CANCELLED -- BSS: Soft Skills for Hardcore Success, Part I

Description

When it comes to skills that are imperative for everyone in today’s business world, the emphasis is typically towards technical knowledge of specific skill sets, known as hard skills. But according to a study conducted by the Stanford Research Institute, Harvard, and the Carnegie Foundation, only 15% of professional success is attributed to technical knowledge while 85% comes from soft skills. This upbeat, interactive, 2-part series focuses on identifying and enhancing the skills and behaviors that build positive and successful relationships, no matter what stage you are at in your career.

Session I
--Discuss the meaning of professional presence and the importance of a positive demeanor
--Review and practice the art of effective communication (verbal, non-verbal, electronic, and active listening)
--Learn techniques to enhance interpersonal abilities (working with others, presenting ideas effectively)

Session II
--Examine the critical role of the three “R’s”- Reliability, responsibility and resilience
--Tap into critical and creative thinking skills (problem solving, innovation, judgement)
--Explore leadership at the personal level (self management, initiative, mindfulness)


Held August 4 and August 11, each session is from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce in Champaign, IL. The cost of the entire series is $129 for members and $149 for non-members.

To register, please contact Caryn at 217.359.1791 or email caryni@champaigncounty.org.  


About the presenter:
Cindy Byrd is committed to utilizing her diverse talents and perspectives as a manager, business owner, consultant, author, and educator to help individuals and organizations lead with purpose, professionalism, confidence, and distinction. Her vision is a world where people are more thoughtful and respectful in their choices, decisions, and actions so that quality of life is continuously improved.

Since 2002, Cindy has provided customized consulting services, workshops, and presentations through her business, image potential. Her areas of expertise include leadership development, personal and business branding, business etiquette, interpersonal communication, presentation skills, and strategic planning. Cindy has served many clients including Caterpillar Inc., CGN Global, Country Financial, Pearl Companies, Growmark, The Snyder Companies, Goodwill of Central Illinois, the Center for Prevention of Abuse, Illinois Farm Bureau, McLean County Chamber of Commerce, and the Illinois Association of Educational Office Professionals. Cindy is a frequently-requested speaker at the local, regional, and state levels, providing conference keynotes, breakout sessions, and inspirational programs.

Cindy also served as a business professor at Robert Morris University-Illinois and the Morris Graduate School of Management for nearly 12 years. She holds a B.A. in management and M.A. in marketing and management, both from the University of Illinois at Springfield. Cindy is a certified leadership development studies instructor and a past recipient of the 25 Women in Leadership Award. She is a member of the East Peoria Chamber of Commerce, McLean County Chamber of Commerce, Association for Talent Development Heart of Central Illinois Chapter, and the Central Illinois Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners.

Cindy’s unique and fresh approach to leadership development was the basis for her article, “Authentic, Reflective, Mindful Leadership” published in the November 2012 issue of InterBusiness Issues (IBI) magazine. Her second publication, “What Managers Can Learn from Undercover Boss,” was the lead article in the April 2013 issue of IBI. Both articles are available online at www.peoriamagazines.com.