Annual Staff Development Workshop Series

Coaching for Development: Up, Down and Across

9:00-11:30 am

In-person held in the Division of Human Resources Training Room, Suite 102 in the East Hill Office Building (EHOB) at 395 Pine Tree Rd.  

Coaching is key to helping colleagues all around you develop, whether a person is your peer, a direct report, or a people leader. This session focuses on how you can help others develop and create action plans to be more effective and move and implement their ideas to advance the organization.

Facilitated by Kathryn Burkgren, AVP Organizational Development & Effectiveness (ODE)

The Value of Trust for Creating and Maintaining Belonging

10:00 - 11:15 am

In-person

In this program, we will explore how teams with high levels of trust can support employee engagement and a sense of belonging.

Utilizing Artificial Intelligence: From Theory to Application 

10:00 am – 12:00 pm

This comprehensive course is designed to provide you with a solid foundation in understanding and utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) technologies effectively. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience with AI, this course will equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the world of AI confidently.

Facilitated by Steve Jackson, Senior Management Consultant and Ari Mack, Senior Management Consultant, ODE

How to Shine as an Internal Candidate 

11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Would you like to expand your opportunities to grow within Cornell? Applying for an internal job posting may allow you to advance your career, move to a different department, and learn new skills. In this workshop, you will learn about Cornell’s recruiting process and what you can do to stand out as an internal candidate.

Facilitated by Carolyn Chow, Talent Acquisition Partner, Recruitment & Employment Center

Unlocking your Authentic Voice: The Art of Public Speaking 

1:00-3:00 pm

In-person held in the Division of Human Resources Training Room, Suite 102 in the East Hill Office Building (EHOB) at 395 Pine Tree Rd.  

Nervous about leading that meeting? Losing sleep over how you’ll manage to give that talk in front of all those people? Join us for this staff development teaser program where you will explore how to unlock the power of authenticity in public speaking.  Our immersive course is designed to empower your voice and presence whether you're a seasoned speaker or stepping onto the stage for the first time. This class is tailored to help you connect deeply with your audience through genuine,  communication and impactful presence.

• Techniques to overcome nervousness and speak confidently.
• How to explore/discover your personal speaking style that reflects your true self and values.
• Strategies for connecting with your audience on multiple levels.
• Understand the importance of authenticity in building trust and credibility with an audience.
• Develop a toolkit of practical techniques to deliver memorable and impactful presentations.

Facilitated by Ari Mack, Senior Management Consultant, ODE

Crafting Your Best Resume 

3:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Your resume is most likely the first impression you’ll make on a hiring manager or internal recruiter, so it’s extremely important to ensure that impression is accurate. While different opportunities require different resumes, the real goal of most resumes is to secure an opportunity to interview. In this session, you will learn tips and important information on how to be strategic as you build your resume.

Facilitated by Brad Stock, Talent Acquisition Partner, Recruitment & Employment Center

So, You Want to Be a People Leader? 

10:00 am – 12:00 pm 

Discover if you have the desire and would like to acquire or hone the skills to be an excellent people leader. Data recently gathered at Cornell and supported by data being reported on across the world, indicates that people don’t leave jobs, they leave bad managers and toxic work environments. Too often in the past individuals who were good technical experts were chosen to lead and manage others. Often the skill that makes you the best technical expert is completely different than the skill of leading and managing others. Excellent people leaders are critical to creating a culture where people feel valued, a sense of belonging, and engaged. 

• Understand the role and expectations Cornell has of people leaders
• Learn the significance of people leaders having a passion for leading, developing, and coaching others towards the accomplishment of the mission and vision of the organization 
• Discover the importance of emotional intelligence in managing others 
• Learn the skills to lead and develop individuals and teams 
• Know the critical role coaching plays in developing others 
• Align and implement objectives to advance the strategy of the department

Facilitated by Marcus Brooks, Senior Management Consultant and Trainer, ODE

Managing Up 

10:30 am – 12:00 pm

Managing up from any seat allows us to foster effective relationships throughout the organization, regardless of your role. In this session you’ll gain the awareness and tools that will help you consciously establish communication channels with your leaders! Explore managing up skills that help you be the architect of your own workplace experience!

Ari Mack, Senior Management Consultant, ODE

Online Learning 101 

11:00 am – 12:00 pm

This workshop is for beginners wanting to learn some tips to help make online learning easier to navigate. We will demonstrate how to log in and navigate many of the free online learning options available to active Faculty, Staff, and Students. Platforms such as Workday Learning, eCornell, Skillsoft, LinkedIn Learning, Microsoft, Adobe, and Edx will be covered with time for questions as we go along.

Facilitated by Julia Leonard, Program Assistant, CIT Communications

Project LIFE: Embracing Inclusive Language and Calling In 

1:00 pm – 4:30 pm

In-person held in the Division of Human Resources Training Room, Suite 102 in the East Hill Office Building (EHOB) at 395 Pine Tree Rd.  

Unlock the power of words with the Project LIFE program on embracing inclusive language and the art of calling in! Join us and discover how inclusive language fosters a culture of respect, understanding, and equal opportunity for everyone. In this program, you will explore the nuances of microaggressions and learn to address them effectively. Guided by the LARA model of communication, developed by Bonnie Tinker in 1992 and utilized by the Intergroup Dialogue Project, you’ll practice engaging in meaningful conversations that build a community of respect and genuine inclusion. Don’t miss this chance to make a difference and champion a culture of belonging.

Objectives:

• Explore the importance and impact of using inclusive language, focused on neurodiversity and disability, to create a more respectful and supportive environment.
• Identify and understand the impact of microaggressions. •
• Learn a process to facilitate inclusive conversations and foster a supportive, respectful community.

Facilitated by Kirsty Lauder, Post Dr Assoc, Lab of Ornithology and Jennifer Fonseca, Senior Management Consultant, ODE

An Inclusive Approach to Leadership 

1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Cultivating an inclusive approach to leadership moves the participant beyond seeing diversity and inclusion as a separate subject, or to-do item, toward embedding equitable practices into their everyday leadership style regardless of the field they work in or what their job title is. By both understanding and expanding their impact and role as a leader and examining their leadership style through the lens of inclusion and equity, participants will sharpen their ability to manage individuals and teams. In this session, participants will actively engage with one another to explore how to tangibly apply an inclusive approach to demonstration the Cornell Leadership Skills for Success.

• Being able to see how diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging efforts support departmental/organizational effectiveness.
• Identifying what can get in the way of employees being able to effectively work with people who are different.
• Understanding the ways people leaders impact employee experiences and intentions to remain at Cornell.
• Developing specific strategies to incorporate an inclusive approach to the Cornell Leadership Skills for Success can look and sound like in everyday practice.

Facilitated by Erin Sember-Chase, Diversity and Inclusion Learning Consultant, Department of Inclusion and Belonging

Change Fatigue 

(2 Sessions: January 14-15) 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Our world is experiencing change at a record pace. Much of that change is also unprecedented, from pandemics, and economic challenges, to how we work (hybrid, remotely, wearing masks). Yet, change is the one constant we continue to experience, and because of that, we can struggle with change fatigue. This class will explore the forces behind the change and how to navigate it. We will learn about the signs of change fatigue and how we can minimize them. We will also explore potential ways we respond to change and identify what is within our control and how we can potentially move these changes forward.

• Understand change and why there is so much of it happening.
• Learn about change fatigue and how to recognize the signs.
• Explore potential ways we respond to change.
• Recognize what is within our control and how we use it to move the change forward.

Facilitated by Steve Jackson, Senior Management Consultant and Tanya Grove, Assistant Director and Senior Management Consultant, ODE

Write a Winning Cover Letter 

3:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Cover letters are an important part of your application materials and can serve as an example of your communication skills! In this workshop, we will review important details to pay attention to when communicating your interest and fit for a job. You’ll see examples of what to include and how to format a cover letter and you’ll hear about what hiring managers look for in cover letters.

Facilitated by Carolyn Chow, Talent Acquisition Partner, Recruitment & Employment Center

Online Learning 101 

3:00 pm – 4:00 pm

This workshop is for beginners wanting to learn some tips to help make online learning easier to navigate. We will demonstrate how to log in and navigate many of the free online learning options available to active Faculty, Staff, and Students. Platforms such as Workday Learning, eCornell, Skillsoft, LinkedIn Learning, Microsoft, Adobe, and Edx will be covered with time for questions as we go along.

Facilitated by Julia Leonard, Program Assistant, CIT Communications

Project LIFE: People Leaders for Project LIFE 

9:00 am – 4:00 pm

In-person held at the Lab of Ornithology Visitor Center, Auditorium, 159 Sapsucker Woods Rd.

In this in-person session you will explore disability, neurodiversity, and an inclusive workplace by making practical applications through dialogue, scenarios, and reflection. You will critically investigate misconceptions and stereotypes that create barriers which inhibit the employee and create challenges to effective teams. You will explore and utilize resources that foster a supportive and inclusive environment with the goal of obtaining inclusion for all.

Facilitated by Kirsty Lauder, Post Dr Assoc, Lab of Ornithology and Jennifer Fonseca, Senior Management Consultant, ODE

How to Prioritize Work When Everything Feels Important   

9:00-10:30 am

Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed by your workload? Do you struggle to stay focused in a world full of distractions? Join us on a journey toward productivity mastery, where you will develop habits that will keep you agile and on track in an ever-changing environment.

• Understand the steps for prioritizing work -Discover tools to manage work
• Consider how to evaluate tasks based urgency and importance
• Learn the 1-3-5 rule to planning work
• Explore how to focus and be successful in a distracted world.
• Develop habits to review and adjust priorities

Facilitated by Tanya Grove, Assistant Director and Senior Management Consultant, ODE

Networking Equals Relationships 

10:00 am – 11:00 am

What is networking anyway? Plain and simple: networking equals relationships! The truth is when you network you aren’t asking for a job. You’re seeking information. It's a conversation. It’s a meeting. This workshop is designed to equip you with strategies to create meaningful connections that drive long-term career growth. You'll explore effective approaches to expand your professional network and build relationships that enhance your career journey. Join us to gain the tools you need to confidently engage and grow your network as an essential part of your career development.

Facilitated by Radhika Nayak, Career Development & Coaching Program Consultant, ODE

Navigating Negative Self-Talk  

1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

You know the voice, now explore how to tend and befriend your negative self-talk! Join us as we create awareness and gain skills that help us turn our negative self-talk/thoughts into strengths and confidence!

Facilitated by Ari Mack, Senior Management Consultant, ODE

Climate Change: From Soup to Nuts  

1:00 pm – 2:30 pm 

This soup-to-nuts program will include an overview of climate change basics, including its cause, current status, and what the future holds for all of us. Emphasis will be placed on how our changing climate is affecting the foods we love and need. The flavors, aromas, nutritional quality, availability, and prices of foods are all changing making food an ideal messenger for the climate change story — we all eat. The stories to tell about what is happening to our food are nearly unlimited and can be used to help raise awareness. This workshop will include conversations about how participants feel about this topic and what they can do about it. It will also include exercises on how to quickly learn what’s up with your favorite ingredient as well as role-playing exercises focused on how to talk about climate change. There will be plenty of time for questions and discussion and participants will leave better informed about climate change and provided ways to help confront it.

Facilitated by Michael Hoffman, Professor Emeritus, CALS Entomology

Interviewing With Confidence 

2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail” – Ben Franklin. Being offered an interview is exciting and can also be daunting. Hear from an expert recruiter about everything you need to prepare for your interview and feel equipped to answer confidently. You will learn how to present your true self, highlight your strongest attributes, and adequately prepare for anticipated questions. Walk into the next job interview with total confidence.

Facilitated by Brad Stock, Talent Acquisition Partner, HR Recruitment & Employment Center

Write Your Next Chapter: 5 Steps to Setting Your Retirement Date 

9:00-10:00 am

Grant Trisch, TIAA

For anyone starting to think seriously about when to retire, this webinar takes you through five steps to deciding when the time is right, including estimating retirement expenses, closing any income gap and understanding key milestones that can impact your retirement finances. 

Make the Most of Your Retirement Savings 

10:00-11:00 am

Fidelity

• See the importance of saving as much as possible 
• Learn the benefits of saving more 
• Identify different retirement account types

What Educational Benefits are Available to Me? 

11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Michelle La Fave, Benefits Associate, Health and Welfare Benefit Programs

It really is possible to be a full-time employee and complete an undergraduate or graduate degree at the same time! One of the biggest advantages is that you have an open-ended graduation date. No pressure! Representatives from Undergraduate and Graduate Admissions will provide you with information on how to begin the process and answer your questions. 

Invest for Success: 5 Principles You Need to Know 

12:00-1:00 pm

Grant Trisch, TIAA

No matter where you are in your career journey, this webinar can help you understand the key principles of investing for retirement. From compounding to taxes to choosing investments, you’ll learn that how you invest for retirement is just as important as how much you save.

How Can I Get a Degree While Working? 

1:00-2:00 pm

Michelle La Fave, Benefits Associate, Health and Welfare Benefit Programs

Managing coursework and a full-time job can be tough, but there are ways to make it work. Here’s an opportunity to meet participants in the Employee Degree Program and hear about their experiences combining work, family, and studies, each with a unique story about their journey.

Tackle Debt and Understand Your Credit Score 2:00-3:00 pm

Fidelity

• Discover different strategies for paying down debt 
• Learn how to better understand credit scores 
• Take better control of finances

Climate Change: From Soup to Nuts  

9:00 am – 10:30 am

This soup-to-nuts program will include an overview of climate change basics, including its cause, current status, and what the future holds for all of us. Emphasis will be placed on how our changing climate is affecting the foods we love and need. The flavors, aromas, nutritional quality, availability, and prices of foods are all changing making food an ideal messenger for the climate change story — we all eat. The stories to tell about what is happening to our food are nearly unlimited and can be used to help raise awareness. This workshop will include conversations about how participants feel about this topic and what they can do about it. It will also include exercises on how to quickly learn what’s up with your favorite ingredient as well as role-playing exercises focused on how to talk about climate change. There will be plenty of time for questions and discussion and participants will leave better informed about climate change and provided ways to help confront it.

Facilitated by Michael Hoffman, Professor Emeritus, CALS Entomology

Microsoft Teams 

10:30 am – 11:30 am

Collaborate with Team Members in Real Time from Shared files. Organize your content to have focus and purpose; and make Just The Right stuff available to Just The Right People at Just The Right Time. Maximize the Effectiveness and Quality of your Team Efforts with these Powerful tools.