Content Information
On this page...
- Advanced Principles of Communication Part 1: Authenticity
- Advanced Principles of Communication Part 2: Coaching
- Advanced Procurement Certification
- Advanced Thinking for Problem-Solving Managers
- Creative Thinking
- Crucial Accountability©
- Crucial Conversations®
- Cultural Competency
- Customer Experience
- Developing Employees
- Dimensions of Behavior
- Dimensions of Leadership
- Discipline, Grievances, and the Merit System
- Diversity Training for Employees
- Diversity Training for Managers
- Emotional Intelligence 2.0
- Enhancing Team Membership
- Ethics of Leadership and Influence
- Financial and Budgeting
- Fundamentals of Supervision
- Generational Diversity
- Getting Things Done
- Introduction to State Procurement
- Investigating Employee Misconduct
- Leading Through Change
- Listening Skills
- Managing Conflict & Resistance in the Workplace
- Managing Effective Meetings
- Managing Stress & Workplace Accountability
- Performance Evaluation
- The Power of Habit
- Professional Impact
- Project Management Fundamentals
- Project Management Seminar
- Shaping Effective and Engaged Teams
- Strategies for Work/Life Balance
- The Servant Leader
- Workplace Ethics
- Workplace Harassment
Instructor-led courses are offered both in person at the Hoover Building in Des Moines and virtually on Zoom. Pay attention to the offering details listed below and in the LMS to see the location of the class. It is your responsibility to know where the class is being held.
Most PDS instructor-led courses are available to both State of Iowa employees and external participants. Some are specifically for managers and supervisors. Please read the course description for more details.
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Advanced Principles of Communication Part 1: Authenticity
Course Details
Course Number: DAS PC1 | Instructor: Helena Long | Certificate series: ATDC
Participating agency fee: $60 | Non-participating agency fee: $188
Overview
This course is designed for all employees. It focuses on the latest research and trends in leadership, outlining the importance of authenticity in leadership. Participants will gain an understanding of the impact that authenticity has on employee engagement and wellbeing as well as the triggers that prevent people from being their authentic selves.
Objectives
- Define authenticity and understand the impacts it has on employee performance
- Identify factors of human behavior that prevent us from being authentic and the impact that has on performance
- Understand the link between shame, vulnerability, connection, and authenticity
- Learn to identify shame triggers and how to address them through empathy
- Discuss the desired behaviors and outcomes produced through leading with authenticity
Offerings
| Format | Location | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual | Zoom | Nov 6, 2024 | 8:30-4:30 |
| Virtual | Zoom | Feb 11, 2025 | 8:30-4:30 |
| In Person | Hoover | Apr 9, 2025 | 8:30-4:30 |
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Advanced Principles of Communication Part 2: Coaching
Course Details
Course Number: DAS PC2 | Instructor: Helena Long | Certificate series: ATDC
Participating agency fee: $60 | Non-participating agency fee: $188
Overview
This course is designed for all employees. It focuses on building coaching and communication strategies to better lead no matter your role in state government. Participants will learn the concepts of emotional intelligence and coactive coaching. This highly-interactive class aims to give employees practical tools to lead projects and fellow employees through various situations. Recommended for participants who have completed the PDS course Advanced Principles of Communication Part 1.
Objectives
- Understand the concepts of Emotional Intelligence as a basis for what drives human behavior
- Learn how to control your own behavior to be a better coach to others
- Discuss the five contexts of coactive coaching
- Learn the fundamentals of handling difficult conversations during coaching situations
Offerings
| Format | Location | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual | Zoom | Dec 5, 2024 | 8:30-4:30 |
| Virtual | Zoom | Mar 5, 2025 | 8:30-4:30 |
| In Person | Hoover | Jun 3, 2025 | 8:30-4:30 |
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Advanced Procurement Certification
Course Details
Course Number: DAS AP | Instructor: Karl Wendt
Participating agency fee: $0 | Non-participating agency fee: $188
Overview
This full-day seminar is designed to prepare state employees to conduct procurement actions with an estimated value between $5,000 and $50,000. This seminar now covers procurement of goods and services. Participants must take and pass the Introduction to State Procurement seminar prior to registering for this seminar.
Objectives
- Complete research and needs assessments
- Identify steps in the solicitation process
- Construct evaluation procedures
Offerings
| Format | Location | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| In Person | Hoover | Sep 19, 2024 | 8:30-4:30 |
| In Person | Hoover | Dec 4, 2024 | 8:30-4:30 |
| In Person | Hoover | Mar 25, 2025 | 8:30-4:30 |
| In Person | Hoover | May 15, 2025 | 8:30-4:30 |
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Advanced Thinking for Problem-Solving Managers
Course Details
Course Number: DAS AT | Instructor: Sarah Ennis | Certificate series: MDC
Participating agency fee: $173 | Non-participating agency fee: $346
Overview
Strategic thinking skills are any skills that enable you to use critical thinking to solve complex problems and plan for the future. These skills are essential to accomplish business objectives, overcome obstacles, and address challenges—particularly if they're projected to take weeks, months, or even years to achieve. Strategic thinking is an extremely effective and valuable tool. One can apply strategic thinking to arrive at decisions that can be related to your work or personal life. This introductory course walks you through a critical thinking and strategic planning process, including a SWOT analysis. This course is recommended for current supervisors, managers, and advanced leaders.
Objectives
- Gain confidence in making strategic choices
- Conduct a simple SWOT analysis
- Forge strategic connections
- Identify critical thinking skills to advance your leadership
- Know the difference between strategic planning and systems thinking
- Discover fresh perspective on strategy and how to make it work in your agency
Offerings
| Format | Location | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| In Person | Hoover | Dec 4, 2024 | 8:30-4:30 |
| Virtual | Zoom | Mar 6, 2025 | 8:30-4:30 |
| In Person | Hoover | Jun 4, 2025 | 8:30-4:30 |
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Creative Thinking
Course Details
Course Number: DAS CT | Instructor: Helena Long | Certificate series: MDC
Participating agency fee: $80 | Non-participating agency fee: $160
Overview
As Albert Einstein said, “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.’’ Work settings are rapidly changing, associates are moving into new roles, and associates at all levels are facing an increasingly complex flow of information. This means that associates must make decisions quickly, and the decisions have to be good ones. This course will focus on learning how to generate creative ideas and solutions using practical thinking and problem-solving tools. By using assessments, models, tools, group discussions, presentation and small group exercises, participants of Creative Thinking will select one of their own work-related challenges for real-time application of the strategies and techniques discussed in the class.
Objectives
- Define creativity and problem solving
- Identify and effectively address misperceptions and organization blocks to creativity
- Describe the four creative thinking styles and demonstrate enhanced effectiveness leveraging the strengths of each
- Apply creative thinking processes to generate, enhance & use innovative and creative ideas
- Apply the problem-solving process using appropriate tools to identify and define a problem, analyze root causes, generate solutions, select the best solution, and develop and execute an action plan
Offerings
| Format | Location | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual | Zoom | Dec 18, 2024 | 8:30-4:30 |
| Virtual | Zoom | Feb 25, 2025 | 8:30-4:30 |
| In Person | Hoover | April 10, 2025 | 8:30-4:30 |
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Crucial Accountability©
Course Details
Course Number: DAS CA | Instructor: Kim Hanson, Shelly Ramus | Certificate series: MDC
Participating agency fee: $250 | Non-participating agency fee: $500
Overview
Building on the skills taught in Crucial Conversations ®, Crucial Accountability ® teaches a step-by-step process and new skills to enhance accountability, improve performance, and ensure execution. This training teaches a straightforward, step-by-step process for identifying and resolving performance gaps, strengthening accountability, eliminating inconsistency, and reducing resentment. It uses video, group discussions, skill practice, and real-life application to make the course both entertaining and engaging. Crucial Conversations® is a prerequisite.
Objectives
- Hold anyone accountable—no matter the person’s power, position, or temperament.
- Master performance discussions—get positive results and maintain good relationships.
- Motivate others without using power—clearly and concisely explain specific, natural consequences, and permanently resolve problems.
- Manage projects without taking over—creatively help others avoid excuses, keep projects on track, and resolve performance barriers.
- Move to action—agree on a plan, follow up, engage in good reporting practices, and manage new expectations.
Offerings
| Format | Location | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| In Person | Hoover | Oct 9, 2024 | 8:30-4:30 |
| Virtual | Zoom | Feb 11, 2025 | 8:30-4:30 |
| In Person | Hoover | May 29, 2025 | 8:30-4:30 |
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Crucial Conversations®
Course Details
Course Number: DAS CC | Instructor: Shelly Ramus | Certificate series: LCBDC
Participating agency fee: $350 | Non-participating agency fee: $700
Overview
Crucial Conversations® is a course that teaches skills for creating alignment and agreement by fostering open dialogue around high-stakes, emotional, or risky topics—at all levels of your organization. By learning how to speak and be heard (and encouraging others to do the same), you’ll begin to surface the best ideas, make the highest-quality decisions, and then act on your decisions with unity and commitment.
Objectives
- Speak persuasively, not abrasively
- Foster teamwork and better decision making
- Build acceptance rather than resistance
- Resolve individual and group disagreements
Offerings
| Format | Location | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| In Person | Hoover | Aug 6-7, 2024 | 8:30-4:30 |
| In Person | Hoover | Sep 17-18, 2024 | 8:30-4:30 |
| Virtual | Zoom | Nov 18-22, 2024 | 9:00-11:30 |
| Virtual | Zoom | Jan 6-10, 2025 | 9:00-11:30 |
| In Person | Hoover | Mar 4-5, 2025 | 8:30-4:30 |
| Virtual | Zoom | Apr 14-18, 2025 | 9:00-11:30 |
| In Person | Hoover | May 20-21, 2025 | 8:30-4:30 |
| Virtual | Zoom | Jun 16-20, 2025 | 9:00-11:30 |
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Cultural Competency
Course Details
Course Number: DAS CLC | Instructor: Viki Johnston | Certificate series: TDC
Participating agency fee: $184 | Non-participating agency fee: $368
Overview
This course is designed for all state employees. Participants will review the value of diversity and gain an understanding of the dynamics of difference. The course focuses on accessing cultural knowledge and the effectiveness of culturally congruent approaches. Recommended for participants who have completed the PDS Course, Diversity Training.
Objectives
- Discuss the definition of diversity, identity, and cultural competency
- Understand the difference between diversity and cultural competency
- Heighten awareness of how we treat individuals with different cultural backgrounds, beliefs, and views
- Analyze case studies
- Create potential goals for you specific department or agency
Offerings
| Format | Location | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| In Person | Hoover | Oct 9, 2024 | 8:30-4:30 |
| Virtual | Zoom | Dec 4-5, 2024 | 8:30-12:30 |
| Virtual | Zoom | Feb 5-6, 2025 | 8:30-12:30 |
| In Person | Hoover | Apr 23, 2025 | 8:30-4:30 |
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Customer Experience
Course Details
Course Number: DAS CE | Instructor: Carol Tripp | Certificate series: TDC
Participating agency fee: $100 | Non-participating agency fee: $200
Overview
What is the difference between Customer Service and Customer Experience? Who are your customers? What do you know about them? What are touchpoints for your customers? Enjoy this interactive class exploring your customer’s journey as they interact with your agency or facility and identify proactive methods to address negative customer journey experiences.
Objectives
- Identify customers – both internal and external
- Define customer experience and focus
- Utilize specific, practical methods to handle challenges in providing a positive customer experience
- Identify techniques for helping citizens work with government bureaucracy
- Learn how to interact with unhappy customers in different settings, face-to-face, on the phone, in writing, etc.
- Explore ways to not make excuses and how to respond if you don’t have the answer in a public service setting
- Identify inflammatory triggers and discover ways to say what you mean without angering the customer
Offerings
| Format | Location | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual | Zoom | Sep 30, 2024 | 8:30-4:30 |
| Virtual | Zoom | Dec 9, 2024 | 8:30-4:30 |
| Virtual | Zoom | Mar 17, 2025 | 8:30-4:30 |
| In Person | Hoover | Jun 9, 2025 | 8:30-4:30 |
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Developing Employees
Course Details
Course Number: DAS DE | Instructor: Kim Hanson | Certificate series: MDC
Participating agency fee: $0 | Non-participating agency fee: $188
Overview
This course, designed for all managers and supervisors, focuses on becoming the manager employees need you to be. When people have an effective coach in their boss, they ramp up their productivity, become more satisfied in their job and are able to accept challenges. Participants will gain an understanding of the impact of staying in touch with your team, accepting that mistakes and failures are important to the growth and success of your team and how 1:1 meetings can facilitate employee development. The concepts of accountability, communication, engagement, listening and assessing will be discussed.
Objectives
- Regularly use the “Take 10 Check in” and stay in touch with your team
- Offer team members constructive feedback “on the fly”
- Define and put into practice “The Two-Minute” Challenge
- Best practice guidelines for 1:1 meetings
Offerings
| Format | Location | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual | Zoom | Nov 26, 2024 | 8:30-4:30 |
| Virtual | Zoom | Jan 14, 2025 | 8:30-4:30 |
| In Person | Hoover | Mar 12, 2025 | 8:30-4:30 |
| In Person | Hoover | Jun 19, 2025 | 8:30-4:30 |
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Dimensions of Behavior
Course Details
Course Number: DAS DB | Instructor: Ann Wright | Certificate series: TDC
Participating agency fee: $170 | Non-participating agency fee: $340
Overview
This workshop will help participants explore their behavior across the four DiSC dimensions and how they use those dimensions in situations. Each participant will complete a personal DiSC profile, which will help them understand their own behavior and how and when to adapt their behavior. Analyzing the dimensions of behavior can improve communication, promote appreciation of differences, enhance individual and team performance, and reduce conflict.
Objectives
- Better understand their own behavior
- Understand the impact of the four behavioral styles in the workplace
- Improve communication skills
- Enhance individual and team performance
Offerings
| Format | Location | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual | Zoom | Sep 17, 2024 | 8:30-12:30 |
| Virtual | Zoom | Jan 22, 2025 | 8:30-12:30 |
| Virtual | Zoom | Apr 1, 2025 | 8:30-12:30 |
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Dimensions of Leadership
Course Details
Course Number: DAS DL | Instructor: Helena Long | Certificate series: LCBDC
Participating agency fee: $217 | Non-participating agency fee: $434
Overview
This course, designed for managers and supervisors, will help participants explore their leadership style across the four DiSC Dimensions and how they use those dimensions in situations. Each participant will complete a personal DiSC profile, which will help them understand their own leadership style and how their style can affect those they manage. Participants will gain an understanding of the differences between leadership and management.
Objectives
- Recognize the three ways to evaluate leadership possibilities: you as a leader, someone else as a leader, or the leadership needs of the situation.
- Understand leadership as a relationship between leaders and followers.
- Identify four dynamic areas that capture a leader’s attention in his or her environment.
- Discover 12 key ways that leadership may be demonstrated.
- Gain insight into identifying leadership needs at different times and places.
- Gain perspective on how you can contribute to a group’s success now and in the future.
- Explore ways to encourage active leaders and committed followers at all levels of the organization.
Offerings
| Format | Location | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| In Person | Hoover | Aug 27, 2024 | 8:30-4:30 |
| Virtual | Zoom | Dec 17, 2024 | 8:30-4:30 |
| Virtual | Zoom | Mar 6, 2025 | 8:30-4:30 |
| In Person | Hoover | May 20, 2025 | 8:30-4:30 |
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Discipline, Grievances, and the Merit System
Course Details
Course Number: DAS DGM | Instructor: Debbie Noe, Jen Wolver | Certificate series: MDC
Participating agency fee: $0 | Non-participating agency fee: $188
Overview
Understanding the discipline and grievance process is crucial to any supervisor or manager in state government. This course focuses on the methods of effective and timely discipline, along with the role of the supervisor and manager in the grievance process. This course is for managers and supervisors.
Objectives
- Better understand the discipline and grievance process
- Understand preventive discipline
- Identify the steps of just cause
Offerings
| Format | Location | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual | Zoom | Aug 6, 2024 | 8:30-4:30 |
| In Person | Hoover | Sep 12, 2024 | 8:30-4:30 |
| Virtual | Zoom | Nov 21, 2024 | 8:30-4:30 |
| Virtual | Zoom | Jan 30, 2025 | 8:30-4:30 |
| In Person | Hoover | Mar 13, 2025 | 8:30-4:30 |
| Virtual | Zoom | May 8, 2025 | 8:30-4:30 |
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Diversity Training for Employees
Course Details
Course Number: DAS DVE | Instructor: Mary De Vries | Certificate series: TDC
Participating agency fee: $0 | Non-participating agency fee: $96
Overview
This half-day workshop will address a variety of organization dimensions and dynamics needed to assure optimum understanding of diversity. As a result of participating in a training session, employees will realize the value and appreciate the potential of a diverse workforce, practice self-awareness, and recognize and prevent discriminatory practices on behalf of the State of Iowa. Employees will return to the workplace with an appreciation of the richness multi-culturalism brings to our daily functions, relationships, and organization.
Objectives
- Possess techniques to communicate effectively across cultural lines
- Be aware of the impact of discrimination on those who have experienced it
- Know how to foster cooperation and resolve conflict in cross cultural situations
- Develop an action plan to help apply today’s concepts in the workplace
Offerings
| Format | Location | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual | Zoom | Aug 6, 2024 | 8:30-12:30 |
| Virtual | Zoom | Sep 10, 2024 | 8:30-12:30 |
| In Person | Hoover | Oct 1, 2024 | 8:30-12:30 |
| Virtual | Zoom | Oct 29, 2024 | 8:30-12:30 |
| Virtual | Zoom | Dec 3, 2024 | 8:30-12:30 |
| Virtual | Zoom | Jan 7, 2025 | 8:30-12:30 |
| Virtual | Zoom | Feb 4, 2025 | 8:30-12:30 |
| Virtual | Zoom | Mar 4, 2025 | 8:30-12:30 |
| In Person | Hoover | Apr 1, 2025 | 8:30-12:30 |
| Virtual | Zoom | May 6, 2025 | 8:30-12:30 |
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Diversity Training for Managers
Course Details
Course Number: DAS DVM | Instructor: Mary De Vries, Ben Keenan | Certificate series: MDC
Participating agency fee: $0 | Non-participating agency fee: $188
Overview
This full-day workshop will address a variety of organization dimensions and dynamics needed to assure optimum managerial understanding of diversity. As a result of participating in a training session, managers will realize the value and appreciate the potential of a diverse workforce, practice self-awareness, and recognize and prevent discriminatory hiring practices on behalf of the State of Iowa. Managers will return to the workplace with an appreciation of the richness multi-culturalism brings to our daily functions, relationships, and organization. This course is for managers and supervisors.
Objectives
- Achieve/maintain a diverse workforce, including employees of different ages, races, creeds, colors, genders, sexual orientations, national origins, religions, and disabilities.
- Promote equal opportunity in recruitment, appointment, assignment, and advancement.
- Realize the value and potential of a diverse workforce.
- Practice self-awareness and identify and confront personal biases.
- Recognize and prevent discriminatory hiring practices.
- Appreciate the role of the onboarding process in understanding diverse team members and creating a welcoming environment that will lead to lasting retention of new hires.
- Engage in action planning to transfer new learning derived from the seminar into daily practice.
Offerings
| Format | Location | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual | Zoom | Dec 17, 2024 | 8:30-4:30 |
| Virtual | Zoom | Mar 27, 2025 | 8:30-4:30 |
| In Person | Hoover | May 14, 2025 | 8:30-4:30 |
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Emotional Intelligence 2.0
Course Details
Course Number: DAS EI | Instructor: Kim Hanson, Shelly Ramus | Certificate series: MDC
Participating agency fee: $150 | Non-participating agency fee: $300
Overview
Emotional Intelligence 2.0 is the world's leading measure of emotional intelligence. In EQ-i 2.0 participants will complete the emotional intelligence inventory and receive a one hour debrief with a certified coach prior to the training. During the training participants will gain insight and understanding of their EQ-i strengths and opportunities for growth. This interactive course provides participants with an in-depth examination of the fifteen EQ- 2.0 competencies and opportunities to practice the EQ-i 2.0 skills. Participants will apply knowledge gained and create a plan for self-development. Participants must complete assessment 3 weeks prior to the course offering.
Objectives
- Define emotional intelligence and its importance
- Identify how to recognize and understand your emotions and apply this awareness to relationships
- Discover areas of opportunity for growth in emotional intelligence
- Generate a plan for self-development.
Offerings
| Format | Location | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| In Person | Hoover | Dec 5, 2024 | 8:30-4:30 |
| Registration cutoff: Nov 5 | |||
| In Person | Hoover | Feb 18, 2025 | 8:30-4:30 |
| Registration cutoff: Jan 28 | |||
| In Person | Hoover | May 6, 2025 | 8:30-4:30 |
| Registration cutoff: April 15 | |||
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Enhancing Team Membership
Course Details
Course Number: DAS ET | Instructor: Helena Long | Certificate series: ATDC
Participating agency fee: $60 | Non-participating agency fee: $188
Overview
This course is designed for all state employees. Participants will learn skills to enable them to be a more productive team-player. This course focuses on providing participants with practical skills and strategies to positively affect both their current team and any future teams in which they may participate. Also discussed will be how to influence and engage others.
Objectives
- Identify traits of effective and ineffective teams
- Define the difference between groups, teams, and high-performing teams
- Discuss the benefits of developing a high-functioning team
- Learn the 10 tenets of being an effective team member
Offerings
| Format | Location | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual | Zoom | Oct 23, 2024 | 8:30-4:30 |
| Virtual | Zoom | Jan 15, 2025 | 8:30-4:30 |
| In Person | Hoover | May 13, 2025 | 8:30-4:30 |
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Ethics of Leadership and Influence
Course Details
Course Number: DAS EL | Instructor: Kim Andrade | Certificate series: LCBDC
Participating agency fee: $184 | Non-participating agency fee: $368
Overview
This course is designed for new managers and supervisors. Topics include:
- Ethical leadership and influence
- Organizational ethics and honor
- Leading and developing a savvy organization.
Participants will have an opportunity to examine their ethical awareness and political-savviness approach to leadership.
Objectives
- Identify the difference between managing and leading
- Identify characteristics of a good leader vs. a corrupt leader
- Recognize the complexity of ethical issues
- Understand the four levels of ethical frameworks
- Realize your political-savviness style and how to weave integrity into your work
Offerings
| Format | Location | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| In Person | Hoover | Nov 13, 224 | 8:30-4:30 |
| In Person | Hoover | Feb 5, 2025 | 8:30-4:30 |
| Virtual | Zoom | Apr 14-15, 2025 | 8:30-12:30 |
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Financial and Budgeting
Course Details
Course Number: DAS FB | Instructor: Carol Tripp | Certificate series: LCBDC
Participating agency fee: $100 | Non-participating agency fee: $200
Overview
Budgeting is an integral part of most management decisions. Whether the decision is to start or end a program, hire, fire, or promote employees, purchase or sell items, or to improve client services, managers must weigh a decision’s budget implications. Budgeting is the cornerstone of management and government performance. This course provides managers with a basic understanding of the budgetary process as well as understanding the fundamentals of the statutory framework that agencies must work within as they strive to sustain their core services.
Objectives
- Develop an understanding of the importance of budgeting in public management and policymaking
- Understand the paths to the public budget
- Develop an understanding of the major budgeting functions
- Develop an understanding of budget implementation
Offerings
| Format | Location | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual | Zoom | Oct 21, 2024 | 8:30-4:30 |
| Virtual | Zoom | Jan 13, 2025 | 8:30-4:30 |
| In Person | Hoover Building | Apr 14, 2025 | 8:30-4:30 |
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Fundamentals of Supervision
Course Details
Course Number: DAS FS | Instructor: Helena Long | Certificate series: LCBDC
Participating agency fee: $60 | Non-participating agency fee: $188
Overview
This course, designed for new managers and supervisors, focuses on methods of supporting and directing employees. The course focuses on the characteristics of responsible leadership, motivation theory, and conflict management. Participants will gain awareness of essential functions, as well as supervisory tools and resources.
Objectives
- Identify the differences between thinking like a supervisor and thinking like a non-supervisor
- Identify qualities of an effective leader
- Identify methods of delegating
- Identify what motivates employees
- Learn about effective feedback and coaching
- Manage conflict effectively
- Understand the reality of being a supervisor
- Gain awareness of supervisory tools and resources
Offerings
| Format | Location | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual | Zoom | Aug 28, 2024 | 8:30-4:30 |
| Virtual | Zoom | Nov 19, 2024 | 8:30-4:30 |
| Virtual | Zoom | Mar 25, 2025 | 8:30-4:30 |
| In Person | Hoover | Jun 4, 2025 | 8:30-4:30 |
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Generational Diversity
Course Details
Course Number: DAS GD | Instructor: Sarah Ennis | Certificate series: TDC
Participating agency fee: $173 | Non-participating agency fee: $346
Overview
This course is designed for all state employees. This course walks the participants through what was happening in history during each generation’s formative years. Participants will discuss how historical events shaped each generation’s paradigm of the world to gain insight into what each generation values and how best to identify with each generation.
Objectives
- Discuss the four different generations.
- Learn what shaped each generation’s paradigm of the world and thereby learn what they value.
- Discover how each generation’s values affect how they work and the decisions they make.
- Identify different strategies to better communicate and work across generational lines.
Offerings
| Format | Location | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| In Person | Hoover | Nov 7, 2024 | 8:30-4:30 |
| Virtual | Zoom | Feb 6, 2025 | 8:30-4:30 |
| In Person | Hoover | Apr 17, 2025 | 8:30-4:30 |
| Virtual | Zoom | Jun 17, 2025 | 8:30-4:30 |
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Getting Things Done
Course Details
Course Number: DAS GTD | Instructor: Mary De Vries / On-Demand | Certificate series: ATDC
Participating agency fee: $225 | Non-participating agency fee: $450
Overview
The success of critical projects and programs requires the skill, energy, and focus of every team member. Research shows that when just one or two team members make even small fumbles (miss deadlines, fail to make critical handoffs, work on the wrong priorities, or forget tasks), team productivity is cut by an average of 24 percent. However, teams that have a shared process for managing and executing work foster cultures of trust, engagement, and execution. Getting Things Done® (GTD®) Training teaches skills to manage the constant flow of requests, tasks, and interruptions people face at all levels of the organization. By learning how to capture, clarify, and organize incoming requests, people are more likely to make strategic decisions about where to invest their time and energy, focus on the right priorities, and prevent critical projects from slipping. They are also less likely to experience stress and burnout.
Objectives
- Capture all incoming requests in a few key places
- Process your inbox more effectively
- Take action on tasks rather than procrastinating
- Organize tasks and projects to maximize efficiency
- Do the right things in the right moments
- Align time and resources to be productive, not just busy
Offerings
Note: This is a hybrid course. Participants will attend a 30-minute kick-off meeting during which they will receive access to the Crucial Learning platform and the on-demand Getting Things Done® course. This course has six modules that the participant will complete at their own pace. Participants need to send their completion certificate to pds@iowa.gov to receive credit.
| Format | Location | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual | Zoom | Sep 18, 2024 | 8:30-9:00 |
| Virtual | Zoom | Nov 13, 2024 | 8:30-9:00 |
| Virtual | Zoom | Feb 13, 2025 | 8:30-9:00 |
| Virtual | Zoom | May 15, 2025 | 8:30-9:00 |
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Introduction to State Procurement
Course Details
Course Number: DAS IP | Instructor: Karl Wendt
Participating agency fee: $0 | Non-participating agency fee: $96
Overview
This half-day seminar is designed to prepare state employees to conduct procurement actions with an estimated value up to $5,000. Participants must take and pass six web-based courses on legislative procurement code prior to registering for this seminar. These classes are available at DAS-Central Procurement Enterprise’s training website.
Objectives
- Identify procurement rules of the road
- Detail the steps in the purchasing cycle
- Differentiate types and methods of procurement
- Describe ethical issues related to procurement
Offerings
| Format | Location | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| In Person | Hoover | Aug 8, 2024 | 8:30-12:30 |
| Virtual | Zoom | Oct 10, 2024 | 8:30-12:30 |
| In Person | Hoover | Nov 21, 2024 | 8:30-12:30 |
| Virtual | Zoom | Jan 16, 2025 | 8:30-12:30 |
| In Person | Hoover | Feb 20, 2025 | 8:30-12:30 |
| In Person | Hoover | Apr 10, 2025 | 8:30-12:30 |
| Virtual | Zoom | May 1, 2025 | 8:30-12:30 |
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Investigating Employee Misconduct
Course Details
Course Number: DAS IEM | Instructor: Davi Ellis, Kristy Emmons | Certificate series: MDC
Participating agency fee: $0 | Non-participating agency fee: $188
Overview
This course is designed to present an overview to supervisors and managers in understanding the importance, benefits, and key elements in conducting effective and defensible workplace investigations. You will learn the steps of the investigation process and enhance your awareness of common investigative mistakes. This course is for managers and supervisors.
Objectives
- Defining the purpose and process of an investigation, including: gathering evidence, drafting interview questions, preparing for the witnesses, note taking/tape recording and analyzing the information to substantiate the just cause test.
- Applying the standards of three key Supreme Court cases: Weingarten, Loudermill and Garrity
- Understanding the concept of Just Cause
Offerings
| Format | Location | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| In Person | Hoover | Aug 1, 2024 | 8:30-4:30 |
| Virtual | Zoom | Oct 1, 2024 | 8:30-4:30 |
| In Person | Hoover | Dec 10, 2024 | 8:30-4:30 |
| Virtual | Zoom | Feb 4, 2025 | 8:30-4:30 |
| In Person | Hoover | Mar 18, 2025 | 8:30-4:30 |
| In Person | Hoover | Apr 8, 2025 | 8:30-4:30 |
| Virtual | Zoom | Jun 10, 2025 | 8:30-4:30 |
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Leading Through Change
Course Details
Course Number: DAS LC | Instructor: Sarah Ennis | Certificate series: MDC
Participating agency fee: $173 | Non-participating agency fee: $346
Overview
This course is designed for seasoned leaders and managers to assist employees going through an organizational change. The change process is broken in to four areas that need to be considered when leading employees through change. A step-by-step process will be presented.
Objectives
- Know concepts to lead employees through change
- Understand that people view change through various viewpoints
- Learn action steps for change
- Recognize what employees need through change
Offerings
| Format | Location | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual | Zoom | Jan 8, 2025 | 8:30-4:30 |
| In Person | Hoover | Apr 16, 2025 | 8:30-4:30 |
| Virtual | Zoom | Jun 18, 2025 | 8:30-4:30 |
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Listening Skills
Course Details
Course Number: DAS LS | Instructor: Helena Long | Certificate series: TDC
Participating agency fee: $100 | Non-participating agency fee: $200
Overview
Improved listening means better job efficiency and productivity. Most employees spend over 50% of their day listening. Accurate listening and retention skills are crucial to help manage the amount of information we receive daily. You will practice practical techniques to improve your listening skills.
Objectives
- Learn how communication occurs and the roles of listening, feedback, and perception in the communication process.
- Discuss blocks to active listening and learn methods to overcome these blocks.
- Review and clarify keys to active listening, including attentiveness to nonverbal communication and effective listening basics.
- Nourish creativity through improved listening.
- Identify your listening weaknesses and practice techniques to improve the effectiveness of your listening skills.
Offerings
| Format | Location | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual | Zoom | Sep 4, 2024 | 8:30-4:30 |
| Virtual | Zoom | Nov 1, 2024 | 8:30-4:30 |
| Virtual | Zoom | Jan 29, 2025 | 8:30-4:30 |
| In Person | Hoover | Apr 29, 2025 | 8:30-4:30 |
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Managing Conflict & Resistance in the Workplace
Course Details
Course Number: DAS MC | Instructor: Ann Wright | Certificate series: MDC
Participating agency fee: $235 | Non-participating agency fee: $470
Overview
Conflict in an organization is inevitable. If not addressed and managed, conflict can cause significant damage to individuals, teams, and an organization. In this course, managers will explore the four DiSC dimensions and learn a simple, direct way to understand the different fears that drive much of the conflict and resistance they see. Each participant will complete a personal DiSC profile, which will help them understand their own behavior and how and when to adapt their behavior.
Objectives
- Understand the impact that their conflict style has on other people
- Recognize how employees handle conflict differently than they do
- Be aware of fears and goals of their employees
- Identify and reduce the opposition and resistance of their employees
- Explore ways to improve their communication
Offerings
| Format | Location | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual | Zoom | Nov 19, 2024 | 8:30-4:30 |
| Virtual | Zoom | Feb 12, 2025 | 8:30-4:30 |
| In Person | Hoover | Apr 15, 2025 | 8:30-4:30 |
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Managing Effective Meetings
Course Details
Course Number: DAS MM | Instructor: Ann Wright | Certificate series: LCBDC
Participating agency fee: $100 | Non-participating agency fee: $200
Overview
Just been invited to another meeting? Ever wonder why people sometimes dread attending meetings? Meetings take up employee’s valuable time. Managing Effective Meetings provides participants with a practical, hands-on approach to the development and facilitation of an effective meeting. Participants will bring an agenda from a past meeting and the agenda or information for an upcoming meeting.
Objectives
- Characteristics of an Effective and Productive Meeting
- Characteristics of an Effective Meeting Facilitator
- Six questions that will Lead to the Development of a Meeting That Matters
- Keeping on Task, Follow-Up and Facilitating a Productive and Successful Meeting
Offerings
| Format | Location | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual | Zoom | Oct 15, 2024 | 8:30-12:30 |
| Virtual | Zoom | Jan 29, 2025 | 8:30-12:30 |
| In Person | Hoover | Apr 23, 2025 | 8:30-12:30 |
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Managing Stress & Workplace Accountability
Course Details
Course Number: DAS MS | Instructor: Viki Johnston | Certificate series: ATDC
Participating agency fee: $184 | Non-participating agency fee: $368
Overview
This course is designed to identify and understand the sources of stress. Participants will gain an understanding of the science behind stress and why some stress is actually healthy for us to lead productive lives. Coping strategies, identifying stress overload, and self-management technique topics will be presented.
Objectives
- Define stress and identify triggers
- Recognize your current stress level
- Understand the science behind stress
- Create strategies for reducing stress and increasing self-management techniques
Offerings
| Format | Location | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| In Person | Hoover | Oct 10, 2024 | 8:30-4:30 |
| Virtual | Hoover | Dec 18-19, 2024 | 8:30-12:30 |
| Virtual | Zoom | Feb 10-11, 2025 | 8:30-12:30 |
| In Person | Hoover | Apr 24, 2025 | 8:30-4:30 |
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Performance Evaluation
Course Details
Course Number: DAS PE | Instructor: Kim Hanson | Certificate series: LCBDC
Participating agency fee: $0 | Non-participating agency fee: $188
Overview
This course focuses on teaching you how to provide and deliver effective employee performance evaluations. Performance evaluation is discussed as a process and not just a one-time event, and provides your agency with the foundation for an effective performance evaluation system.
Objectives
- Identify personal assumptions regarding employee evaluation
- Review the purpose of the performance evaluation process
- Identify standards for goals, performance criteria, action steps and timetables
- Discuss methods to provide positive and negative feedback
- Review methods to conduct the performance evaluation conference
Offerings
| Format | Location | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| In Person | Hoover | Oct 23, 2024 | 8:30-4:30 |
| Virtual | Zoom | Dec 12, 2024 | 8:30-4:30 |
| Virtual | Zoom | Feb 13, 2025 | 8:30-4:30 |
| In Person | Hoover | Mar 18, 2025 | 8:30-4:30 |
| Virtual | Zoom | Jun 10, 2025 | 8:30-4:30 |
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The Power of Habit
Course Details
Course Number: DAS PH | Instructor: Kim Hanson
Participating agency fee: $275 | Non-participating agency fee: $550
Overview
Do you sometimes struggle to stick to healthy and productive behaviors, even when you know you should? Do you feel that if you could just get a little more control of your life and habits, you could achieve more and feel better about yourself? With The Power of Habit, learn how to build healthy professional and personal habits with less effort and greater success. Improve your ability to master the one thing that’s in your control: your own behavior.
Objectives
- Identify when habits are the cause of poor results or limited performance
- Discover the hidden factors that reinforce habits
- Replace ineffective behaviors with effective ones and make them easier to do
- Engineer environments so they are conducive to building desired habits
- Identify and implement the right rewards to increase personal motivation
- Design and stick to a strategy for turning a new behavior into a habit
Offerings
| Format | Location | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual | Zoom | Oct 28-30, 2024 | 9:00-11:00 |
| Virtual | Zoom | Jan 28-30, 2025 | 9:00-11:00 |
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Professional Impact
Course Details
Course Number: DAS PI | Instructor: Sarah Ennis | Certificate series: TDC
Participating agency fee: $173 | Non-participating agency fee: $346
Overview
This course is designed for all employees. The focus of this course is to review the importance of overall professional impressions in terms of being positive and proactive, accountable, cooperative and other success factors. Participants will assess themselves against these success factors and build out an action plan to achieve their personal goals.
Objectives
- Understand what professional impact means
- Explore four success factors that drive impact
- Create your own forecast for success
- See how attire comes into play in your brand
Offerings
| Format | Location | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual | Zoom | Sep 19, 2024 | 8:30-4:30 |
| In Person | Hoover | Dec 3, 2024 | 8:30-4:30 |
| Virtual | Zoom | Mar 13, 2025 | 8:30-4:30 |
| In Person | Hoover | Jun 5, 2025 | 8:30-4:30 |
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Project Management Fundamentals
Course Details
Course Number: DAS PMF | Instructor: Dawn Ealy | Certificate series: TDC
Participating agency fee: $187 | Non-participating agency fee: $374
Overview
Do more with less! Designed specifically for those who are actively managing projects, this class is an in-depth look into the processes, knowledge areas, inputs, and outputs you need to know to manage projects effectively and successfully. Learn key knowledge areas and critical success factors now so you don’t have to learn them the hard way later. This class is a high energy, hands-on balance of PMBOK knowledge and application as well as best practices learned and passed down by the pros. Walk away with critical essentials for getting a project done regardless of size or complexity, as well as techniques, concepts, and tools that will save you time and energy in the future.
Objectives
- Describe the characteristics of a project
- Complete a roadmap of critical knowledge areas within the lifecycle of a project
- Practice initiating, planning, managing, and closing down a project
- Learn a reusable set of tools for approaching projects in a comprehensive yet efficient way
Offerings
| Format | Location | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual | Zoom | Oct 16, 2024 | 8:30-4:30 |
| Virtual | Zoom | Jan 15, 2025 | 8:30-4:30 |
| In Person | Hoover | Apr 2, 2025 | 8:30-4:30 |
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Project Management Seminar
Course Details
Course Number: DAS PMS | Instructor: Dawn Ealy | Certificate series: MDC
Participating agency fee: $376 | Non-participating agency fee: $752
Overview
Designed specifically for those who are actively managing projects, this class is a deep dive into the processes, knowledge areas, inputs, and outputs you need to know in order to manage projects more effectively. Based on the best practices of the Project Management Institute’s Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge 6th edition, this highly interactive class will give you a chance to evaluate and improve your approach to project management.
You’ll learn about the constants: the fundamentals of project management that hold true regardless of the scope or nature of the project. Plus, you’ll be exposed to some of the most common reasons that project approaches vary, and come away with tools you can use right away. This hands-on, no-nonsense class can serve as a foundation for project managers new to their role, as well as an eye-opening refresher for seasoned project managers who have been managing projects for years.
Objectives
- Identify the nine knowledge areas described by PMI’s PMBOK
- Practice creating commonly-used artifacts within the Project Management Lifecycle
- Describe some of the common mistakes made in Project Management
- Practice creating and managing a project plan
- Create solution options for building and maintaining a project team
- Identify opportunities for improvement, using recent projects as examples
Offerings
| Format | Location | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual | Zoom | Nov 6-7, 2024 | 8:30-4:30 |
| Virtual | Zoom | Mar 11-12, 2025 | 8:30-4:30 |
| In Person | Hoover | May 7-8, 2025 | 8:30-4:30 |
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Shaping Effective and Engaged Teams
Course Details
Course Number: DAS ST | Instructor: Helena Long | Certificate series: LCBDC
Participating agency fee: $60 | Non-participating agency fee: $188
Overview
This course designed for those who lead teams and focuses on two aspects of building teams. First, learn how to create the feeling of teamwork and second, how to build an effective, focused, and productive work team. Learn strategies to build camaraderie among team members and develop the attributes of a high-functioning, high-performing team, where all members work toward a common goal.
Objectives
- Learn the differences between a group, a team, and a high-performance team.
- Identify the behaviors of ineffective teams.
- Discuss the responsibilities of the team leaders including creating a vision, building alignment, championing execution.
- Learn the tenets of effective team members.
- Discuss the five-step plan to ensuring team success.
Offerings
| Format | Location | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual | Zoom | Nov 8, 2024 | 8:30-4:30 |
| Virtual | Zoom | Feb 12, 2025 | 8:30-4:30 |
| In Person | Hoover | May 14, 2025 | 8:30-4:30 |
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Strategies for Work/Life Balance
Course Details
Course Number: DAS WL | Instructor: Ann Wright | Certificate series: ATDC
Participating agency fee: $385 | Non-participating agency fee: $770
Overview
Do you feel as if you're too busy to enjoy your own life? Are you ready to discover what is important and how to make time for things that matter most at home and at work? The Windshield and the Rearview Mirror provides employees with a variety of strategies that will support them in determining their priorities and how to spend their time, resulting in a newfound peace of mind. Participants will learn how to transform ideas into action and enjoy a lifetime of satisfaction! This is a workshop much different from other training activities. Group coaching is offered as a part of this very interactive workshop.
Objectives
- Participants will create a Vision for their Future and a Vision Board the first day.
- Discussion topics include mindset, training your brain, positive attitude, core values, taking action
- Accountability Partners will work with each other in-between workshops
- Three group-coaching sessions, with each group of five or six participants, will be held via conference call in-between the two workshops
- Strategies will be discussed and an action plan developed by each participant.
- Participants have the opportunity to contact facilitator for support in-between workshops and coaching calls via email and/or brief phone calls.
- At the conclusion of the second workshop, participants will be given a "Balance Bag" with items to support them in their ongoing journey in achieving life/work balance.
Offerings
This course takes place on two separate days. The first day will be held in person, and the second will be virtual. You must attend both days for credit. See dates and locations below.
| Format | Location | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
In Person Virtual | Hoover Zoom | Sep 10,2024 Oct 31, 2024 | 8:30-4:30 8:30-4:30 |
In Person Virtual | Hoover Zoom | Nov 6, 2024 Dec 10,2024 | 8:30-4:30 8:30-4:30 |
In Person Virtual | Hoover Zoom | Mar 11, 2025 Apr 8, 2025 | 8:30-4:30 8:30-4:30 |
In Person Virtual | Hoover Zoom | Apr 9, 2025 May 7, 2025 | 8:30-4:30 8:30-4:30 |
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The Servant Leader
Course Details
Course Number: DAS SL | Instructor: Sarah Ennis | Certificate series: LCBDC
Participating agency fee: $173 | Non-participating agency fee: $346
Overview
This leader-focused course discusses the core tenets of servant leadership and applies those tenets to individual leadership, team functionality, and organizational performance. Participants will learn the value of applying these tenets and the impacts they can have on building a collaborative, high-trust, and high-functioning organization.
Objectives
- Understand the principles of servant leadership.
- Discuss the need for and benefits of this leadership philosophy.
- Identify which principles are your strengths and where you may have areas for improvement.
- Assess your own team and the impact this leadership style may have on the people you lead and work with.
Offerings
| Format | Location | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| In Person | Hoover | Nov 14, 2024 | 8:30-4:30 |
| Virtual | Zoom | Jan 22, 2025 | 8:30-4:30 |
| In Person | Hoover | Apr 3, 2025 | 8:30-4:30 |
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Workplace Ethics
Course Details
Course Number: DAS WE | Instructor: Kellie Seales | Certificate series: TDC
Participating agency fee: $0 | Non-participating agency fee: $96
Overview
Formerly Ethical Issues in Today's Workplace. How do you make better ethical decisions at work? Just because a particular choice is legal does not make it right. This HYBRID course includes an on-demand course and a live, virtual workshop. Learn about ethical laws and standards of conduct, explore potential ethical issues, and discover an ethical decision-making process as well as strategies to build personal ethics.
Objectives
- Learn the State of Iowa Standards of Conduct.
- Understand why unethical decisions are made.
- Apply an ethical decision-making process.
Offerings
| Format | Location | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual | Zoom | Sep 12, 2024 | 9:00-11:00 |
| Virtual | Zoom | Dec 19, 2024 | 9:00-11:00 |
| Virtual | Zoom | Mar 27, 2025 | 9:00-11:00 |
| Virtual | Zoom | Jun 5, 2025 | 9:00-11:00 |
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Workplace Harassment
Course Details
Course Number: DAS WH | Instructor: Carol Tripp | Certificate series: LCBDC
Participating agency fee: $60 | Non-participating agency fee: $120
Overview
Participants will come to understand a range of terms associated with workplace harassment and abusive conduct and the prevention of such harassment and conduct. Participants will leave with a renewed sense of how to engage with their colleagues and an awareness of how their behavior impacts their teams and individual careers. DAS legal will be available during the last thirty minutes of the course to respond to questions.
Objectives
- Discuss, define, and understand sexual harassment prevention, hostile workplace, protected characteristics, LGBTQIA harassment, abusive conduct, and retaliation.
- Learn prevention techniques to stop harassment, abusive behavior and to diffuse potential situations
Offerings
| Format | Location | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual | Zoom | Nov 18, 2024 | 8:30-12:30 |
| Virtual | Zoom | Feb 17, 2025 | 8:30-12:30 |
| Virtual | Zoom | May 12, 2025 | 8:30-12:30 |