TRAINING CATALOG

Foundations for Personal and Professional Development

I have found myself often quoting a phrase that I learned in a Synergy training course.

That to me is a true mark of a great training class. If I can take what I have learned and really apply it in my everyday work to be a more productive employee, then it was definitely worth the time invested. Our Synergy representatives have really taken the time to get to know us and our

employees and have been able to tailor trainings that have been very beneficial for us. The most valuable piece to me has been the one-on-one coaching which

has really helped me to grow as an individual and an employee.

— Delsie Cavanaugh, Director of Finance and Administration

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The Synergy Companies, Inc.

Formed in 1989, Synergy is a leading Midwestern single source provider of outsourced

human capital management (HCM) services to small- and medium-sized enterprises.

These services are delivered as a fully-bundled package and provide a level of HR

services and benefits that is comparable to what is found at Fortune 500 firms.

The service bundle include benefits and payroll administration, health/dental/

life and disability insurance coverage, workers’ compensation insurance coverage,

401(k) retirement plan and flexible spending plan administration, employment risk

management, and employment regulation compliance. Delivered through a high-touch,

high-tech integrated delivery system, each client relationship is managed by a service

team comprised of a Human Resources field representative, a payroll coordinator, a

benefits coordinator, an HR generalist, and an account executive, together enabling

a high degree of hands-on personalized service. Complementing the team is a web-

based service delivery channel for convenient online self-service for common inquiries

and transactions related to payroll and benefits administration.

I n v e s t i n y o u r EMPLOYEES

We strongly believe and have seen that investing in

employees and managers has a significant return on

investment through retention, productivity, performance

output, and overall satisfaction.

Synergy’s Foundations for Personal and Professional

Development Programs

Synergy’s Training and Organizational Development Programs offer cutting edge Training Courses, Engagement and Workplace Surveys, Organization and Workplace Development, and Leadership/Management Coaching.

We at Synergy believe very strongly in the education, development and investment in a company’s most valuable resource–its people. We strongly believe and have seen that investing in employees and managers has a significant return on investment through retention, productivity, performance output, and overall satisfaction. The importance of building a successful company culture is like an old family recipe–the perfect and exact ingredients are essential for the successful outcome. Synergy believes this is also true for companies and organizations regardless of size or industry. From the very first steps of hiring the right people, training them effectively and understanding how to motivate and engage them effects the success and the overall bottom line of profitability for companies and organizations.

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TRAININGSynergy’s training program offers a robust cirrriculum of 30 training courses in the areas of Employee Development, Leadership Development and Workplace Development, designed to have signifigant impact on workplace employees and management staff. Workshops are designed specifically to each targeted audience and offer an interactive, educational approach that enables each participant to walk away with topic-specific knowledge and practical techniques and skills. The trainings’ focus is to provide key behavioral approaches to ensure effective performance output, team cohesiveness and an engaged workplace culture. These training sessions include interactive exercises, role playing and worksheets. Workshops can be designed to range from a one-hour lunch and learn to a full-day leadership class and are offered live on-site or as webcast training.

ENGAGEMENT AND WORKPLACE SURVEYSA high-performing and dedicated workforce is essential for growth and innovation, ultimately having a positive effect on an organization’s bottom-line. Understanding employee engagement levels and workplace culture can help organizations obtain high levels of productivity, retention, and morale—all a part of creating and developing high-performance teams. Whether you are attempting your first employee engagement survey to understand how connected your workforce is to the organization, or you wish to better understand employee perspectives on organization, department, or other workplace initiatives/trends, Synergy can be your survey partner. Synergy can develop, design, administer, and compile survey data as well as assist you in developing action plans from survey results. Synergy’s survey services can also be customized to meet your needs.

ORGANIZATION AND WORKPLACE DEVELOPMENTSynergy places great emphasis on organizational development. We achieve this development process through evaluation of departments, strategic planning, company-wide participation and effective management leadership.

Synergy will make recommendations on survey results; some of the areas may include transition management, productivity, negativity, retention, low morale, and conflict resolution. Synergy will administer departmental surveys and meet with individuals to collect preliminary information and develop a training program to meet the needs of the specific targeted audience. We will also provide post surveys to collect data for measurable outcomes.

LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT COACHINGLeadership and Management Coaching can develop managers and supervisors to become dynamic leaders within your organization. Synergy will work with managers and supervisors individually or in small groups to create a customized, individualized action plan. There are three steps within this process:

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1 Self-evaluation of personal management style. Managers and supervisors will complete a self-assessment questionnaire.

2 Identification of areas to develop. These areas may include: effective communication strategies, performance management, strategic planning, motivational techniques, and engagement processes.

3 Qualitative and quantitative measurement tools will be administered that may include a 360 Development Survey, satisfaction surveys and town hall meetings.

ART OF NEGOTIATIONIn this training, participants will learn the fundamental tools of how to successfully negotiate with both internal and external customers. This includes how to identify the end goal of the negotiation as well as how to walk away with a win-win agreement.

Learning objectives for this presentation are:• Learn to identify strategies for a successful negotiation• Recognize the importance of confidence and

effectiveness• Learn a step-by-step methodology of successful

negotiation

BALANCING WORK/LIFE CHALLENGESIn this training, participants will learn how to identify the importance of balance within their lives and develop an action plan. This action plan will teach participants how to set boundaries with people and create time for daily pleasures.

Learning objectives for this presentation are:• Understand the importance of healthy balance• Learn to manage time more effectively• Implement an action plan of positive changes for balance

and relaxation

DEALING WITH DIFFICULT PEOPLE: In this training, participants will learn how to identify different types of difficult people and how to best work with them for successful outcomes. Participants will take away skills and techniques to successfully deal with conflictual situations with co-workers, managers and customers.

Learning objectives for this presentation are:• Learn to identify the various types of difficult people/

employees• Develop awareness of your role when interacting with a

difficult person and avoid getting “hooked-in”• Learn effective skills and techniques to best interact with

difficult people

DELIVERING EXCEPTIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICEIn this training, participants will learn skills and techniques to deal with customers and build strategic relationships. At the end of this session, individuals will be familiar with tips to deal with challenging customers who are difficult, irate or who have unrealistic expectations.

Learning objectives for this presentation are:• Learn strategies for working with all types of customers• Understand the importance of building image and rapport• Learn to build strategic relationships

EFFECTIVE MEETING MANAGEMENTIn this training, participants will learn how to plan and prioritize agenda items and timing measures to ensure meetings are directional and purposeful. Individuals will develop techniques and strategies to conduct meetings with measurable and successful outcomes.

Learning objectives for this presentation are:• Learn how to effectively prepare and build an agenda • Understand the five roles of meeting participants • Learn how to successfully close a meeting and follow up

ESTABLISHING RESPECTFUL RELATIONSHIP IN THE WORKPLACEIn this training, participants will learn how to build a working and respectful relationship with co-workers, employees and managers. Individuals will take away techniques of a 5-step process to ensure respectful and engaging relationships within the workplace.

Learning objectives for this presentation are:• Understand the importance of respect within the

workplace• Learn interpersonal relationship dynamics• Implement five ways to build respectful relationships

within the workplace

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EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT

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DEVELOPING A PROFESSIONAL PRESENCE In this training, participants will learn the elements of professional presence that include attire, behaviors and communication. Individuals will walk away with tips and ideas that include how to dress for success as well as interact and speak professionally.

Learning objectives for this presentation are:• Learn techniques to make a positive impression• Understand the components of verbal and non-verbal

communication• Implement a presence that demonstrates

professionalism and confidence

PREVENTING IDENTITY THEFTIn this training, participants will understand how identity theft occurs and its impact on consumers. Individuals will have a clear understanding of identity theft and how to implement a 10-step checklist to lower the risk of it occurring.

Learning objectives for this presentation are:• Identify and recognize the early signs of identity theft • Understand the steps to protect yourself• Identify resources to help in the case you are a victim of

identity theft

RETIREMENT PLANNINGIn this training, participants will learn the steps for developing an effective retirement plan. This course is designed for individuals to take away a checklist of assessments in the areas of finance, emotional and psychology steps.

Learning objectives for this presentation are:• Identify lifestyle changes• Practice effective time management• Learn strategies to ensure a successful retirement

SMOKING CESSATIONIn this training, participants will learn about the addiction process of nicotine and the dynamics of how people get “hooked’ into smoking. Individuals will walk away with resources to help them stop smoking and behavioral steps to help get through the initial days of nicotine withdrawal

Learning objectives for this presentation are:• Identify programs that can help people quit smoking• Learn behavioral approaches to quitting • Learn the addictive nature of cigarettes

STRESS MANAGEMENTIn this training participants will identify different reactions people have to stressors within their life and the dangers of chronic high levels of stress. Individuals will gain a clear understanding of ways that will help reduce stressors as well as behavioral and cognitive exercises to re-channel one’s reaction to stress.

Learning objectives for this presentation are:• Understand the difference between good (Eusstress)

and bad (Distress) stress• Learn the causes and reactions to stress• Implement effective stress management techniques

TIME MANAGEMENTIn this training, participants will identify their time management style and the cause and effect of how their style helps or hinders their day’s outcomes. This course is designed for individuals to implement techniques to organize, plan and execute their day at a higher level of effectiveness.

Learning objectives for this presentation are:• Understand your time management style• Identify areas that need improvement• Learn techniques to ensure working SMART

THE ABC’S OF HUMAN RESOURCESIn this training, managers will become familiar with employment laws and regulations that impact their company. Participants will increase their understanding of HR and be given resources to guide them in making good employment decisions to lower the level of risk and liability within their company.

Learning objectives for this presentation are:• Learn basic employment laws• Understand the role that Synergy and your organization

play in the Human Resource partnership• Learn effective skills to resolve issues within the

workplace

ADDRESSING AND STOPPING WORKPLACE GOSSIPIn this training, managers will learn how to address and manage employees involved in gossip that creates conflict within the workplace. Individuals will walk away with a 5-step model to identify, address, confront, set limits, and build an environment free of harmful gossip.

Learning objectives for this presentation are:• Understand what is considered “gossip”• Identify the beginnings of a “gossip culture” • Learn to successfully address an employee when gossip

occurs • Implement a strong policy and procedure that prohibits

gossip within the workplace

BUILDING THE DREAM TEAMIn this training, managers will learn the dynamics and identify best practices of high-functioning teams. This course is designed for individuals to acquire methods and techniques to implement within their current teams and have an overall rating process of how well team members work with one another.

Learning objectives for this presentation are:• Learn the components of successful teams• Implement best practices methods• Learn to assess and measure a team’s effectiveness

COACHING FOR HIGHER LEVELS OF MOTIVATIONIn this training, managers will learn the importance of motivation, engagement and a solution-focused thinking style. Participants will walk away with motivational techniques and tools to measure levels of engagement within their teams.

Learning objectives for this presentation are:• Learn motivational techniques• Understand the importance of using positive

communication, affirmation and reward to build engagement

• Implement a solution-focused thinking style

CONFLICT RESOLUTIONIn this training, managers will learn to identify conflictual processes and/or relationships within their teams. Individuals will learn a 5-step model to address and resolve conflict.

Learning objectives for this presentation are:• Understand the dynamic of conflict• Learn effective ways to manage conflict• Learn to measure and identify if conflict has been

resolved within your team

CREATING THE PERFECT PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT PLAN (PIP)Creating the Perfect Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) and Process- It can be very challenging to place an employee on a Performance Improvement Plan, especially if the employee disagrees with the process. There are very definitive steps in implementing a successful PIP.

Learning objectives for this presentation are:• Understand the dynamics of conflict• Learn effective ways to manage conflict• Learn to measure and identify when conflict has been

resolved within your team

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LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

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DEALING WITH DIFFICULT EMPLOYEESIn this training, managers will learn how to identify different types of difficult employees such as bullies, complainers, know-it-alls, and silent types. Individuals will walk away with techniques to address, confront and set limits with difficult employees to ensure effective working teams.

Learning objectives for this presentation are:• Learn to identify difficult employees• Develop awareness of your role when working with

difficult employees• Learn effective techniques to deal with difficult

employees

DEVELOPING A CULTURE OF INCLUSIONIn this training, managers will learn the importance of inclusion management and how to develop and build high-functioning, cohesive teams. This course is designed for individuals to become proficient in techniques and methods to address and resolve issues that may arise with a team that is divided into different sub-section silos, and create a team that works collaboratively and directionally as one.

Learning objectives for this presentation are:• Define diversity and inclusion • Identify bias and prejudice within the workplace • Understand and learn inclusion management

DISCIPLINE AND DOCUMENTATIONIn this training, managers will learn how to document performance and behavioral issues, in addition to techniques for successfully addressing such issues. Individuals will understand how to document employee’s performance issues and learn behavioral methods to address and modify employee’s behaviors and performance.

Learning objectives for this presentation are:• Learn how to use the progressive discipline process as a

tool for managing performance• Understand the five steps of the progressive discipline

process• Develop skills to deal with difficult situations and

conversations• Learn how to document effectively and thoroughly

EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION STRATEGIESIn this training, managers will learn techniques to more clearly communicate and effectively hear what employees are communicating to them. The course is designed to enhance proficiency in speaking with great clarity and listening effectively to the message being sent.

Learning objectives for this presentation are:• Learn various communication styles• Understand the fundamentals for communication both

face-to-face and remotely• Learn the components and elements of effective

communication

EFFECTIVE INTERVIEWING SKILLS In this training, managers will learn behavioral-based interviewing techniques. Individuals will learn how to obtain comprehensive information from the person they are interviewing to make a decision based on statistical measurement.

Learning objectives for this presentation are:• Identify the cost of an ineffective interviewing process • Understand lawful interviewing and hiring practices • Learn and implement behavior-based interviewing skills

PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENTIn this training, managers will learn the elements and the importance of successful performance management. Individuals will walk away with tools and methods to address and assess employees’ performance and techniques to create motivation and engagement within their positions.

Learning objectives for this presentation are:• Learn the eight steps of the performance management

process• Understand how to give effective performance

feedback• Learn to build strategic relationships with your

employees

BUILDING AND IMPLEMENTING AN EFFECTIVE PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL TOOLIn this training, managers will learn the importance of performance appraisals and the tools used to promote high performance. This course is designed to educate and provide techniques to managers to develop a culture of accountability through the use of performance appraisal and supporting tools. Synergy can customize a performance appraisal tool for your company or organization. Speak with your Human Resource Field Representative or contact our Director of Training and Development.

Learning objectives for this presentation are:• Identify the benefits of performance accountability• Learn to successfully address performance and

behavioral issues• Understand and practice methods to drive success and

respect• Implement mindsets that create productivity and success

DIVERSITY TRAININGIn this training, managers will learn to identify and value diversity as well as how to manage diversity challenges within their teams and employees. This session is designed to provide tools and resources to manage a diverse workforce while maintaining productivity and employee morale, lowering the risk of liability for themselves and the organization.

Learning objectives for this presentation are:• Learn the importance of diversity in the workplace• Develop skills to address diversity issues• Understand the power of assumptions• Learn the four steps to achieve team harmony

IMPLEMENTING ENGAGEMENT STRATEGIESIn this training, managers will identify engagement strategies and become familiar with valuable research that identifies the importance of engaged and satisfied employees and the profitability of a company. Individuals will walk away with a clear perspective of the benefits of the engaged employee as well as methods and tools to incorporate within their teams.

Learning objectives for this presentation are:• Learn the effects of disengaged employees within your

workforce• Understand the generational differences with engagement• Identify ways to engage your employees• Implement programs to increase performance and

productivity

OVERCOMING WORKPLACE NEGATIVITY In this training, managers will learn how negativity impacts the workplace in several ways: productivity, quality, retention, and overall job satisfaction. This course is designed to provide participants methods and tools to address and change a negative person or team into a culture of satisfaction and engagement.

Learning objectives for this presentation are:• Learn how to identify workplace negativity• Understand differentiation between organizational and

individual negativity• Learn effective techniques to shape negative behaviors

into positive behaviors

PREVENTING SEXUAL HARASSMENT IN THE WORKPLACEIn this training managers will learn to identify, address and prevent sexual harassment within their company. This course is designed to provide managers with a clear understanding of their role when they are informed of or observe incidents of sexual harassment. Managers will walk away with resources and methods to prevent grievances, lawsuits, loss of employees, and damaged reputations.

Learning objectives for this presentation are:• Understand the definition of sexual harassment• Learn how to recognize sexual harassment• Understand the effects of sexual harassment• Learn how to respond to sexual harassment and identify

resources

PREVENTING VIOLENCE IN THE WORKPLACEIn this training, managers will learn the prevalence and warning signs of a potential violent event that may occur within their workforce. Individuals will leave this training with a clear understanding of their role in identifying and preventing workplace violence as well as resources to implement when dealing with a violent employee or situation.

Learning objectives for this presentation are:• Learn to define workplace violence• Identify different forms of workplace violence• Recognize behavior and symptoms that may lead to

violence• Learn ways to deal with and stop violence from

occurring within the workplace

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WORKPLACE DEVELOPMENT

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REASONABLE SUSPICION TRAININGIn this training, managers will learn the prevalence and consequences companies experience regarding the use, abuse and dependency of alcohol and drugs within the worksite. This course is designed to provide participants tools and methods to identify, address and make decisions regarding an employee who may be under the influence at work.

Learning objectives for this presentation are:• Learn the importance of understanding your policy on

substance abuse• Recognize the symptoms of alcohol and drug

impairment• Learn how to conduct a successful intervention with an

employee under the influence• Identify resources to assist an employee or manager

with addiction

TRANSITION MANAGEMENTIn this training, managers will understand how change occurs within organizations and its effects on individuals and teams. Individuals will learn the different stages of change and methods to help individuals and teams embrace and welcome change within the organization.

Learning objectives for this presentation are:• Learn to understand the “Why Change” theory• Learn how to communicate change and transition to

employees• Implement positive change strategies

WORKPLACE CONDUCT TRAININGIn this training, managers will learn to address and resolve conduct issues, i.e. disrespect, hostile, discourteous behaviors that are common to many worksites. This training is designed to provide participants tools and strategies to build departments where employees interact appropriately and respectfully with one another.

Learning objectives for this presentation are:• Understand the importance to address workplace

conduct issues• Identify the dynamics of a disrespectful and hostile

workforce• Implement steps to ensure respect amongst employees• Create a culture of engagement and accountability

LEADERSHIP AND TRAINING ASSESSMENT

Synergy’s training and organizational development programs serve to help its clients create higher levels of employee engagement, prodictivity and effieciency with their workforce. To help you better understand your needs and to determine how Synergy’s training and development programs can work best for you, complete the brief assessment below.

Below is a sampling of employer “best-practices” that are known to have positive effects on both employees and the bottom-line. Place a check mark next to the items you believe your company currently has in place. When finished, tally the number of checkmarks at the bottom and compare your results to the key.

Best-PracticesDefined Mission/Vision/Values Statements

Diversity/Inclusion Training

Effective Communication Strategies Training

Effective Performance Management Process/ Evaluation Tool

Employee Engagement/Satisfaction Survey

Employee Mentoring Programs

Employee Reward and Recognition Program

Health and Safety Programs/Training

HR Processes Aligned with Business Objectives

Leadership/Management Coaching

Leadership/Management Training

Performance Management Training

Recruitment/Behavior-Based Interviewing Training

Teambuilding Initiatives

Workplace Conduct Training

Total

Below Average Average Above Average

≥5 6-10 ≤11

KEY:

The Synergy Companies, Inc. | Corporate Offices | Chicago, Illinois1-800-432-1026 | www.mysynergy.com