Accountability: The Question Behind the Question - This workshop, based on the book QBQ by John Miller, explores elements of personal accountability and their tie to trustworthiness, self-control, conscientiousness, initiative, drive and optimism. Participants are challenged to apply the QBQ technique to specific workplace issues in order to see how they can profoundly impact business climate and results while, at the same time, model real leadership to others.

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Attitude: Your Most Priceless Possession (also called Celebrate What's Right With the World) - This workshop, based on DeWitt Jones' powerful video, explores the power of perception and looks at optimism as a powerful force that uncovers hidden potential in ourselves, individuals and in organizations. Participants will recognize the power of attitude and understand the connection between mind-set and behaviors.

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The Balancing Act - This motivational workshop invites participants to pinpoint and find empowerment in their own unique set of values. With this understanding, groups are then asked to identify the amount of time and energy they spend living these values in their career, at home, and in their leisure activities. Participants then learn how to communicate those values in order to gain support.

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Business Etiquette - The most important rule of etiquette is to do what will make others feel most comfortable. That's particularly difficult if you are preoccupied with yourself and trying to determine "what's right" and what constitutes a social blunder! This class, offered in a fun and casual way allows participants to learn all about etiquette so that they can focus on others and put their best foot forward in any situation. 

Course content can include but is not limited to:

1. Managing first impressions
2. Making introductions
3. Effective networking tactics
4. Do's and Don'ts of making conversation
5. Table and dining etiquette
6. Etiquette issues surrounding disabilities
7. Professional Dress
8. Travel Etiquette
9. Communication Etiquette
10. Telephone Etiquette

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Business Writing - Each time we correspond with business partners, we leave a permanent reflection of our organizations behind. Participants learn basic strategies for why, when and what to write. We brush up on issues of format, style, tone and grammar. Sometimes we say a lot without even speaking a word…certainly true in the case of business writing. Write Right!

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Celebrate What's Right With the World (also called Attitude: Your Most Priceless Possession) - This workshop, based on DeWitt Jones' powerful video, explores the power of perception and looks at optimism as a powerful force that uncovers hidden potential in ourselves, in individuals and in organizations. See "Attitude: Your Most Priceless Possession" above.

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Conflict Resolution - When faced with conflict, we have 5 choices.  This workshop introduces participants to the 5 choices available to them and helps them think through the decision-making process involved with determining how best to respond to a conflict situation.  Includes self-assessment and video support material.

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Creativity/Creative Problem Solving - Thinking outside the box is what this course is all about.  Challenging ourselves beyond the bounds of what is "standard operating procedure" can open windows of opportunity! By looking at innovative thinkers throughout history, participants learn a wide variety of synergistic approaches to solving problems as well as personal techniques for improvement.

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Credibility: Managing Your Message - It's impossible to be in the presence of others and not communicate something! What are you saying verbally, vocally and visually to your coworkers, colleagues and customers?  This workshop uncovers methods of enhancing your credibility and developing a positive, powerful, professional image.

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Decision-Making: Making Sound Decisions - This workshop combines a structured, systematic problem solving and decision-making approach with a "listen to your gut," and "be creative" approach to problem solving.  Participants learn the six-step problem solving process and explore several data gathering tools for problem analysis. However, they also explore the proven value of more creative and less taxing methods of problem solving. There is a time and a place for each and through a variety of methods, participants will be positioned to decide which approach to use when…and will have good information and procedures to do so.

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Developing a Service Orientation - Star performers in the workplace have the ability to be exemplary followers.  The reality is that it can be difficult to find sharp, independent-thinking, service-oriented professionals who are able to follow effectively, perhaps because we focus so much on leadership in our society.

This course takes a closer look at followership and works with participants to develop a comprehensive service orientation for success in any business environment. Followership is defined as "being actively engaged in helping the organization succeed while exercising independent, critical judgment of goals, tasks, potential problems and methods."  This requires the ability to work cooperatively with others in spite of workplace or personality differences.  It also requires initiative and follow through.  Star performers know that followership requires being proactive in planning and implementing courses of action consistent with the goals of the organization.

Participants explore the work strategies of effective star, non-conformist followers and work toward action plans to bring these strategies to life in their own business environment.

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Developing Rapport - What is rapport and why is it critical to success at work? More importantly, how do we go about building rapport effectively in the challenging business environments that we are in today?

This course explores the essential components of building bonds and works with participants to develop specific techniques and action plans that enable them to develop rapport with all types of people. Topics explored include listening, probing, empathizing, mirroring, collaborating, working with challenging people and leveraging diversity.

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Discover Your Strengths - This topic, provided one-on-one or as a complete workshop, is based on the best seller "Now, Discover Your Strengths," and provides each participant with a personalized assessment of their strengths. It also facilitates a process of uncovering best-choice workplace alternatives to enable them to apply their strengths in business. Includes the best-selling book "Now, Discover Your Strengths" by Buckingham and Clifton.

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Diversity Issues in Today's Business Environment - Diversity is not only an issue when managing a workforce.  Understanding the basics of intercultural communication can make a profound difference in our day-to-day dealings with clients and customers.  This workshop takes an introspective approach to diversity by challenging participants to first define their own culture and compare their ideas of "normal" with differing views.  We will also discuss gender as it relates to diversity.

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Emotional Intelligence:  A Study of the Stars - Emotional Intelligence, or E.Q., has proven to be a far more effective indicator of success than standard intelligence, or I.Q. In this instance, "success" is defined both by personal satisfaction and on-the-job results.

The good news is that Emotional Intelligence can be learned.  Custom Training Services now provides a menu of opportunities to enable development in each of the four areas of Emotional Intelligence:  Self-Awareness, Self-Regulation, Social Awareness and Social Skills. This overview workshop sets the stage for all continued learning and development under the auspices of Emotional Intelligence.  It includes a self-awareness survey that enables transfer of learning for participants and answers the question "What's in it for me?" in regard to developing Emotional Intelligence.

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Fish! - Here it is! Based on the best-selling book by Lundin, Paul and Christensen, this workshop brings the principles used at the Seattle Fish Market to life in your work environment. Participants will enjoy the "hands-on" approach to this 'fishing expedition' as CTS facilitators demonstrate the power behind; Choosing Your Attitude, Being Playful, Making Other People's Day and Being Present. Great for a fun-filled staff retreat.  Actionable lessons that can be applied in any work environment!

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Get Organized, Get Results! - It's more than just managing time…getting organized requires developing a clear definition of what you want and then developing a process to get it.  Easy to say, difficult to do.  This workshop offers tips, tools and techniques for organizing yourself, your workflow and your workspace in order to maximize results!

Course content can include but is not limited to:

1. Develop a meaningful picture of where you want to be and what it is that you want to accomplish.
   
2. Differentiate between efficiency and effectiveness, urgent and important.
3. Take charge of your time and your schedule with simple, proven techniques.
4. Develop strategies to manage time, tame paperwork and maximize productivity.

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Influencing Without Authority - There is position power and then there is personal power… and sometimes, there is a profound difference between the two.  Those with personal power have an often, uncanny ability to influence or persuade others regardless of their position in the organizational hierarchy.  What is their secret?

This course helps participants consider the mechanics of persuasion that only work with a solid foundation of professional business relationships.   Topics include the power of reciprocity, organizational and political awareness, knowing your "audience", tailoring your message, and communicating effectively.

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Issues of Diversity - This 3-part workshop is intended to open the eyes of participants to the benefits of diversity and the power of leveraging differences in the workplace. The first session is a brief (3 hour) introduction to issues of diversity.  The second (4 hour) session builds on this by applying the concepts of diversity to gender differences. Finally, the last (4 hour) workshop asks participants take an introspective approach to the issue of diversity, apply what they have learned and consider their own uniqueness--a powerful combination.

Navigating the Organization: Building a Net that Works - Star performers understand the intricate web of business dealings and interaction…they have to! So do you.  Your ability to effectively navigate an organization has much to do with your ability to be successful there.  Political and organizational awareness are often difficult subjects to discuss.  This workshop explores possibilities and benefits of navigating an organization effectively.

Networking is critical to individual and organizational growth and is often the key behind a project's success.  This workshop opens the eyes of participants to the necessity of networking and to the opportunities that exist everywhere they go!  Participants explore their own "root system" and consider effective methods of "branching out" in order to be a stronger, more effective professional; the essence of working smarter, not harder. Concrete ideas offered in this workshop will enable participants to see the significance of "the giver's gain" and build powerful networks.

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Negotiation Skills - Negotiation addresses the issue of people dealing with their differences effectively.  Too often, attempted negotiations leave people feeling frustrated, taken advantage of, or angry.  This workshop is based upon Fisher and Ury's approach in "Getting To Yes," which explores separating people from the problem, focusing on interests versus positions, inventing options, and developing objective criteria.

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Personal Accountability and Resilience - Resilience is the ability to assimilate to change with minimal dysfunction.  We know that change is occurring at an accelerated pace today.  Participants learn the 5 keys to resilience and gauge their current level of resilience in order to consider how their resilience level is affecting their behavior in the workplace. Personal barriers to resilience are uncovered and specific action plans developed to avoid becoming victims of these barriers. Participants also learn their subtle, often subconscious methods of undermining change.

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Personal Effectiveness - To be effective means to "have the intended effect."  Intentionality requires planning, prioritizing, goal setting and time management. This course can offer all participants proven methods for becoming more effective.

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Powerful Presentations - The #1 fear in the Book of Lists is public speaking.  CTS can show participants how to overcome their fears and channel their energy into making powerful, persuasive presentations.  In order to make this workshop most effective, we need a block of time - 6 hours.  However, the return on investment for the organization comes in the form of an educated, qualified staff that is able to apply what they've learned and make presentations that win approval over and over again!

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Project Management - You can deliver projects that are on time, on budget and on track.  The abilities to identify and utilize resources, avoid common mistakes and develop methods of tracking progress are critically important.  Participants in this workshop will understand the principles of quality project management and will be able to put them to work in their organization

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Sales - Built to suit the needs of any sales staff, CTS trainers are able to identify strategic marketing techniques and incentive programs. We can prepare novice sellers for cold calls or telemarketing campaigns. We can also teach time management, lead tracking, and follow up strategies to the most seasoned sellers. Past sales workshops have included: drafting openers and closers, identifying features and benefits of product or service, defining the target customer, finding a sales niche, partnering for success, and more.

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Sexual Harassment - This workshop will help workshop participants recognize and respond to issues of sexual harassment.  What is it, and how can it be differentiated from "fun?"  This workshop will also introduce some of the common differences in gender communication that are important for any professional to understand. Includes video.

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Time Management - What is the difference between being efficient and being effective?  This workshop challenges participants to consider that which is truly important, both personally and professionally.  Next, we develop specific actions to support that which is determined to be important.   Participants also learn to recognize and avoid the most common time wasters.

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