PDA: Leadership
SMCCCD PDA 2024-25
Communication Skills Series
Complete any 4 workshops to receive a Certificate of Completion. Trainings are offered on a first come, first served basis with a cap of 50 participants. Offered Fall 2024 & Spring 2025.
"It was really helpful to join this meeting during this difficult time to learn how to be patient, strong with ourselves and colleagues and our own family." - Canada participant
How to Say Anything to Anyone: Managing Critical Conversations
Trainer: Sonia Malek | Date: Friday, Jan 24.| Time: 09:00 – 10:00
Do you get uncomfortable handling challenging or emotionally charged conversations? Instead of avoiding tense situations, learn proven techniques for getting the best results for all involved. In this interactive session, you will learn how:
Key Outcomes:
Develop clear goals for your conversation
Prepare for a productive conversation
Have healthy and respectful discussions
Move from conversation to action
Basic Negotiating Skills
Trainer: Drew Patterson| Date: Thursday, Feb 6. | Time: 12:00 – 01:00
We all negotiate at some time in our lives--with salespeople, friends, family, coworkers, and others. Negotiation skills not only help you to navigate formal contracts, but also workplace conflicts and disagreements. In this interactive workshop, you’ll explore the strategies and tactics needed to achieve win-win outcomes, as well as what to do in each phase of a negotiation. You will learn how to:
Key Outcomes:
Plan your negotiation strategy
Choose the best tactics
Build rapport and navigate challenges
Work toward a win-win solution
Virtual Communication Skills
Trainer: Drew Patterson | Date: Friday, Feb 21. | Time: 9:00 – 10:00
With more meetings, classes, and activities online than ever before, effective virtual communication is essential for professional success. In this interactive workshop you will gain the skills needed to communicate confidently and effectively in virtual settings. You will learn how to:
Key Outcomes:
Create a professional and distraction-free background
Present yourself professionally on camera, including appropriate attire and body language.
Use ice breakers and set the tone and purpose to engage participants
Improve vocal and verbal communication skills
Anticipate technical difficulties
End virtual meetings on a positive note
Business Writing Essentials with AI
Trainer: Rae Ann Ianniello | Date: Friday, Mar 7.| Time: 09:00 – 10:00
Do you want to master the skills to write clearly, concisely, and correctly? Whether you're drafting emails, reports, or proposals, effective business writing is key to professional success. This session will help you avoid common mistakes and equip you with tips to make writing easier. You'll learn how to:
Key Outcomes:
Use AI for brainstorming
Get to the point quickly and efficiently
Tailor your message to your audience
Use phrasing that connects with your readers
Edit your work for clarity
The Art of Asserting Yourself without Offending Others
Trainer: Sonia Malek | Date: Thursday, Mar 20. | Time: 12:00 – 01:00
Assertiveness is a core communication skill; it can help you express yourself clearly and confidently. It can also boost your self-esteem and help you earn respect. This workshop is designed to give you the tools and practice you need to express your needs and opinions confidently and respectfully. You will:
Key Outcomes:
Understand the principles of assertive communication and how it differs from passive and aggressive styles
Recognize and manage emotional situations
Learn the best ways to speak up and ask for what you want
Practice assertive communication techniques to use at work
Leadership Development Series
Complete any 4 workshops to receive a Certificate of Completion. Trainings are offered on a first come, first served basis with a cap of 50 participants. Offered Fall 2024 & Spring 2025.
"For a very short window of time, I was grateful to connect with others in the SMCCD community to learn together and hear others' best practices with their teams, and have the support of a group that I know shares many of the same values. Thank you so much for holding this engaging, empathetic, and empowering workshop." - participant
Transitioning from Peer to Supervisor
Trainer: Jackie Welch | Date: Friday, Oct 18.| Time: 09:00 - 10:00
Navigating the shift from peer to supervisor can be challenging, especially when working closely with faculty, students, and staff. This interactive workshop is designed to equip new supervisors with the essential tips and techniques to smoothly transition into their new role. You will learn how to adjust to your supervisory responsibilities, maintain professional boundaries, and lead your teams effectively. Topics will include:
Key Outcomes:
Adjusting to the Supervisory Role: Developing a supervisory mindset
Separating Personal Relationships from Professional Ones
Treating Employees Equally: Fostering an inclusive and fair work environment
Asking for Help When Needed: Using available resources and building a support network
Building and Repairing Trust in the Workplace
Trainer: Sonia Malek | Date: Thursday, Oct 24. | Time: 12:00-1:00
Trust is the foundation of effective teams and successful organizations. This interactive workshop is designed to equip you with practical tools and strategies to build and repair trust at work. Whether you're a manager looking to foster a positive environment or a staff member aiming to improve working relationships, this session will provide actionable steps to enhance trust and improve collaboration. You will:
Key Outcomes:
Identify common barriers, including broken promises, unresolved conflict, poor communication, and lack of accountability.
Use communication strategies such as acknowledging mistakes, listening actively, and reinforcing psychological safety
Develop actionable steps to apply these techniques in your work environment.
Flexing Your Communication Style for More Effective Leadership
Trainer: Jackie Welch | Date: Friday, Nov 1. | Time: 9:00 – 10:00
Unlock the potential of your leadership by mastering the art of adaptive communication. This interactive workshop is designed to help leaders understand and adapt their communication styles to meet the needs of their team. You will gain practical insights and techniques to enhance your leadership effectiveness. Topics include:
Key Outcomes:
Identify your communication style and understand its strengths and challenges
Recognize different communication styles within your team
Develop strategies to flex your communication style to connect with team members
Enhance team collaboration and performance through adaptive communication techniques
Employee Motivation: The Key to Job Performance
Trainer: Jackie Welch | Date: Friday, Nov 15. | Time: 09:00 – 10:00
Are you seeking practical strategies to inspire your staff, enhance accountability, and maintain high levels of engagement? This workshop will help you to recognize the signs of disengagement and learn communication techniques to address and mitigate burnout, dissatisfaction, and other de-motivating behaviors. You will:
Key Outcomes:
Understand the core principles of employee motivation and its impact on job performance.
Identify actionable steps to motivate employees to use their skills and meet deadlines.
Use proven techniques to enhance employee accountability and engagement
Practice addressing motivation and lack of motivation among your team
Robert's Rules of Order and Meeting Tips
Trainer: Rae Ann Ianniello | Date: Thursday, Dec 5. | Time: 12:00-1:00
Enhance your meeting management skills with the use of Robert’s Rules of Order. Whether you're a seasoned chairperson or new to the role, this workshop will provide you with the essential tools and tips to conduct efficient, orderly, and productive meetings. You will learn how to:
Key outcomes:
Apply these rules in various types of meetings
Set clear objectives and agendas
Conduct the meeting, including calling to order and managing motions and voting
Maintain order and decorum
Ensure all voices are heard
Document decisions and action items
Workshops are held in Zoom. New to Zoom? View Zoom for Beginners resources.
Professional development Academy Trainers
Jackie
Jackie Welch, CPCC
Jackie Welch, Certified Coach, Facilitator and Trainer has a diverse leadership background with 25+ years of corporate experience driving business results, embracing culture change, and working in collaboration with other teams to deliver exceptional customer satisfaction. She is an experienced workshop facilitator working with organizations to identify potential gaps and implement solutions. Jackie is also a member of the ICF (International Coaching Federation) and has also completed her required studies in Learning & Development in the area of Instructional Design and Delivery. Her Credentials consist of: DDI Certified Facilitator, Instructional Design, Certified Coach, CPCC and Minority Business Owner (MWBE).
Rae Ann
Rae Ann Ianniello, M.A.
Rae Ann Ianniello holds a Master’s degree in Communication, two teaching credentials, a certificate in Human Resources Management and a Master Trainer certificate from NUMMI (Toyota affiliate). She has served as the President of the HR Connection (a professional educational and networking group), and is a member of the American Society for Training & Development. Rae Ann has presented courses using several modalities including Instructor-led, hybrid, and online courses for a wide variety of organizations, including high-tech, start-ups, profits and non-profits, large and small businesses, and government agencies. A dynamic, hands-on instructor, she delivers in-depth training that is interactive, practical, and fun!
Sonia
Sonia Malek, M.A, LMFT
Sonia focus is on working with you to address current challenges, process past difficulties, and develop tools to overcome hurdles in relationships and daily life. She frequently works with individuals going through life changes, experiencing anxiety, depression, and trauma, and couples with communication and conflict concerns. In addition, she works with neurodivergent individuals, including those on the autism spectrum, and parents, including parents of children with disabilities.
Her approach is engaged and collaborative. She provides evidence-based, empathetic, and culturally sensitive therapy to individuals and couples. She utilize different therapeutic approaches to best fit your needs and goals.