Course Outcomes

This workplace communication and professionalism course will:

  • Help participants identify a communication target.
  • Address professionalism in the workplace.
  • Provide participants with a range of models and frameworks to improve their workplace interactions.
  • Offer guidelines for creating client-centric email and tools for managing an active inbox.
  • Suggest a framework for managing up.
  • Share best practices for designing and delivering formal and informal presentations.

Course Overview

This two-day workplace professionalism course is designed for people who wish to sharpen their communication skills and understanding of how to navigate the workplace. The workshop comprises content from some of Business Training Works’ most popular programs. It’s taught in an interactive and flexible format. Depending on the needs of your group, we can teach it in four half-day segments spread over several weeks or months, in two back-to-back days, or some other combination that works with your schedule.

Program Objectives

At this program’s conclusion, participants should be able to:

  • Use Business Training Works’ Deliberate Communication model.
  • Articulate how their words and actions influence how others perceive them.
  • Identify and avoid reputation-killing behaviors.
  • Implement a range of communication frameworks.
  • Write client-focused messages.
  • Leverage Microsoft Outlook’s productivity features.
  • Actively manage their relationships with their managers or supervisors.
  • Create professional development goals.
  • Identify formal and informal mentors to help them realize their professional objectives.
  • Design a focused presentation.
  • Deliver authentic and engaging presentations.

The following outline highlights some of the course’s key learning points. As part of your training program, we will modify content as needed to meet your business objectives. Upon request, we will provide you with a copy of participant materials prior to the session(s).

Workshop Outline

Line of Sight: Determining a Communication Target

In this opening discussion, we will explore the value of communication targets. Using Business Training Works’ Deliberate Communication model, participants will identify the thoughts and feelings they want others to have about them, the actions they can take to realize those outcomes, and methods for measuring the success of their efforts.

The Look and Sound: Workplace Etiquette and Office Civility

In this course component, we will look at more than 50 workplace “fails” and discuss why those behaviors can negatively impact one’s professional reputation. Following that exercise, we will explore tactics for addressing problems when they occur.

Leveraging Language: Exploring Frameworks and Models

As the old saying goes, “it’s not what you say but how you say it that counts.” In this part of the workshop, we will practice a range of language models: LLC feedback, RAP, 3F + EC + Yes, and others. Participants will then identify how and where they can apply those frameworks back on the job.

The Right Type: On-Brand Email

In this next segment, we’ll explore the ins and outs of email communication and the importance of on-brand text. In addition to rules of etiquette, we will discuss ways to improve efficiency and message completeness by leveraging tools and tricks in Microsoft Outlook.

Career Track: Professional Development and Managing Up

While managers certainly have a responsibility to develop their employees, the primary stakeholders are the employees themselves. This portion of the workshop looks at the importance of career development and tips and tools for managing one’s career, managing the employee-supervisor relationship, and finding formal and informal mentors.

Platform Power: Developing and Delivering Presentations

This final element of the program addresses methods for developing effective presentations and skills for delivering information in a targeted and engaging way. Specifically, we will discuss and practice techniques for organizing information, creating easy-on-the eyes charts and graphics, anticipating questions, leveraging data and stories, and appearing confident and at ease under pressure.   

By the conclusion of this interactive and hands-on workshop, participants should be able to employ a range of tools and tactics to enhance their effectiveness back on the job.