Courses in the Alexandria/Pineville/Cottonport Area

Listed Alphabetically

JUNE - DECEMBER 2008

(Updated 8/25/08)

The following classes are being offered in the Alexandria/Pineville area through the Comprehensive Public Training Program. To register for classes, complete a CPTP class registration form and send it to your agency CPTP coordinator. Participants will receive written confirmation of registration about three weeks before the course begins. All classes will meet from 8:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., unless specifically stated otherwise. For further information, call your agency CPTP coordinator or the CPTP office at (225) 219-4528.

Please check this site regularly for updates.

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Course: ADDRESSING EMOTIONS AT WORK (1/2 Day) 
Class Registration Form

This 1/2-day class is designed to provide participants with strategies to address strong emotions, and when appropriate, the emotions of people you work with.  Learning objectives include identifying the impact of emotions on productivity; being aware of factors that cause emotions to intensify so they can be managed more effectively; applying techniques to address your own strong emotions so you can focus on getting work done; and responding objectively and constructively to the strong emotions of others.  This class is open to all employees.

DATES	CITY	LOCATION
September 4, 2008 (8:15-11:30 a.m.)	Alexandria	DSS, State Office Building, 900 Murray St., 1st Floor Conference Room
December 12, 2008 (12:30-3:30 p.m.)	Alexandria	Learning Center for Rapides Parish, 1410 Neel Kearby Blvd., Rm. 164

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Course: BUILDING BETTER PERFORMANCE THROUGH EMPLOYEE SKILL DEVELOPMENT (1 Day) 
Class Registration Form

This 1-day class highlights the fact that managers and supervisors need to ensure that employees have both the necessary job skills and opportunities for learning transfer. The primary purpose of this class is to share strategies and techniques that can be used before, during, and after training to ensure support for the transfer of knowledge and skills to improved performance on the job. Also included is a brief introduction to the many performance factors that can play important roles in the employee training process. Class participants are encouraged to examine their work environments carefully in order to fully understand all the factors that may be affecting worker performance.   This class is open to all levels of mangement and to those with special permission from their agencies.

DATES	CITY	LOCATION
No current offerings.	--	--

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Course: CIVIL SERVICE BASICS FOR HUMAN RESOURCE PROFESSIONALS (1 Day)  
Class Registration Form

This 1-day introductory class is for anyone in human resources, administration, or management who is new to or unfamiliar with Civil Service regulations. This workshop presents the basic Civil Service information in a way that is direct, practical, and able to be used regardless of the level of the person performing the human resources duties in the agency.  This class is open to HR professionals. Other employees in agency administration or management will be accepted on a case by case basis, but priority will be given to HR professionals.

DATES	CITY	LOCATION
September 24, 2008	Alexandria	Learning Center for Rapides Parish, 1410 Neel Kearby Blvd., Rm. 242

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Course: CIVIL SERVICE ESSENTIALS FOR SUPERVISORS (1 Day)  
Class Registration Form

In this 1-day class, participants will discuss a variety of supervisory responsibilities within the context of the Civil Service system. Participants will learn why the merit system was created and ways through which they can better manage employees' behavior, schedules, and performance. Topics include the following: an overview of the supervisor's fundamental role in the PPR process; dos and don'ts of interviewing and reference checking; avoiding harassment and discrimination in the workplace; prohibited political activities for classified employees; managing employees' work schedules; assigning duties to employees; a supervisor's role in the chain of command; and how to orient new employees.  This class is open to all levels of management and to those with special permission from their agencies.

** NOTE:  This class will be taught by Civil Service in two different formats for differing audiences.  The content is the same -- only the presentation and exercises are modified to meet the needs of the target audiences of "Traditional" or "Nontraditional." Classes are so designated next to the date. 

Classes marked Nontraditional are targeted to supervisors working in settings such as maintenance, skilled trades, laborers, facility services, food service, housekeeping, etc., and jobs which do not require professional licensure and/or certifications.

Classes marked Traditional are targeted to supervisors working in traditional office settings and/or jobs which may require professional licensure/certifications (e.g. accountants, nurses, pharmacists, etc.).

CPTP Coordinators and/or mandatory Training Coordinators are responsible for making sure supervisors register for the appropriate classes targeted for their jobs. This will not be checked during the registration process by CPTP or Civil Service.

DATES	CITY	LOCATION
December 3, 2008 NON-TRADITIONAL	Pineville	DHH, Central La. State Hospital, 242 Shamrock Street, Rm. 127
December 9, 2008 TRADITIONAL	Dequincy	Phelps Correctional Center, 14925 Hwy. 27, Visiting Center

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Course: COMMON MYTHS THAT AFFECT GOOD SUPERVISION (1 Day) 
Class Registration Form

This 1-day class presented by the Dept. of Civil Service examines a number of harmful, common myths that exist in the state government workforce. These myths negatively impact productivity and morale. Belief in them can result in supervisors who feel powerless to do a good job. Participants will identify these myths and work with them in common sample work situations. Participants will then learn specific courses of action they can apply to correct behavior resulting from these false beliefs. A few of the myths that will be discussed in class include: "A state employee can't be fired;" "All employees should get a merit increase;" "All employees must be treated the same;" "Employees can take leave whenever they wish;" plus several others.  This class is open to all levels of management and to those with special permission from their agencies.

** NOTE:  This class will be taught by Civil Service in two different formats for differing audiences.  The content is the same -- only the presentation and exercises are modified to meet the needs of the target audiences of "Traditional" or "Nontraditional." Classes are so designated next to the date. 

Classes marked Nontraditional are targeted to supervisors working in settings such as maintenance, skilled trades, laborers, facility services, food service, housekeeping, etc., and jobs which do not require professional licensure and/or certifications.

Classes marked Traditional are targeted to supervisors working in traditional office settings and/or jobs which may require professional licensure/certifications (e.g. accountants, nurses, pharmacists, etc.).

CPTP Coordinators and/or mandatory Training Coordinators are responsible for making sure supervisors register for the appropriate classes targeted for their jobs. This will not be checked during the registration process by CPTP or Civil Service.

DATES	CITY	LOCATION
October 15, 2008 NON-TRADITIONAL	Pineville	DHH, Central La. State Hospital, Wilkerson Hall, 242 Shamrock Street
October 28, 2008 TRADITIONAL	Dequincy	Phelps Correctional Center, 14925 Hwy. 27, Visiting Center
November 18, 2008 TRADITIONAL	Dequincy	Phelps Correctional Center, 14925 Hwy. 27, Visiting Center
December 4, 2008 NON-TRADITIONAL	Pineville	DHH, Central La. State Hospital, 242 Shamrock Street, Rm. 127

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Course: CONDUCTING AN EFFECTIVE JOB INTERVIEW (1 1/2 Days)  
Class Registration Form

This 1 1/2-day class will provide a basic introduction to effective interviewing skills. Participants will learn how to forecast necessary staffing levels based on required skills and changes in technology, perform a job skill analysis, prepare behavior-based interview questions, apply the basic requirements of employment laws to work situations, follow legally required interviewing guidelines, and develop a system to evaluate and select job candidates.  This class is open to all levels of mangement and to those with special permission from their agencies.

DATES	CITY	LOCATION
November 20-21, 2008 (ends 11:30 on 21st)	Alexandria	Learning Center for Rapides Parish, 1410 Neel Kearby Blvd., Rm. 164

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Course: CONDUCTING PRODUCTIVE EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE REVIEWS (1 Day) 
Class Registration Form

This 1-day class will teach participants how to conduct performance reviews in a way that is productive and helpful to work group performance. Participants will learn how to use performance feedback to reinforce or improve job performance, use PPR to develop employee behavioral expectations, conduct a performance feedback interview, and apply tools and procedures to negotiate an employee performance improvement plan.  This class is open to current supervisors and managers only.   Note:  This course is designed to complement, not substitute for, the Performance Planning and Review course taught by the Department of Civil Service.

DATES	CITY	LOCATION
No current offerings.	--	--

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Course: CONTROLLING ABSENTEEISM & TARDINESS IN STATE GOVERNMENT (1 Day) 
Class Registration Form

This 1-day class presented by the Dept. of Civil Service provides practical techniques for controlling absenteeism and tardiness and why these need to be controlled. It includes how to manage different types of leave, especially annual and sick leave. Participants will learn what rights state employees do and do not have in using leave. Supervisors will learn their options and responsibilities in controlling absenteeism.  This class is open to all levels of management and to those with special permission from their agencies.

** NOTE:  This class will be taught by Civil Service in two different formats for differing audiences.  The content is the same -- only the presentation and exercises are modified to meet the needs of the target audiences of "Traditional" or "Nontraditional." Classes are so designated next to the date. 

Classes marked Nontraditional are targeted to supervisors working in settings such as maintenance, skilled trades, laborers, facility services, food service, housekeeping, etc., and jobs which do not require professional licensure and/or certifications.

Classes marked Traditional are targeted to supervisors working in traditional office settings and/or jobs which may require professional licensure/certifications (e.g. accountants, nurses, pharmacists, etc.).

CPTP Coordinators and/or mandatory Training Coordinators are responsible for making sure supervisors register for the appropriate classes targeted for their jobs. This will not be checked during the registration process by CPTP or Civil Service.

DATES	CITY	LOCATION
No current offerings.	--	--

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Course: DEALING WITH CHANGE  (1 Day) 
Class Registration Form

This 1-day class will help participants implement strategies and techniques to help themselves adapt to various changes in their work situations.  Participants will learn how to identify areas of resistance and negative mental models, apply a model for individual transition in order to learn how to manage their own reactions to change, apply techniques that will foster creativity and innovation during the change process, and identify ways to be proactive during the implementation of changes.

DATES	CITY	LOCATION
No current offerings.	--	--

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Course: DELEGATING EFFECTIVELY  (1/2 Day)  
Class Registration Form

This 1/2-day class is designed to help participants learn to improve their ability to delegate. There is more to effective delegation than mastering a set of skills and techniques. You much challenge your beliefs and your abilities, as well as those of your staff. In addition, you must demonstrate confidence in your staff's ability to achieve success in the tasks you delegate to them. This class will help you identify toolsyou can implement in the workplace to ensure you are delegating successfully. This class is open to all supervisors and managers.

DATES	CITY	LOCATION
September 4, 2008 (12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.)	Alexandria	DSS, State Office Building, 900 Murray St., 1st Floor Conference Room

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Course: DEVELOPING EFFECTIVE TEAMS, PART 1  (1 Day)  
Class Registration Form

This 1-day class will help participants improve their communication and feedback strategies. Participants will learn how to overcome barriers to communication, use nonverbal communication effectively, listen actively, use effective feedback techniques, determine when various communication strategies should be used, consider the necessary factors when selecting the most effective message type, and apply supportive communication strategies.

DATES	CITY	LOCATION
No current offerings.	--	--

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Course: DEVELOPING EFFECTIVE TEAMS, PART 2  (1 1/2 Days)   
Class Registration Form

Developing Effective Teams Part 1 is a prerequisite to this course.

This 1-day class helps participants deal with the many interpersonal communication challenges they face at work. Participants will learn how to analyze personal communication styles, confront issues rather than people, apply strategies to minimuze defensiveness in interactions with others, and demonstrate effective feedback techniques in a given situation.

DATES	CITY	LOCATION
September 11-12, 2008 (ends 11:30 on 12th)	Alexandria	Learning Center for Rapides Parish, 1410 Neel Kearby Blvd., Rm. 164
October 8-9, 2008 (ends 11:30 on 9th)	Alexandria	Learning Center for Rapides Parish, 1410 Neel Kearby Blvd., Rm. 164

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Course: DEVELOPING EFFECTIVE TEAMS, PART 3  (1 1/2 Days) 
Class Registration Form

Developing Effective Teams Parts 1 and 2 are prerequisites to this course.

This 1-day class discusses strategies and techniques for developing effective teams. Participants will learn about the stages of team development; skills essential to working in a team environment; strategies for managing team conflict; strategies for creating common ground; and strategies for establishing trust and credibility to build a community in the workplace. Team skills will be presented in the context of typical work groups found in state government.

 

DATES	CITY	LOCATION
December 11-12, 2008 (ends 11:30 on 12th)	Alexandria	Learning Center for Rapides Parish, 1410 Neel Kearby Blvd., Rm. 164

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COURSE: DEVELOPING A MOTIVATED WORK GROUP  (1 Day) 
Class Registration Form

This 1 day class examines motivation and goal setting as components of managing work group performance. Participants will learn how to link goal setting with individual action plans, strategies, objectives, and goals of the agency. Participants will be able to diagnose motivation-related performance problems. Class exercises will enable participants to use practical techniques to improve and maintain motivation.   This class is open to all levels of management and to those with special permission from their agencies.

DATES	CITY	LOCATION
No current offerings.	--	--

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Course: DOCUMENTING FOR PERFORMANCE & DISCIPLINE (1 Day)  
Class Registration Form

This 1-day class taught by staff of the Dept. of Civil Service is designed to aid in the development of documentation skills frequently used and required of supervisors. Participants will learn the difference between the standards of documentation necessary for Performance Planning & Review versus the standards necessary for disciplinary action. The course material emphasizes documenting through recording observable behavior. Participants will work with sample work situations common to the classified service.  This class is open to all levels of management and to those with special permission from their agencies.

DATES	CITY	LOCATION
September 23, 2008	Pineville	DHH, Central La. State Hospital, Wilkerson Hall, 242 Shamrock Street
October 14, 2008	Pineville	DHH, Central La. State Hospital, Wilkerson Hall, 242 Shamrock Street

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Course: EFFECTIVE CONFLICT RESOLUTION STRATEGIES  (1 Day) 
Class Registration Form

This 1-day class explores strategies for resolving or managing interpersonal conflict in the workplace. Participants will learn about the causes and effects of conflict; the appropriate use of different conflict management styles; and how to apply collaborative, win-win techniques.

 

DATES	CITY	LOCATION
October 27, 2008	Alexandria	Learning Center for Rapides Parish, 1410 Neel Kearby Blvd., Rm. 164

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Course: EFFECTIVE PROBLEM SOLVING & DECISION MAKING (2 Days)   
Class Registration Form

This 2-day class teaches participants effective problem and decision making skills. The intructor will guide participants through the process of identifying root causes of problems, generating solutions to problems, establishing decision-making criteria, and using those criteria to select the best alternative solution to problems. Participants will learn to evaluate the benefits and risks of individual versus group decision-making approaches. Case situations will be used to help participants learn how to apply the problem solving and decision making processes to their own work situations.  This class is open to all levels of management and to those with special permission from their agencies.

DATES	CITY	LOCATION
No current offerings.	--	--

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Course: ELEMENTS OF SUPERVISORY PRACTICES, PT. 1 (2 Days) 
Class Registration Form

This class is designed to aid supervisors with the transition into their role. Becoming a supervisor requires more than simply having the title. A supervisor is not only responsible for their work, but also for the work of those they supervise. Through this class, participants will gain a foundation for the skills necessary to becoming an effective supervisor.  This class is designed for first-line supervisors whose jobs fall OUTSIDE of the traditional office environment. Examples of these job categories include, but are not limited to, trades/crafts, maintenance, security, production, transportation, and food service. 

DATES	CITY	LOCATION
December 16-17, 2008	Alexandria	Learning Center for Rapides Parish, 1410 Neel Kearby Blvd., Rm. 164

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Course: ELEMENTS OF SUPERVISORY PRACTICES, PT. 2  (2 Days)  
Class Registration Form

This 2-day class continues the concepts covered in Elements of Supervisory Practices, Part 1, that help first-line supervisors inprove skills needed in their day-to-day job functions. This class will provide practical strategies for supervisors in the following areas: problem solving and decision making, ethical bahavior, motivating employees, corrective coaching, progressive discipline, and conducting performance evaluations.   This class is designed for first-line supervisors whose jobs fall OUTSIDE of the traditional office environment. Examples of these job categories include, but are not limited to, trades/crafts, maintenance, security, production, transportation, and food service. 

Note: Elements of Supervisory Practices, Part 1, is a prerequisite to this course.

DATES	CITY	LOCATION
No current offerings.	--	--

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Course: ETHICAL BEHAVIOR IN THE WORKPLACE (1 Day) 
Class Registration Form

This 1-day course will help participants learn how to evaluate work situations to identify potential ethical problems and conflicts of interest. Participants will learn how to develop a plan to comply with rules and/or laws governing potential areas of conflict, promote awareness of ethical behavior in work groups, and anticipate the implications of words and actions within work group goals.

DATES	CITY	LOCATION
No current offerings.	--	--

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Course: IMPROVING EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE THROUGH COACHING (1 Day)
Class Registration Form

This 1-day class presents the coaching process and strategies for improving employee performance. Participants will learn about performance counseling, specific coaching strategies, and motivation techniques. Coaching is presented as an effective tool for improving employee performance while also building employee commitment. Class exercises will enable participants to return to the job ready to implement effective coaching.  This class is open to current supervisors and managers.

DATES	CITY	LOCATION
September 15, 2008	Alexandria	Learning Center for Rapides Parish, 1410 Neel Kearby Blvd., Rm. 164
December 15, 2008	Alexandria	Learning Center for Rapides Parish, 1410 Neel Kearby Blvd., Rm. 164

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Course: INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES & DIVERSITY IN THE WORKPLACE (1 Day) 
Class Registration Form

This 1-day class will examine the ways we handle the individual differences among people in the workplace.  Participants will learn how and why we have different perceptions about people and how those perceptions can affect teamwork and productivity in positive and negative ways.  Participants will practice dealing with different dimensions of diversity in structured exercises and learn how to create a climate in which all employees' contributions are recognized and appreciated.    This class is open to all levels of management and to those employees with special permission from their agencies.

DATES	CITY	LOCATION
October 17, 2008	Alexandria	Learning Center for Rapides Parish, 1410 Neel Kearby Blvd., Rm. 164

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Course: INTRODUCTION TO JOB PROFILING (1/2 Day)  
Class Registration Form

This 1/2-day class, taught by the staff of the Department of Civil Service, will teach participants the basic steps in job profiling and the various purposes for which job profiling can be used. Participants will be taught how to identify critical tasks and competencies, how to link tasks and competencies, and how to document the job profiling results to legally support the use of the results of job profiling efforts. Several exercises are included in the class to provide hands-on experience.Participants will also identify sources of information and resources available to HR in doing job profiles. This class is open only to HR professionals. Completion of this course is a required prerequisite in order to participate in the Staffing Divisions Job Profiling Workshop or Job Profiling Agency Assistance offered as follow-ups to agencies upon request.   This class is open only to Human Resources professionals.

DATES	CITY	LOCATION
No current offerings.	--	--

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Course: MANAGING ACROSS GENERATIONS (1 Day) 
Class Registration Form

This is a 1-day course that enables participants to identify and understand the characteristics of the four generations in the workforce. This course also provides information and strategies for managing across generations, communicating with each generation, identifying motivators for each generation, and dealing with conflict across the generations.  This class is open to all supervisors and managers, and to those with special permission from their agencies.

DATES	CITY	LOCATION
No current offerings.	--	--

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Course: MANAGING AND IMPROVING WORK PROCESSES (2 Days) 
Class Registration Form

This 2-day class examines how work processes impact work effectiveness. Participants will learn how to analyze current work processes, develop a process performance tracking system, break down processes into tasks, and apply a process improvement strategy. Skills learned in this class will be applicable to the management of any work process.   This class is open to all levels of management and to those with special permission from their agencies.

DATES	CITY	LOCATION
No current offerings.	--	--

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Course: MANAGING WORK TIME EFFECTIVELY (1 Day) 
Class Registration Form

This 1-day class examines the various approaches that can be used to manage time effectively. Participants will identify the activities that determine their use of time and learn the keys to effective time management. Particular emphasis will be placed on establishing work priorities to maximize effective use of time. The course will present a flexible approach that can be adapted to fit most participants' preferred time management style. In class, participants will develop a prioritization plan to be used on the job.

 

DATES	CITY	LOCATION
September 26, 2008	Alexandria	Learning Center for Rapides Parish, 1410 Neel Kearby Blvd., Rm. 164
November 19, 2008	Alexandria	Learning Center for Rapides Parish, 1410 Neel Kearby Blvd., Rm. 164

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Course: PERFORMANCE PLANNING & REVIEW TRAINING FOR SUPERVISORS (1 Day) 
Class Registration Form

This 1-day class provides participants with basic information concerning the major components of the Civil Service performance planning and review system: planning, documentation, and evaluation.   This class is open to all supervisors and managers and human resources staff.

DATES	CITY	LOCATION
No current offerings.	--	--

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Course: PRR TRAIN-THE-TRAINER (1 Day) 
Class Registration Form

This 1-day class is being offered specifically for those employees who have been designated by their appointing authorities as agency in-house PPR trainers. Participants will be given all new materials to facilitate their providing the revised PPR classes in their agencies. There will also be a component on effective presentation skills and techcniques.  This class is open only to those agency-designated PPR trainers who have been approved by Civil Service.

DATES	CITY	LOCATION
No current offerings.	--	--

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Course: PROFESSIONALISM & PRODUCTIVITY FOR NON-SUPERVISORS  (2 Days)  
Class Registration Form

This 2-day class is designed to provide participants with the tools and strategies necessary to enhance their professionalism while also increasing their level of productivity. Elements of professionalism covered include professional behavior, communicating as a professional, managing conflict as a team professional, personal organization and productivity, and personal goal setting.   This class is open to non-supervisory employees only.

DATES	CITY	LOCATION
October 22-23, 2008	Alexandria	Learning Center for Rapides Parish, 1410 Neel Kearby Blvd., Rm. 164

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Course: PROVIDING QUALITY SERVICE (1 Day) 
Class Registration Form

This 1-day class provides a foundation to help participants address the basic service needs of their customers. Participants will learn how to assess individual situations to identify potential opportunities for providing service. They will also learn specific strategies to help them meet the needs of customers working within Louisiana state government. Additionally, participants will learn strategies for dealing with difficult, challenging customers. Also, this class will help employees learn methods for utilizing appropriate and available resources within their agencies.   This class is open to all employees, whether or not they have taken any other customer service classes.

DATES	CITY	LOCATION
No current offerings.	--	--

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Course: STRATEGIES FOR SUPERVISORY SUCCESS  (1 Day)   
Class Registration Form

This1-day class is designed to help participants develop strategies to effectively assume their supervisory roles within their agencies. Learning objectives include managing your transition to a supervisory role, building personal credibility, developing work group commitment, and implementing action planning within the agency.   This class is open to new supervisors and to those with special permission from their agencies.

DATES	CITY	LOCATION
October 28, 2008	Alexandria	Learning Center for Rapides Parish, 1410 Neel Kearby Blvd., Rm. 164

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Course: WORKPLACE NEGOTIATION SKILLS  (1 Day)  
Class Registration Form

In this 1-day class, participants will learn how to negotiate in the workplace. Participants will learn how to use interest-based negotiating between work groups, how to clarify points of view, and how to apply win-win persuasive techniques and methods to gain cooperation from others.   This class is open to all levels of management and to those with special permission from their agencies.

DATES	CITY	LOCATION
October 7, 2008	Alexandria	Learning Center for Rapides Parish, 1410 Neel Kearby Blvd., Rm. 164

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Course: WRITING FOR MANAGERS  (1 Day) 
Class Registration Form

In this 1-day class, managers will learn to say what they mean in a clear, concise style. Through lecture, examples, and practice exercises, managers will gain confidence in their ability to plan and structure reports, letters, and memos. Correct formatting of various types of reports will be discussed, as well as appropriate style in faxes and e-mail messages. Attention will be given to other types of documents, including written and verbal instructions. They will see how the use of white space, selection of fonts, and other graphic elements can add to the readability of their writing. Although this course is not intended as a review of grammar and punctuation, time will be reserved for participants' questions about these subjects.   This class is open to all levels of management and to those with special permission from their agencies.

DATES	CITY	LOCATION
No current offerings.	--	--

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