Spring business seminars planned at Northwest

Northwest Missouri State University will again team with the Maryville Chamber of Commerce next year to present a series of seminars on workplace issues such as work-life balance, leadership, generational differences, team-building and time management.

In conjunction with its Career Pathing program, Northwest has scheduled five presentations open to both the public and members of the university community. Cost is $25 for Greater Maryville Chamber of Commerce members and $40 for non-members

Members should register through the Chamber office. All others can sign up online at  www.nwmissouri.edu/CommunityLearning. The presentations are free to Northwest students and staff.

Each presenter will offer three identical sessions so that those wishing to attend may do so at the most convenient time. All of the workshops will take place in the J.W. Jones Student Union Ballroom.

Speakers and topics for the spring term include:

Cathy Newton: "Balancing Work & Life in a Connected World," 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. or 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 31 (75 minutes).

Newton will talk about how to create personal equilibrium by returning to a center of positive energy and well-being. Topics include keeping your cool, coping with stressful challenges and "claiming your balance."

Steven Iwersen: "Chasing Porcupines: How to Lead Prickly People," 10 a.m., 1:30 p.m. or 3 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19 (60 minutes).

This session provides practical methods for communicating and building trust during uncomfortable times. Iwersen will reveal techniques for leading others to shared success without "getting stuck" and discuss practical methods of working out solutions so that everyone wins.

Marty Stanley: "What’s Age Got To Do With It?" 10 a.m., 2 p.m. or 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 20 013 (60 minutes).

Stanley will offer strategies on how to communicate in the workplace with employees and clients of all ages — the Silent Generation, Boomers, Gen Xers and Millennials.

Emmanuel Ngomsi: "Yan-Koloba: The Power Of Win-Win Outcome In Bridging Cultures," 8:30 a.m., 1 p.m. or 3:30 p.m. Monday, April 1 (90 minutes).  

Imagine a team activity that reaches across cultural boundaries, engages an unlimited number of participants and promotes shared values. Such are the virtues, according to Ngomsi, of Yan-koloba, a game that has roots in African cultural traditions.

By playing Yan-koloba, participants reinforce concepts of respect, trust, acceptance, responsibility, leadership and  teamwork.

Chuc Barnes: "Get Your Ducks In A Row!" 11:30 a.m., 2 p.m. or 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 16 (90 minutes)

Barnes, an award-winning speaker and trainer, will present ideas and how-tos for managing time. The presentation will include insights from Barnes' two books, "Get Your Ducks in A Row" and "Capture the Moment," which focus on time management and making the most of presentation time before an audience.