Professional Development Classes

Interested in becoming SPHR or PHR certified? 

Wednesdays, September 14-November 16
6:00-9:00 pm
Instructor Led Face to Face
Spirit Lake Campus
$899.00

Overcoming The 5 Dysfunctions of a Team $79

Course #: 40766 Date(s): 3/29/12
Site: Algona - Knights of Columbus Hall
Time: 8:30-11:30am (Thurs.)
Course #: 40767 Date(s): 3/29/12
Site: Spencer Time: 1:30-4:30pm (Thurs.)

Would you say your team is more dysfunctional than functional? If so, you’re not alone. In this interactive session, we will discuss the five dysfunctions of a team (based on Patrick Lencioni’s best selling book with that same title): Absence of Trust, Fear of Conflict, Lack of Commitment, Avoidance of Accountability, and Inattention to Results. We’ll talk about strategies and tools that each team member will be able to put into action to overcome these dysfunctions. Teamwork remains a huge competitive advantage – because it’s so powerful AND it’s so rare! This class is offered in partnership with the Employer’s Council of Iowa and also the Kossuth/Palo Alto County Economic Development Corp.

Principles of Banking $249

Course #: 38677
Date(s): 1/18/12-3/21/12
Site: Spirit Lake
Time: 6-9pm (Wed.)

This course is for new and current bank employees interested in learning the foundations within the industry. This course is the perfect orientation for new bank staff, and experienced staff. Principles of Banking provides students with the foundation of current industry issues, fundamental tools within the banking industry, and future developments within the banking industry.

Notary Education $74

Course #: 40878
Date(s): 4/7/12
Site: Algona
Time: 1-4pm (Sat.)

Course #: 40879
Date(s): 4/28/12
Site: Spirit Lake
Time: 1-4pm (Sat.)

You will be given instructions on how to obtain your notary commission for the State of Iowa. Also, you will acquire skills and tools to complete your state assigned duties as described by the Iowa Secretary of State. This course is great for current Notary Publics, or those interested in becoming one.

Customer Service Excellence $79

Course #: 40770
Date(s): 2/7/12
Site: Spirit Lake
Time: 8:30-11:30am (Tues.)

According to TARP Institute research, for every customer who complains to a company, there are 26 other unhappy customers that the company never hears from. Unfortunately, that person may be voicing his/her complaint to everyone they meet! Especially in a tight economy, businesses need to treat customers with exceptional service and care. This engaging, interactive program will cover all aspects of earning a top-notch reputation for customer
service—from daily interactions with customers, to phone etiquette, to how to respond if a customer complains. We’ll start by introducing top criteria that customers use to evaluate service effectiveness, then work into a step-by-step framework for calming and retaining dissatisfied customers. Participants will practice customer service skills during the session and leave armed with practical, take-home strategies for treating customers in ways that will have them singing your organization’s praises out in the community.

Getting Paid to Talk $44

Course #: 40957
Date(s): 4/3/12
Site: Spirit Lake
Time: 6:30-9:30pm (Tues.)

Today, voice acting are everywhere. Getting Paid to Talk is a single evening class that takes a realistic and entertaining look at the positive and negative components of building success as a voice actor in our area. In addition to having the opportunity to hear voice acting demos from working professionals, each student will have the opportunity to record a real script under our producer.

Insurance Professionals Continuing Education

We provide continuing education for those within the insurance industry. Please visit the following Web site for course information: https://www.communityeducators.net 

5/22/12, Algona, 8 am - 6 pm
7/13/12, Spirit Lake, 8 am - 3 pm
10/11/12, Spencer, 8 am - 5 pm

Used Auto Dealer Continuing Education

We provide used auto dealer continuing education. View the following Web site for course information. http://www.onesourcetrainingiowa.org

Workplacelean Overview $5

Course #: 40858
Date(s): 3/6/12
Site: Algona
Time: 12-2pm (Tues.)
Lunch included, served at 11:30 am

Course #: 40860
Date(s): 3/13/12
Site: Spencer
Time: 8:30-10:30am (Tues.)
Breakfast included, served at 8 am

Course #: 40861
Date(s): 3/13/12
Site: Spirit Lake
Time: 12-2pm (Tues.)
Lunch included, served at 11:30 am

Course #: 40859
Date(s): 4/17/12
Site: Estherville
Time: 12-2pm (Tues.)
Lunch included, served at 11:30 am

This session will provide an overview of workplacelean® using both lecture/discussion and an office simulation. You will learn how implementing workplacelean® concepts in your organization can: improve productivity, reduce errors, improve employee morale, reduce costs and more. Attend this session to learn about the various Lean concepts, and you may decide to host a more intense training geared toward your company needs.

National Career Readiness Certificate FREE

The National Career Readiness Certificate is an evidenced based exam to measure workplace skills. The certificate enables job seekers to prove their skills to potential employers, and locating information. The exam provides each person with their individualized score to present to their future employer. The exam is free for job seekers that are registered with Iowa Workforce Development. The exam is $25 for non-registered participants. The fee
to retake the exam is $15. Interested? Call Shauna Donovan at 712-336-6572 or email sdonovan@iowalakes.edu for information.