qualify, or to explore all of our grant-supported classes, please click here. If you do not qualify for free training but would like to pay to take a course, let us know by emailing us at wfd@ccm.edu so we can assist with enrollment.

 

GOOGLE DRIVE (WDT-211E)

We highly recommend this being your first Google class, since all your files created in any Google app will be saved here. Learn about how to create folders and sub-folders to help organize your files. You will see how folders help you to quickly find the files you need as well as search features you can use when in doubt about a file’s location. You will learn about sharing your files with others and the difference between sharing files, folders, and sub-folders. You will be able to interactively work in a file together in class, as well as learn other important and useful information to function your best in Drive.

GOOGLE SHEETS (WDT-214E) 

You will learn about the all-important command (menus) and toolbar choices within Sheets. You will set up your own spreadsheet and then learn the principles of both formula and function construction. We will learn about sharing and will be working interactively with others in a spreadsheet. We will also learn about the right-click shortcut menus and other tips to work most efficiently in Sheets.

GOOGLE FORMS (WDT-213E)

A very useful tool to gather information from many people at once. Forms have many purposes, of which surveys, questionnaires, and polls are some of the most common. You will learn how to create a form using the commands available to you within the app. Once you understand how Forms work, it will become apparent how this versatile app can assist your work flow. Learn how to export and analyze your completed forms results in Google Sheets, as well as the advanced concept of branching, which allows you to re-direct respondents to a different set of questions based off a response to a particular question within your primary Form.

GOOGLE DOCS (WDT-212E)

You will learn about both the main screen and the document screen. Learn the all-important app commands (regular menus and right-click menus) and toolbar choices within Docs as well as how to use compatibility mode with Microsoft Word and how to convert those documents into Google Docs. You will be able to interactively work in a file together in class and learn how to revert to an earlier version of your document if needed. There will also be lots of tips on using the app most productively.

GOOGLE SLIDES

Google Slides is a presentation design program where you can edit, collaborate, and present, your ideas wherever you are. Create professional presentations by combining various text effects, graphics, pictures, charts, animations, and multimedia content. Learning to both effectively use and present a presentation improves your workplace impact. In this course, you’ll learn how to use Slides as a visual support of your work in meetings, embed this tool on a website, create kiosks, in addition to using voice typing features for efficiency. Enjoy learning the creative power you have at your fingertips!

MICROSOFT TEAMS: COLLABORATIVE COMMUNICATION IN THE WORKPLACE

PREREQUISITE: Solid comfort level using a computer and assorted software programs.

This course will be using a live instructor-led video conferencing tool (Zoom on Day 1; Teams on Day 2). The course consists of two live virtual sessions, hands-on exercises and an at-home practice assignment in between sessions. The requirements for your participation are Internet access and a computer/laptop with audio and video/camera.

Microsoft Teams is the pivotal communications app included in Office 365. It maximizes and heightens both group and one-on-one work collaboration. Navigate the interface and features as well as its seamless integration with other Microsoft apps. Learn to create and manage teams, send instant messages, initiate and manage audio and video conferencing, share, edit, and present files in an online meeting, set up scheduled meetings, create impromptu gatherings, share your screen, record meetings using Microsoft Stream, as well as add other program apps and web resources to any of your teams.

INSTRUCTOR: Rita Williams-Bogar, MBA, CPCU, ARM, AU, AINS, ChFC

This class is being offered through our Grant-Supported Training program, and is free to employees of most NJ businesses. To see if you qualify, or to explore all of our grant-supported classes, please click here. If you do not qualify for free training but would like to pay to take the course, let us know by emailing us at wfd@ccm.edu so we can assist with enrollment.

See Microsoft offerings here.

Zoom Super User: Advanced Business Etiquette and Technical Essentials (WDT-204E)

Prerequisite: Solid comfort level using a computer and the Zoom platform. The requirements for your participation are: Internet access, a computer/laptop with audio and video/camera. 

Whether you are leading a Zoom session or are a participant, this session will help you to increase your technical knowledge of Zoom’s features. This course will cover meetings – from customizing registration options, adding polls, managing breakout rooms, generating reports, requiring authentication, using templates, and sharing recordings. We will also cover behind the scenes administrative tools. This course will provide tips and techniques to make the virtual platform an engaging experience for attendees.

INSTRUCTOR:  Rita Williams-Bogar, MBA, CPCU, ARM, AU, AINS, ChFC

This class is being offered through our Grant-Supported Training program, and is free to employees of most NJ businesses. To see if you qualify, or to explore all of our grant-supported classes, please click here. If you do not qualify for free training but would like to pay to take the course, let us know by emailing us at wfd@ccm.edu so we can assist with enrollment.