Better Business Writing: Lessons in Power and Persuasion
10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 3, Virtual

Move from surviving to thriving by learning how to effectively leverage your Top 5 Strengths in any challenge you're currently facing. Explore how your unique strengths complement one another, in order to tackle any challenge with grace, ease and confidence — rather than force, difficulty and frustration. Come with a challenge you're facing, and by the end of the session you will be empowered to navigate forward with the skills, mindset and drive that's already within you. Note: In order to fully participate, please make sure to take the Gallup Strengths assessment ($20).

This course is offered as part of the CSU cross-campus professional development collaboration program which allows Fresno State employees to participate in select workshops offered by other CSU campuses. Space is limited and registration closes 48 priors to the session. The facilitator will send the Zoom link before the class begins.

Visit the Organizational Excellence calendar for dates and to register.

Other opportunities this week:

Breath and Health
3 - 3:50 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 2, Zoom

Have you ever experienced how altering the pattern of your breath improves your state of mind? Come experience the intimate link between our breath and our emotions. During the session, we will do some light gentle stretches and guided meditation. Come prepared to leave this 50-minute virtual session afresh, anywhere you are.

Train the Trainer (session 4 of 4)
10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 3

Train the Trainer is a cohorted, four-session series for campus subject matter experts who currently create or deliver presentations at meetings or trainings. The series also provides a welcoming, safe, and fun space for employees who have no presentation experience but wish to learn more about and practice this skill set. Special emphasis is placed on virtual training and delivery. Attendance at all four sessions is required, and participants will receive a Certificate of Completion.

This course is offered as part of the CSU cross-campus professional development collaboration program which allows Fresno State employees to participate in select workshops offered by other CSU campuses. Space is limited and registration closes 48 priors to the session. The facilitator will send the zoom link before the class begins.

Entrenched Conflict to Calm Collaboration: Using “De-escalation Listening”
9:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 4, Zoom

“Active listening” is often described as an essential communication skill. But active listening done well is more than just a way to improve communications — it’s a vital conflict de-escalation tool. “Active listening” also means a lot of different things to different people. This workshop focuses on how to employ “de-escalation listening,” a type of active listening that creates space for collaboration and problem-solving. The workshop begins with a practical discussion about what de-escalation listening looks like and when to employ it. Then, participants will consider a workplace scenario in which people have begun to fall into polarized positions. The scenario will be based upon anonymous input from participants in advance of the workshop. Participants will break into groups of three to four people to explore one perspective in the conflict and how a de-escalation listening strategy might be employed. Please complete this survey to help the presenters develop a scenario based on factors relevant to you: De-Escalation Listening Scenario Input. When the breakout groups reconvene, participants will be given an opportunity to role-play with the assistance of the facilitators. The workshop will conclude with a debriefing about how de-escalation listening worked during the role-play exercise. Participants will also be able to ask questions of the facilitators (two university ombuds).

This course is offered as part of the CSU cross-campus professional development collaboration program which allows Fresno State employees to participate in select workshops offered by other CSU campuses. Space is limited and registration closes 48 priors to the session. The facilitator will send the Zoom link before the class begins.

CSUBUY Marketplace
3 – 4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 4, Zoom

CSUBUY Marketplace is a CSU system-wide initiative to streamline the purchasing and payment processes on campus. Training will review how to navigate through the CSUBUY Marketplace and how to order from the 22 vendors in the marketplace.

Winning with a Healthy Lifestyle
10 – 10:50 a.m. Friday, Nov. 5, Zoom

Led by Dr. Lisa Herzig, this program offers a holistic approach to reclaiming your health through nutrition coaching and exercise planning, giving you support and tools to cultivate a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

See the Organizational Excellence calendar for a complete list of events.