Business Leadership

In this series of workshops, participants will learn the 4 Cs of Communication to better improve their skills in the workplace and in life. The classes will be interactive and engaging, providing valuable opportunities to practice the learned principles. This series is ideal for current professionals desiring to sharpen their skills as well as individuals set to enter the workforce. looking ahead to entering the workforce.

Enroll in courses a la carte, or enroll in the series and save 10%

At Work with Words Four-Course Series

Thursday, Feb. 15, March 14, and April 18, from 8:30 a.m. to noon and Thursday, May 16 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
BSBUS-0600-200, $499
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Clear and Confident Communication

Focus on Self - Get out of your own head! In this workshop, participants will learn why we don’t appear more confident when communicating and what we can do about it. Content will include how to be clear, honest, and direct with your communication – saying what you mean in the way you intend it - without being offensive or confrontational, learning more about gender differences related to confidence, and how to determine the best channel choice for different messages. This interactive workshop will include in-class role playing and other opportunities to put learned skills into practice.

Thursday, Feb. 15
8:30 a.m. to noon
BSBUS-0600-210, $129

Connection through Communication

Focus on the Interpersonal -With this insightful and practical workshop, participants will discover what it takes to build healthy communication between individuals. Participants will learn how we can successfully interact with others, address conflict, and have difficult conversations, while continuing to foster honesty and open communication. Workshop material will cover topics such as dealing with difficult people, effective listening, and motivating others, and will include in-class exercises and role playing to practice the concepts.

Thursday, March 14
8:30 a.m. to noon
BSBUS-0600-220, $129

Visual Communication

Focus on Visual Aids to Complement Verbal Message - This interactive workshop focuses on the need for visual aids, different types of visual aids and tips for preparing and presenting visual aids. Upon completion of the training, participants will have a base knowledge on how to create and present visual aids to enhance their presentation and avoid the dreaded Death by PowerPoint. 

Thursday, April 18
8:30 a.m. to noon
BSBUS-0600-230, $129

Captivating Communication

Focus on Large Groups / Public Speaking - Public speaking is not just the #1 fear people have; it’s also the #1 skill employers are looking for in new hires. For many, the fear of inadequacy with public speaking is difficult to conquer. This highly practical workshop will provide strategies to conquer that fear and achieve captivating communication in a large group setting. Participants will learn how to craft their message and design what they want to say, then learn how to say it in an engaging way with dynamic delivery. All these skills will be brought together in guided practical application, with participants writing and delivering a public presentation.

Thursday, May 16
8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
BSBUS-0600-240, $179

In the post-COVID-19 workspace, being an administrative professional or support staff member is more challenging than ever. In this workshop, we will celebrate you and help you update your valuable skill sets. Topics include managing up, the importance of first impressions, having difficult conversations and workplace engagement. Attendees will receive a complimentary swag bag.

Wednesday, April 24
8:30 to 11:45 a.m.
BSBUS-0600-426, $99
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Learn the importance of planning and prioritizing
your goals and tasks. Identify the best practices
of successful time management, including how to
establish and protect boundaries and effectively use
practical tools like calendars or to-do lists. You will
complete a self-evaluation exercise to understand
how your time is spent. Leave the workshop with
practical, actionable steps to becoming more
productive in your personal and professional life.

Tuesday, June 18
8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
BSBUS-0600-250, $79
Participants may attend in person or virtually

This course helps new supervisors understand their roles as they transition from individual contributor to supervisor. Assess your current skills and further develop competencies that bring out the best in the staff members you manage. Examine varying leadership styles, the legal aspects of supervising, the art of delegating and many other people-management strategies that will help you succeed at this critical level in your professional journey. 

Thursday, June 20
8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
BSBUS-0600-050, $249
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Selling today is all about partnering to create value for the buyer. Join us to learn the critical skills set of face-to-face selling to a potential client. This interactive and empowering workshop equips you to become a more results-oriented sales professional.

Tuesday, June 25
9 a.m. to noon
BSBUS-0600-120
$129, Naperville Center

In today's fast-changing workplace, it is essential to be able to adapt to new roles. By embracing change, taking initiative, and sharing knowledge, you can solve problems and positively influence the workplace. Communicating effectively among colleagues, clients and departments is critical at every level. In this comprehensive course, learn how to pivot with situational changes at work, thrive under pressure and expand your career opportunities. 

Tuesday, July 23
8:30 a.m. to noon
BSBUS-0600-310, $129
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Managing performance of team members can be one of the most challenging responsibilities of a supervisor; and it can also be one of the most rewarding. This course provides a template for your performance management process beginning with the establishment of goals, encouragement through feedback, and managing performance gaps.

Thursday, July 11
8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
BSBUS-0600-140, $249
On campus in Glen Ellyn

The pandemic has accelerated the surge of the entrepreneurial spirit in Gen X, Y and Z. American adults of all ages are seeking flexibility, autonomy and satisfaction by starting their own ventures. This workshop supports the entrepreneur in understanding how to navigate the process of starting a business, from the dream phase to implementation and scale-up.

Discover which business model is best for you, learn how to write a workable business plan and develop a strategy for marketing and sales. Leave the workshop enlightened and aware of the challenges and joys an entrepreneur encounters in daily business operations.

Tuesday, July 9
9 a.m. to noon
BSBUS-0600-201, $99
Naperville Center (NC)

Are you curious about AI but don't know where to start? Do you want to learn how AI can help you with everyday business tasks like writing emails or managing projects? If you want to stay ahead of the curve in the fast-changing world of business, looking for innovative ways to streamline your work flow and improve your productivity, this course is for you! In this class, you'll learn how to use ChatGPT to tackle everyday business challenges like writing documents, planning initiatives, and analyzing data. You'll learn what prompts are and how to go beyond just the basics and get customized results that are focused on your specific needs.

Bring your laptop! Our course is designed to be hands-on, so you'll be able to use ChatGPT right away and start seeing the benefits in your work.

If you're looking to get beyond the hype of AI and learn practical ways to leverage it to improve your efficiency and productivity, this course will introduce you to the tools you need to succeed. Register today to unlock the power of AI and take your day-to-day work to the next level.

Summer 2024

Fall 2024