HUMAN RESOURCES
Being a Professional in a Tribal Organization
For some staff this may mean showing up on time, for others it may mean dressing for success and for others it may mean performing at your best. In this one day training, the question will be answered which is what is professionalism and why does it matter? How you can be completely professional in your day to day role. Part of this is knowing what the expectations are for your position and ensuring that you fulfill them. It also means being civil to others and following certain rules of protocol that have been set by the Suquamish Tribe.
Topics to be covered
- Why Honesty and Integrity are important
- Being present and accounted for
- Treating others with respect
- Dress appropriately
- Communicate with impeccable words including on emails and texts
- Develop your emotional intelligence
- Honor your commitments
- Proper etiquette
Drug Free Workplace
In this two day training, supervisors will learn about the Drug Free Workplace Act which was passed in 1988 and how it should be implemented within the Tribal organization. All staff are expected to adhere to the program which should have policies and activities designed to provide a safe workplace, discourage alcohol and drug abuse and encourage treatment, recovery and the return to work of those staff who have abuse problems. It is essential that supervisors understand their role and how to be proactive in dealing with those staff whose performance indicates they are having abuse issues. One of the issues many Tribes struggle with is drug testing and this will be covered during the training.
Topics to be covered
- The Four Agreements
- Overview of the Drug Free Workplace Policy
- Supervisor responsibilities
- Identifying performance problems
- Drug testing: What is the policy?
- Intervention and referral
- Maintaining confidentiality
- Enabling
- Do’s and don’t
Doing the Right Thing (Ethics)
Within a Tribal organization, ethics issues can become a major issue which can result in the demoralization of staff and can lead to major liability concerns if not addressed properly. These ethical violations can range from relatively minor lapses, like abusing time or taking home items from work, to more serious issues such as fraud or having a conflict of interest. In this training, participants will learn how ethical issues should be dealt with before they become more serious concerns. Also, ethics training is vital to help the Tribe deal with legal mandates and to gain liability protection. The staff will learn how to build trust by consistently making the right ethical choices.
Topics to be covered
- Implementing the four agreements
- Examples of ethical violations
- Legal versus doing the right thing
- How to develop a code of ethics based on Tribal values
- Role playing ethical dilemmas
- Ethical decision-making models
- Rewarding ethical behaviors
- Best practices from other Tribal organizations
Hiring the Right Person Every Time
Some Tribal organizations view the hiring process just another human resource activity. In this two day training you will learn why hiring the right person is critical to having a successful organization. Participants will learn strategies on how to make your hiring process more effective so you hire the best and the brightest instead of settling for who you can get. It is critical that you remove Tribal politics from the process to achieve this goal.
Topics to be covered
- Identify vacancy and evaluate need
- Develop position description
- Develop recruitment plan for Indian country
- Select search committee
- Review applicants
- Conduct interviews
- Apply Native preference
- Select hire
- Finalize recruitment
Human Resource Management
Human resources is a critical function within a Tribal organization. It with includes a number of related job functions with a primary mission of recruiting, selecting and retaining qualified employees will assist the organization in achieving its goals and objectives. In this two day training participants will learn how to reduce costs, avoid pitfalls of lawsuits, and improve their ability to handle challenging human resource issues. This training is designed for those who are in the human resource field or who work closely with this department.
Topics to be covered
- Increase basic knowledge of human resource practices
- Know your mission, vision and core values
- Recognize importance of aligning human resource goals with organizational goals
- Understand hiring process
- Gain information on compensation and benefits packages
- Gain knowledge of employee orientation and professional development
- What you need to know about the disciplinary policy
- Explain process, methods and purpose of performance evaluations
How to Conduct a Workplace Investigation
Whenever a formal complaint is filed by an employee it needs to be taken seriously. It can be for sexual harassment, unethical conduct or an abuse of power to name a few common ones. In this one day training supervisors and Human Resource staff will learn the do’s and don’ts of conducting an investigation. It is essential that due process be followed and that those who are conducting the investigation are committed to finding the truth.
Topics to be covered
- Interviewing those involved in the complaint including anyone who has knowledge of the situation
- Dealing with complex situations
- Be objective at all times
- “He said, she said” cases
- Avoid aggressive tactics
- Determining witness credibility
- Be quick but thorough
- Maintain confidentiality
- Follow up
Measuring Results
Tribal organizations implement training programs for their employers in response to problems with employee performance, motivation issues or poor work quality. You develop goals for the training and then measure how well the training met the requirements. Tools for evaluating training give information and feedback about the impact of the training as well as parts that are ineffective. It is essential to have data on the effectiveness of your training so you can make sure you are achieving the desired results.
Topics to be covered
- How to evaluate management training
- Training performance management
- Develop an effective Employee training program
- What is your return on investment for your training program?
- Making your case to Tribal leadership
- Case scenarios on training effectiveness
- Video on training for success
Policies and Procedures
Once you have revised or developed new policies and procedures is essential that all staff be trained on them. In this two day training, which can be done in one day if you have a large staff, participants will learn why they need to know what the policies and procedures are and why it is important to follow them. The policies and procedures need to be implemented fairly and consistently. You can make exceptions, but these should be rare occurrences and there needs to be a rationale for that decision.
Topics to be covered
- Human resources management
- Training and development
- Compliance
- Policies and procedure scenarios to learn how to implement them
- Payroll and benefits
- Administration
- Disciplinary policies
- Hiring and firing process
How Tribal Leaders Develop Policies and Resolutions
"Our ability to reason has not given us special status only a great opportunity."
Joe Marshall, III
This three day policy and leadership training is designed for Tribal council and/or legislative and executive elected leaders. The academy focuses on policy development which is a major part of a Tribal council members role. Leaders will develop a greater understanding for their role as a policy maker and how to develop effective policies that are based on the community’s culture and mission statement.
Leaders will enhance their skill sets in gaining public input, learn how to interpret data and trends, and develop policy that is culturally appropriate. As part of this process, Tribal leaders will be able to negotiate win/win agreements with the state and federal governments. The policy academy will provide leaders with the tools needed to become effective policy writers and a champion of positive change for their Tribal community.
Topics will include
- The Four Agreements as ground rules
- How to be an effective policy maker
- Reviewing and approving personnel policies and procedures
- Servant leadership
- Native leadership traits
- NCWWI Leadership Model
- Strength Based leadership
- How to engage the community
- Interpreting data and data trends
- Writing culturally responsive policy and legislation
- Focus on policy and avoid micromanaging
Robert’s Rules of Order / How to Conduct Effective Meetings
Robert’s Rules of Order training will provide the staff and Tribal leadership the skills needed to conduct effective meetings and insure that you accomplish the actions taken during the meeting. Robert’s Rules of Order was developed by a military officer in the 1800’s and it is used by many Tribal organizations. It insures that established procedures are followed during the meetings.
Without the type of structure that Robert’s Rules of Order provides, meetings can be very frustrating and if they are not used properly, it can lead to a meeting which is not very productive. By following Robert’s Rules of Order you are far more likely to make sure the meeting goes as planned.
There are also other dynamics in conducting effective meetings which you should be aware of including room arrangements, seating order, know how to facilitate the meeting and setting ground rules. And there are other ways to conduct meetings which are more culturally responsive and some of these will be shared in the training. This training will be interactive and it will give participants a chance to practice their meeting skills.
Topics to be covered:
- Roots of Parliamentary Law
- How voting occurs
- Role of chairperson or leader of meeting
- What makes a quorum
- Motions, appeals and point of order
- Meeting minutes
- How to facilitate a meeting
- Principles of consultation
- How to evaluate the effectiveness of your meeting
Sexual Harassment
Within a Tribal organization, Sexual Harassment can be a major issue and if not addressed it can cause major problems within the organization. In this training staff will learn the definitions of Sexual Harassment, the current law, steps to prevent it and how to address it once it does occur. This will include case studies and exercises so staff can learn how to simulate what happens in the workplace. If you do not have adequate training or a current Sexual Harassment policy, the Tribe can be legally liable for a major claim. Other potential impacts are low staff morale, higher staff turnover and sabotaging behaviors by staff. In this training, staff will learn how to prevent and address Sexual Harassment issues in a proactive way. This can be offered in a one day or half day format depending what your training requires and how many staff will participate in the training.
Topics to be covered
- Use the Four Agreements to create a respectful workplace
- Definitions of Sexual Harassment-unwelcome harassment, hostile work environment and quid pro quo
- Legal issues
- Create a workplace where potential victims of discriminatory harassment can come forward without retaliation
- Video on sexual harassment in the workplace
- Developing effective policies to address Sexual Harassment incidents
- Case studies of Sexual Harassment scenarios
- Emphasize the importance of proper documentation
- Maintain effective communication emphasizing how staff’s words may be misunderstood
Workplace Harassment
In this one day training staff will learn that harassment is a form of employment discrimination that violates Title VII of the Civil Right Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1980, and the American Disabilities Act of 1990. Participants will learn about the definition of harassment and how to prevent it. Participants will learn techniques to help them to address harassment in their role as supervisor or staff member. If harassment issues are not addressed or are minimized you will see lower staff morale, a higher staff turnover and increased conflicts to name a few of results. There should be a zero-tolerance policy in place and participants will learn how to make sure this is followed.
Topics to be covered
- Definition of harassment
- Legal foundation of current laws
- How to prevent harassment
- How to develop a zero-tolerance policy
- How to prevent harassment
- Case scenarios about harassment
- Employer liability
- Using disciplinary actions to address issue
- Dealing with false accusations
PEOPLE SKILLS
All My Relations
All tribes use the term “We are all related” and in this training, staff will learn on a very deep level what that phrase means in terms of diversity in the workplace. In a tribal organization, in this day and age, diversity issues have become even more of an issue. Staff will learn how to use strategies for addressing age, racial and sexual stereotypes which can cause major conflicts. The training will help staff to understand what diversity is all about, and how they can help create a more diverse world at work, and at home. Staff will learn how to use skills such as active listening, what it means to walk in someone else’s shoes, and how to value the differences in others.
Topics to be covered
- Explain the definition, terms, and history of diversity
- How cultural oppression has set up a system of disharmony
- Understand what lateral violence is and how it impacts diversity issues
- Describe the meaning of stereotypes and biases, and how they develop
- Learn to walk a mile in someone else’s mocassins
- Use active listening skills to see what others are saying from their perspective
- Identify ways to encourage diversity in the workplace, and prevent and discourage discrimination
Anger Management
Anger can be harnessed into positive action. However, if not managed properly, the anger can be very harmful. In this one-day training, participants will begin to understand the source of their anger. They will also learn specific strategies on how to lower the temperature so they do not become consumed by their anger. Participants will learn how to live in relationship with one another in a healthier way. When staff issues are not addressed adequately the anger level can become a major factor for more than a few staff.
Topics to be covered
- Lateral Violence
- Universal principles
- Cognitive Behavior techniques
- How to de-escalate
- Outcome focused
- Use of Employee Assistance Program and therapy services
- Case scenarios
- Use of anger management tools
Improving Communications Throughout your Organization
Whenever organizational assessments are conducted, poor communication is often cited as the number one issue. Breakdowns in communication can lead to conflicts, poor decision-making, and sabotaging behaviors such as rumors or gossiping. In this training, participants will learn why effective communication is so important, what barriers impede the communication process and techniques on how to improve your communication skills. Participants will be given an assessment tool to identify their communication styles and how to relate to others who have a different style. Ways to improve both verbal and non-verbal skills will be presented.
Topics to be covered
- Learn the four agreements
- Understand what communication is
- Identify barriers to communication, including trust issues
- A communication exercise on gender issues
- Learn how speak truth to power
- Develop your active listening skills
- Establish common ground with others
- Use “I” messages
Team Building
To function as an effective Team, it is important for each Team member to know their roles, responsibilities, and how to work together in a healthy way. An assessment will be conducted to determine where you currently are as a Team. In this interactive training, staff will learn; the five dysfunctional elements of a Team, the characteristics of a high powered Team and, how to build upon the strengths of each other. Exercises, simulation of Team activities, and an engaging format, will help participants to learn what it takes to be a member of a successful Team. Teams can mature over time and become much more productive which is one of the outcomes.
Topics to be covered
- Completion of Team Assessment
- Description of a Team
- Identify factors for successful Team
- Develop trust within your team
- Define a leader and a follower
- Effective Communication Skills
- Facilitation of Talking Circle to unite hearts and minds
- Strategies for setting, and leading effective Team meetings
- Problem solving strategies using Six Thinking Hats
- Creating synergy where the sum of the parts is greater than the whole
- Developing action plans for your Team
Dealing with Difficult People
Few people get along with everyone on their team, or others that they interact with. All people are difficult at various times. However, some staff are definitely more difficult and can cause major conflicts. In this one or two-day training, participants will learn how to work effectively with difficult people by providing them with tools and strategies to change the way people respond to them. Participants will learn how to evaluate the dynamics of working relationships. They will further develop strategies for influencing direct reports, supervisors and co-workers to respond to them in a more effective manner.
Topics to be covered
- Types of difficult people
- Assessment of current team members’ skills
- Coming up with a proactive response
- Learn how to confront calmly and respectfully
- Know when and how to end a difficult situation
- Learn how to deal with a variety of difficult people
Facilitation Skills
Every Tribal Council Meeting, other formal department meetings, and community meetings should have a trained facilitator present. Without one, some meetings can quickly dissolve into chaos. A trained facilitator will help create a more effective meeting, reduce conflicts and ensure that everyone is engaged, and every voice is heard in the process. They will also help build consensus which will enable the group to make better decisions.
Topics to be covered
- Build an agenda
- Seating arrangements
- Use Emotional Intelligence
- Be proactive
- Ask questions that generate robust and candid responses
- Build consensus using a variety of tools
- Use 16 Principles of Consultation
- How to conduct Talking Circles
STAFF DEVELOPMENT
How to Motivate Your Team
Staff who feel they are valued and recognized for the work they do are more motivated, responsible and productive than those who don’t. This training will help the staff to create a more dynamic, loyal and energized workforce. It is designed to help managers and supervisors understand what staff want and how to develop their potential. Part of the role of the supervisor is to see in their staff what the staff are unable to see themselves. Participants will learn why empowerment is a much better motivating strategy than fear. You will also learn the 10 elements that contribute to creating a positive work environment which will help your staff to thrive and not just survive
Topics to be covered
- Four Agreements as ground rules
- Lateral Violence and its impact on motivating staff
- Become more proactive versus being reactive
- Create a personal vision and clarify your values
- Learn 25 ways to motivate staff
- Case scenarios of dealing with non-engaged staff
- How to hold staff accountable
Dealing with Tribal Politics
This one-day training will explore the issues related to the pros and cons of Tribal politics. In some Tribal organizations this is the elephant in the room. You can act like it is not an issue or you can come up with a proactive response. You will learn how Tribal politics can and does affect your work effort. Participants will learn who the power players are and how they tend to behave when they encounter a political situation, or work around political people. You will learn useful tools to help you manage yourself and the situation you are dealing with Tribal Politics
Topics to be covered
- What is the cause of Tribal politics (Lateral violence)
- Understand Tribal politics is a reality and lean to spot the signals of political tactics
- Learn ways to engage and disengage with these situations
- Case scenarios
- Learn tools and skills in managing yourself through contentious political encounters
- Learn powerful and effective diplomatic and negotiation skills
- Learn how to work with it and not against it
Native Emotional Intelligence
To be successful in today's Tribal organization it is essential that staff have excellent emotional intelligence. In this one day training participants will learn the value of using their heart as well as their head. Emotional intelligence is about the ability to understand your own feelings. As you increase your emotional intelligence you will learn how emotion influences motivation and behavior. The old maxim “people don’t care how much you know until they find out how much you care” still holds true. Staff will gain new skills on self-management and self-awareness.
Topics to be covered
- An assessment of your emotional intelligence
- Understand emotional meanings
- Five elements of emotional intelligence
- It’s not what you say, but how you say it
- Gifts of the Four Directions
- Making a good first impression
- Case scenarios
- The balance between optimism and pessimism
- The benefits of emotional intelligence
Project Management
In this one-day training participants will learn how to manage projects, priorities, and deadlines. It will include solid project management practices such as creating, implementing, monitoring, controlling and delivering the finished product as promised. Participants will learn strategies on how to get right thing done on time with the desired results. You will also learn how to plan project activities, assign work, manage resources and collaborate with your team better to get things done on time.
Topics to be covered
- Fundamentals of project planning
- Monitoring and controlling
- Problem solving techniques
- Managing multiple projects
- Project Management exercise
- Staying on schedule
- Putting it all together
Proposal Writing
In this two-day training participants will learn how to write a competitive grant for any government agency or foundation. One of the first decisions is to determine if this grant, or funding source, fits the agency’s Strategic Plan, or need. The first key to a successful proposal is to follow all required guidelines. The second key is to present a unique and clearly defined proposal. This training will help participants to be able to submit competitive proposals on a consistent basis.
Topics to be covered
- Identify needs statement
- Define specific measurable outcomes
- Build a basic, doable evaluation plan
- Develop a budget
- Plan ahead for future funding
- Understand grant proposal review process
- Conduct research and identify resources
- State the problem
- Scope of work
Succession Planning
Tribal organizations without a succession plan in place take much longer to replace key staff and often the best candidate is not hired. This can be a costly decision. Managing the succession of talent in your organization is a vital strategic process that minimizes gaps in leadership and enables your best people to develop the skills needed for future roles. Learn how to design and implement an effective and flexible succession plan that will help your organization to grow and fulfill its mission statement.
Topics to be covered
- Overview of importance of succession planning, function and methodology
- Learn to formulate strategies for attracting, retaining and developing skilled staff
- The role of coaching and mentoring
- Learn how to develop your talent pool internally
- Develop a targeted approach to identify competencies needed for specific positions
- Help increase retention by matching organizations needs with career goals of staff
- Forecasting future needs and strategic alignment
Who Moved the Commodity Cheese? (Change Process)
Tribal organizations are experiencing change at a very fast pace. This can include new policies and procedures, new federal guidelines, reorganization, new technology and a new Tribal administration to name a few. It is essential that staff learn strategies on how to manage changes they are encountering so they are not resistant to the change. In this one or two day training participants will gain the skills and confidence they need to be effective while facing unrelenting change.
Topics to be covered
- How do you deal with change?
- The story of who moved my cheese
- Overcoming barriers to change
- Monitor the change
- Deal with the stress of change
- Change scenarios
- Catalyzing change while understanding transitions
- Learn to anticipate the change
- Embrace and celebrate the change
A Vision for You (Career Development)
The research on resiliency indicates that those who are able to find their purpose are able to overcome many barriers that would keep them from being successful. Many clients in Tribal TANF programs are seeking their career path and often times traditional career assessments do not help them get clarity on this important goal. In our Tribal Communities, many people are not sure what path they are on and this keeps them from being motivated to make progress in many areas. In this two-day training participants will learn what career goal they should have and how to reach that goal. This is a process and not an event. It will include cultural techniques as well as the latest career development tools available.
Topics to be covered
- Identify your core values
- Develop a personal mission statement
- Find a mentor/coach
- Share your vision
- A powerful goal setting process
- Using gifts of the Four Directions to find your strengths
- Make a collage to focus your vision
- How to make your vision a reality: Taking the first step
Presentation Skills (Finding Your Voice)
In this one-day training, participants will learn how to communicate effectively and persuasively. Participants will develop essential presentation skills. In addition, participants will learn how to present ideas with control, poise and within a powerful message. Participants will also receive expert advice on how to handle challenging situations, as well as gain confidence in their speaking ability.
Topics to be covered
- Organize presentation content
- Using notes for your speech
- Reduce stress and fear of speaking
- Using visual aids and support materials
- How to engage listeners
- Handling questions from class
- Managing presentation environment
- Giving speech and receiving feedback
Time Management: Work Smarter, Not Harder
When workloads include multiple priorities and deadlines, it is critical that staff possess good Time Management skills. Time Management allows staff to enhance their personal motivation, delegation skills, organization tools, and crisis management. Through effective Time Management, staff will have better planning, improved efficiency, and increased productivity, which will decrease the number of crises encountered. When crises do occur, Time Management helps staff identify ways to successfully handle them in an efficient manner. During this interactive training, staff will; assess how they currently manage their time, learn the importance of goal setting, learn how to determine which activities have the greatest impact, learn how to plan wisely each day, learn how to prioritize tasks in order of importance, learn ways to overcome procrastination, learn how to evaluate the plan throughout the project, learn how to organize their workspace, learn when and how to delegate, and learn how to prepare for, and to schedule, meetings that utilize staff time most efficiently.
Topics to be covered
- Plan and prioritize each day’s activities in a more efficient, productive manner
- How to deal with Indian Time
- Write goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timed (SMART)
- Overcome procrastination quickly and easily
- Handle crises effectively and quickly
- Organize your workspace and workflow to make better use of time
- Delegate more efficiently
- Use rituals to make your life run smoother
- Plan meetings more appropriately and effectively
TRIBAL TANF
Case Management
Effective Case Management skills are an essential part of service delivery. Case Management provides a framework in which to provide services to clients within the field of child welfare,social services, behavioral health, 477 Programs, TANF and other human service areas. Case Management is built upon the Tribal Agency’s standards and related mandates.
To best meet the needs of the Tribal Community, Case Management is delivered within a culturally-responsive manner, which is reflective of the Tribe’s traditions, values, and language. During this two day interactive training, staff will learn about client-centered practice; how quality assessments inform service delivery; how to write effective goals; how to develop after-care plans; how to utilize a Multi-Disciplinary Team Approach, and how to utilize supervision.
Topics to be covered
- Client-centered practice
- Conducting initial, and on-going assessments
- Developing a service plan
- Developing goals that are behavioral, measurable, and time-limited
- Planning for after-care from the onset of Case Management
- The importance of documentation
- Providing Case Management in a culturally-responsive manner
- The importance of client contacts, including follow-ups, and assisting in the identification of resources and supports
- Utilizing a Multi-Disciplinary Team Approach
- Crisis intervention
- The importance of having a working knowledge of standards and other related mandates
- Making the most of supervision
Coalition Building
Coalition Building is essential for programs such as TANF, human services and any Tribal program as you need to identify all the partners you are working with and develop strong ties with them so you can leverage your resources. This interactive three day workshop will provide an opportunity for the agencies and organizations that you work with to establish a much more effective working relationship. Developing partners is a non-traditional relationship between two parties that is characterized by a high degree of mutual trust, a strong desire to create mutual gains, extensive information sharing, joint problem solving activities and plans for a long term relationship. The expected result is a gain for each partner that could not be achieved through an adversarial relationship. Most Tribal organizations find it is difficult to partner on their own. There are many pitfalls and special skills which are required.
Coalition Building is a process that takes all the stakeholders through the transition in a very efficient way. This training will be specifically designed for some of the unique challenges a Tribal Coalition may encounter. Coalitions have been part of the Tribal way going back many years. Initiate this process by first bringing together all your partners together for partnership training and then work to achieve greater strategic success.
Topics to be covered
- Understand the meaning of partnering and its benefits
- Define the purpose of the Coalition
- Assess the current state of the partner relationship
- Develop MOA’s and MOU’s with your partners
- Discover the limitations of a traditional coalition
- Learn a model of ideal partnering behavior
- Develop an eco map to strengthen relationships
- Identify and practice the essential communication and creativity skills needed to build and maintain a partnering relationship
- Develop a joint action plan for creating a productive partnership
Healthy Relationships for Native American Couples
This training will help anyone in a committed relationship to better understand what causes conflicts, breakdowns in communication, lack of trust, and unstable relationships. Participants will learn how to build a healthy and nurturing relationship where respect and love are fundamental elements. Participants will learn to work on their needs, goals, and how to develop a vision of what they want their relationship to be. Participants will also learn how to walk the Red Road so they unite their hearts and minds.
Topics to be covered
- An assessment of current state of relationship
- Develop a common vision
- Setting goals
- Trust building exercise
- Seek first to understand
- Use Talking Circle to strengthen the Spiritual bond
- Self-care issues
- Intimacy: The key to a strong union
Job Search Skills
This training will help those who work with others on finding employment, such as TANF and vocational rehabilitation staff. This can be a challenging task especially in Tribal Communities where job opportunities are scarce. Participants will learn specific skills and strategies which will help them to help others gain an edge in their search for gainful employment. Participants will be able to their clients answer questions such as; Who am I? What’s my purpose in life? Where am I going? How will I accomplish my goals?
Topics to be covered
- Evaluation of strengths and weaknesses
- Describe your needs and expectations
- Develop a resume that stands out
- Creating an action plan for job search
- Research job openings
- Apply online versus traditional advertisement
- How to use the moccasin telegraph for networking
- Interview do’s and don’ts
Overcoming Barriers to Success
A number of Tribal members, and those who have been oppressed, get very close to a goal they have set only to not attain it. Billy Mills says, “We allow others to steal our dreams.” This may be as they are trying to finish high school, their community college experience, or even their doctorate degree. For others it may be not taking that last course or requirement to get certified in a certain area. In this two-day training, participants will learn the causes of this inability to fulfill your potential. Also, other skills and strategies will be learned so participants can be successful in their endeavors and in the goals they set.
Topics to be covered
- How Lateral Violence impacts you
- Apathy: How to identify it and overcome it
- Dealing with your fears
- Finding our strengths in the Medicine Wheel
- Learn the 16 Steps of Empowerment
- Develop a personal mission statement
- A goal setting process that works
- “First Things First”, What are your priorities?
Employee Performance Reviews
The Employee Performance Review Process is a beneficial tool to define individual staff members’ expectations, and to document their successes and challenges in achieving them. Among other areas, Employee Performance Reviews are essential for; maintaining effective management oversight, documenting staff achievements and improvement needs, and providing an overall evaluation of staff performance on an annual basis. Performance Reviews help staff members understand their role in achieving organizational goals, identify personal goals for the next year, and to identify the training and resources needed to achieve those goals. The Employee Performance Reviews help to; clearly define major work efforts, further develop individuals, and improve organizational performance. It is essential for program development. The Performance Review Process provides quarterly check-ins to provide staff with feedback to ensure they are on the right track. In this one day training, supervisors will learn various ways to evaluate employees. Supervisors will also learn the value of conducting performance evaluations in a timely manner.
Topics to be covered
- Benefits of conducting Employee Performance Reviews
- Probationary Period Reviews
- Address the whole person and not just job skills
- Employee Performance Review Process
- Employee Performance Review Template Guide
- Goal Setting that works
- Case studies exercise to evaluate employees
- How to use 360 Degree Performance Reviews
- Connecting Performance Reviews with pay reviews, performance awards and training
- Planning for the evaluation
Way of the Warrior
In this two-day training Native American men’s issues will be the focus. As a result of the assimilation and acculturation pressures, they have been dealing with many challenges. Native men have struggled to find meaning and purpose in their lives. Participants will learn strategies and techniques to help them be more successful in their career and family life. This will include cultural tools as well as other contemporary resources. Participants will learn how to initiate a men’s support program and to monitor it so it achieves the desired results.
Topics to be covered
- Historical Trauma impact on changing role of Indian males
- What it means to be a wounded warrior
- 7 Roles for the Native American male
- A vision for you
- Identify strengths and weaknesses
- Using the Talking Circle to unite hearts and minds
- Being responsible and accountable
Native American Parenting
Over the last several hundred years, Native American parents have experienced a major breakdown in the family structure. In the government’s attempt to acculturate and assimilate Native parents, roles have been adversely affected. In this two-day training parents will learn about traditional teachings regarding parenting. They will also learn how to be the best parent they can be. Being a positive parent who provides a loving and caring environment for their children is the most important job anyone can have.
Topics to be covered
- Historical Trauma issues for Native American parents
- Traditional family values
- Erik Erickson’s Stages of Development from a Native American perspective
- Creating a Native family genogram
- Learning to Walk in Both Worlds
- Self-Care for parents and other extended family caregivers
- Using Talking Circles for communication and building trust
- Using the gifts of the Four Directions
A Vision for You (Career Development)
The research on resiliency indicates that those who are able to find their purpose are able to overcome many barriers that would keep them from being successful. Many clients in Tribal TANF programs are seeking their career path and often times traditional career assessments do not help them get clarity on this important goal. In our Tribal Communities, many people are not sure what path they are on and this keeps them from being motivated to make progress in many areas. In this two-day training participants will learn what career goal they should have and how to reach that goal. This is a process and not an event. It will include cultural techniques as well as the latest career development tools available.
Topics to be covered
- Identify your core values
- Develop a personal mission statement
- Find a mentor/coach
- Share your vision
- A powerful goal setting process
- Using gifts of the Four Directions to find your strengths
- Make a collage to focus your vision
- How to make your vision a reality: Taking the first step
WELLNESS AND HEALING
Creating a Healthy Tribal Organization
Tribal Organizations may be dysfunctional on many different levels. Signs of a dysfunctional organization can take the form of; poor leadership, high staff turnover, sabotaging behaviors, breakdown in communication; and ethical lapses. This can result in demoralizing the staff, lower productivity, and a failure to fulfill the mission of the Tribal Organization. In this interactive training, participants will learn how to identify the systemic issues of a dysfunctional organization and what, if any, role they may be playing in the process. Participants will also learn how to; utilize the existing resources more effectively, and implement cultural strategies that will help create a healthier working environment.
Topics to be covered
- Definition of a dysfunctional organization
- A one day assessment of managers, line staff and community members to identify their strengths and areas of for improvement
- Participants will learn historical events that contributed to the dysfunctional Tribal Organization
- Identify process and substance addictions and how to deal with them in the workplace
- Learn about the system impacts including the mission statement and policies and procedures
- Communication breakdowns including how to deal with triangulation
- The nine rules of a dysfunctional family and how they relate to your organization
- Utilizing a proactive Employee Assistance Program
- How to implement a Talking Circle as a wellness strategy
- Creating a wellness plan for each participant and action steps for the program
Safety in Workplace
Workplace safety is the responsibility of everyone in the Tribal organization. Tribal governments have legal obligations to meet certain safety requirements but this training will go beyond the minimum obligations. Safety standards and procedures must be put in place and everyone needs to follow the standards for them to be effective. Certain departments have more safety issues than others such as law enforcement and housing, but all departments should have safety as a priority.
Topics to be covered
- Safety planning
- Identify types of hazards
- Promoting and enforcing safety standards
- On the job training
- Stress management
- Workplace violence
- Substance abuse issues
- Writing the safety plan
- Implement plan
Lateral Violence in the Workplace
Lateral violence has been described as one form of trauma that Tribal staff have experienced in the workplace. It comes from the oppression of mulita-generational trauma and oftentimes, individuals do it to each other in an attempt to keep people in their place. It affects individuals, families, organizations, and even the Tribal community. The elements of lateral violence can include anger, rage, and malicious rumors, shaming and blaming behaviors. It can create a toxic work environment. In this interactive two day training, staff will gain an awareness of the impact of lateral violence and how it affects them as well as the entire system. A model for healing will be presented which will have cultural tools as well as other healing modalities.
Topics to be covered
- Definition of lateral violence
- Historical overview of trauma
- The impact of lateral violence in the workplace
- Identify and healing from Red Rage
- Scarcity thinking vs abundance mentality
- Overcoming fears
- Moving past the shame and blame game
- Ways to deal with triangulation in the communication process
- The systemic impact of lateral violence
- Healing journey: Talking circle and teachings of the medicine wheel
- Develop a plan of action to map out your goals
Peacemaking in a Tribal organization
The goal of dealing with conflict is not to avoid it but rather to learn how to manage the conflict. Within a Tribal organization there may be several different conflicts you must deal with such as personality conflicts, communication breakdowns, abuse of power, bullying behaviors and inconsistent implementation of policies and procedures to name a few. In this one day training an assessment will be conducted to see how staff currently deal with conflict. Several peacemaking strategies will be presented including how to use win/win. Case scenarios will also be used in small groups to allow the group to address various conflicts which are specific to a Tribal organization.
Topics to be covered
- Using the Four Agreements to resolve conflicts
- An assessment of conflict resolution styles
- Lateral violence and its role in causing conflicts
- History of peacemaking
- Being proactive versus reactive
- What is win/win and how to use this strategy
- Seeking common ground
- Case scenarios to learn peacemaking skills
- Using the talking circle to unite hearts and minds
The Way of the Otter (Stress Reduction)
Many tribes have stories about otters and what we can learn from them. They are the epitome of what it means to be happy, joyous and free. Unfortunately because of the stress in our personal lives and in our work environment many of us have forgotten how to play like the otter. In this interactive workshop, participants will learn how to identify their sources of stress and how to manage it more effectively. Stress can result in lower productivity, excessive sick leave and even lead to staff burnout. Participants will learn a number of stress reduction techniques which will result in more work/life balance and help them to work in a less stressful work environment. Staff make less errors when they are not stressed.
Topics to be covered
- A wellness inventory to identify your level of stress
- What are stressors in your life: Lateral violence and traumas
- Identify the best approach to a stressful situation
- Use routines to lower stress
- Learn how the teachings of the medicine wheel can bring balance
- Use environmental and physical relaxation techniques
- Better cope with major events
- Use a stress log to identify stressors and create a plan to reduce or eliminate them
- How to use a wellness plan
Within Tribal organizations and especially for programs like Tribal Health and Behavior Health, that all staff be very knowledgeable about trauma-informed care. Many of those who you provide services to have trauma issues as do many of the staff. This two- day training will help staff to devise and implement a full trauma-informed care plan for the organization or program. By addressing trauma in the organization you will improve the quality and impact of the services you provide, increase safety for all, reduce no-shows, enhance client engagement and decrease staff burnout and turnover.
Topics to be covered
- Four Agreements
- Early screening assessment
- Consumer driven care and services
- Nurturing a trauma-informed and responsive workforce
- Evidence based and emerging best practices including cultural approaches
- Creating safe environments
- Community outreach and partnership building
- Ongoing performance improvement and eval
HIPAA Requirements
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) imposes strict privacy and security requirements on health care providers and individuals who handle protected health information. To help avoid penalties for violations, HIPAA compliance training is essential in healthcare or any organization where individuals share details of the private health information. This is a two-day training which will cover all the basics of HIPAA. This will not meet the requirements for certification.
Topics to be covered
- HIPAA overview
- Protected Health Information
- HIPAA privacy issues
- Notice of Privacy Practices
- Reasonable Standards
- HIPAA security
- Administrative safeguards
- Physical Safeguards
- Technical safeguards
- Security breach
- PHI Rights of individuals
- Enforcement of HIPAA
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Administrative Support Skills
In this two day training administrative assistants will learn how to prepare reports, handle correspondence and schedule meetings. Also, another essential topic they will learn to master are people skills which includes emotional intelligence and being able to communicate effectively. Participants will learn how to me more effective and efficient. The flow of information goes through the administrative support staff so they need to know how to manage the flow. Learning how to better manage their time will help them to work smarter, not harder.
Topics to be covered:
- Four agreements
- Be proactive
- Make technology your servant and not your master
- Improve your communication skills: verbal and written
- Time management
- Problem solving skills
- Being organized/filing
- Making meetings more effective: agendas and minutes
Being a Professional in a Tribal Organization
For some staff this may mean showing up on time, for others it may mean dressing for success and for others it may mean performing at your best. In this one day training the question will be answered which is what is professionalism and why does it matter? How you can be completely professional in your day to day role. Part of this is knowing what the expectations are for your position and ensuring that you fulfill them. It also means being civil to others and following certain rules of protocol that have been set by the Suquamish Tribe.
Topics to be covered
- Why Honesty and Integrity are important
- Being present and accounted for
- Treating others with respect
- Dress appropriately
- Communicate with impeccable words including on emails and texts
- Develop your emotional intelligence
- Honor your commitments
- Proper etiquette
Team Building
To function as an effective Team, it is important for each Team member to know their roles, responsibilities, and how to work together in a healthy way. An assessment will be conducted to determine where you currently are as a Team. In this interactive training, staff will learn; the five dysfunctional elements of a Team, the characteristics of a high powered Team and, how to build upon the strengths of each other. Exercises, simulation of Team activities, and an engaging format, will help participants to learn what it takes to be a member of a successful Team. Teams can mature over time and become much more productive which is one of the outcomes.
Topics to be covered
- Completion of Team Assessment
- Description of a Team
- Identify factors for successful Team
- Develop trust within your team
- Define a leader and a follower
- Effective Communication Skills
- Facilitation of Talking Circle to unite hearts and minds
- Strategies for setting, and leading effective Team meetings
- Problem solving strategies using Six Thinking Hats
- Creating synergy where the sum of the parts is greater than the whole
- Developing action plans for your Team
Coaching & Mentoring
Training is very important in building an employee’s skills but it can be greatly enhanced by coaching and mentoring. Coaching is a process of relationship building and setting goals. Some characteristics of an effective coach are; being a trainer, teacher, tutor, and having the ability to focus on one or two specific skills at a time. Mentoring is the act of guiding, consenting, and providing support. It is essentially teaching. Mentoring includes many complex areas of development. In this interactive training, supervisors and managers will learn the key elements of coaching and mentoring. If a staff person attends a training and it is followed up by coaching and mentoring they can retain up to 90% of the information they learned. Coaching and mentoring are an essential part of any succession plan.
Topics to be covered
- Define coaching, mentoring and the GROW model
- Identify and set appropriate goals using SMART techniques
- Identify steps in defining current reality of employee’s situation
- Identify benefits of building and fostering trust with your employees
- Learn about steps needed in defining options
- Identify and overcome common obstacles to the growth and development of your employees
- Identify differences between mentoring and coaching
- How to develop a mentoring program for your staff
Exceptional Customer Service
In this interactive training, staff will learn why Customer Service is so important and where they currently are in terms of their Customer Service skills. Staff will also learn the skills and strategies to deal with difficult customers and learn to resolve them in a good way. Develop an outstanding quality Customer Service philosophy which will; improve staff morale, create a healthier working environment, and your customers/Tribal members will look forward to their encounters with Tribal staff. Exception customer service is essential to retaining your customers and insuring that they are very satisfied with the services they received.
Topics to be covered
- Staff will learn how to apply the Four Agreements
- Lateral Violence in the workplace
- Staff will understand the importance of integrating your Tribe’s Traditional Values within Customer Service
- An assessment will be conducted to identify staff’s Customer Service skills
- Staff will learn how to develop a win/win relationship
- Staff will implement sustained, continuous improvement
- Staff will learn how to anticipate customer needs
- How to deal with difficult customers in a proactive way
- Customer exercises will be conducted to increase your verbal and nonverbal skills
- Staff will learn how to deal with change
- Develop an attitude of excellent service
Supervisory Training
In most Tribal Organizations, mid-level managers make up the largest managerial level within the Tribe. Supervisors in this position are responsible to those above them, and to those they supervise. They are responsible for a variety of departments and projects. The number one reason for staff turnover is poor supervision so it is critical that supervisors know their roles and responsibilities. In order for the organization to operate smoothly, it is essential that supervisors be committed to the goals of the organization and that they understand how to effectively achieve those goals. In this interactive and dynamic two day training, participates will learn how to be more effective in this role.
Topics to be covered
- Learn how to apply the Four Agreements
- Understand the importance of supervising towards the Mission Statement, and Goals and Objectives
- Learn how to create a supportive environment, build teams, and provide individual supervision
- Learn how to implement policies and procedures consistently and fairly
- Understand the Hiring, Performance Review, and Termination Process
- The steps to delegate your authority
- Learn how to communicate effectively
- Learn how to conduct effective meetings
- Learn how to resolve conflicts
Advanced Supervisory Skills
To be an effective supervisor in your organization you must have a diverse set of skills including being a change agent, be able to facilitate meetings and know how to deal with the bureaucracy within the Tribal organization. It also requires you to have the ability to see the big picture and know how to motivate your staff so they can shine and be at their best. And, you must be able to adapt to challenging situations and know how to come up with creative solutions. This two-day training will include group exercises, leadership activities and a talking circle format to help debrief the learning process.
Topics to be covered:
- Transformational leadership
- Change management
- Dealing with Difficult People
- Motivating your team
- Think outside the circle
- Win/Win solutions
- Develop your facilitation skills
- Dealing with Tribal politics
Systems Change
Dealing with Tribal Politics
This one-day training will explore the issues related to the pros and cons of Tribal politics. In some Tribal organizations this is the elephant in the room. You can act like it is not an issue or you can come up with a proactive response. You will learn how Tribal politics can and does affect your work effort. Participants will learn who the power players are and how they tend to behave when they encounter a political situation, or work around political people. You will learn useful tools to help you manage yourself and the situation you are dealing with Tribal Politics
Topics to be covered
- What is the cause of Tribal politics (Lateral violence)
- Understand Tribal politics is a reality and lean to spot the signals of political tactics
- Learn ways to engage and disengage with these situations
- Case scenarios
- Learn tools and skills in managing yourself through contentious political encounters
- Learn powerful and effective diplomatic and negotiation skills
- Learn how to work with it and not against it
How to Achieve True Self-Determination
The Self-Determination Act of 1975 was a landmark legislative Act for Tribes. Since that time many Tribes have moved closer to the goal of self determination. However, few Tribes have reached the point where they can sustain the same level of services they provide to Tribal members without federal funding. In this two day training Tribal leaders will learn the history of self-determination and gain the tools for developing a blue print for making real progress on managing their own affairs. Case studies of Tribes who have attained self determination will be presented.
Topics to be covered
- History of IRA, Termination Era, Indian Self Determination Act and Self Governance
- How Tribal sovereignty and self-determination intersect
- To contract more with 638 process or to pursue self governance
- The growth of the bureaucracy: HIS and BIA
- Develop a strategic plan for the seventh generation
- The diversification of your funding sources
- What is your plan of action?
Lean Six Sigma
Six Sigma is a process improvement methodology. It is a disciplined, data-driven approach for eliminating defects and and waste in a process. In this era of diminishing resources it is very important to know how to be more efficient. When we say defect, we are talking about anything that falls outside a customer’s specification. Six Sigma uses a process called the DMAIC method. Each stage of this process is designed to help your Tribal organization or program to identify, measure and improve an existing process. You will learn how to define the goal of a project and how to identify potential resources. This is a two-day training.
Topics to be covered
- Define the issue and root causes
- Measure your results
- Analyze the problem
- Improve your efficiency
- Control the gains you have achieved
- Group exercise on streamlining
- How to implement quality
Measuring Results
Tribal organizations implement training programs for their employers in response to problems with employee performance, motivation issues or poor work quality. You develop goals for the training and then measure how well the training met the requriements. Tools for evaluating training give information and feedback about the impact of the training as well as parts that are ineffective. It is essential to have data on the effectiveness of your training so you can make sure you are achieving the desired results.
Topics to be covered
- How to evaluate management training
- Training performance management
- Develop an effective Employee training program
- What is your return on investment for your training program?
- Making your case to Tribal leadership
- Case scenarios on training effectiveness
- Video on training for success
Negotiation for Success
Tribes must negotiate agreements all the time with federal agencies, businesses and other entities. Negotiation is an essential skill for any Tribal organization. Your ability to negotiate effectively is essential to the success of the organization. In this two day training participants will learn how to close deals, get to win/win agreements and resolve conflicts before they escalate into costly conflicts.
Topics to be covered
- Understand negotiation dynamics
- Learn to develop strategy and be quick on your feet
- How to avoid a bad deal
- Resolve small differences before they escalate
- Secure maximum value for your organization or program
- Negotiation group exercise on consensus building
- Reflect on personal tendencies and refine your approach
- Getting to yes
Succession Planning
Tribal organizations without a succession plan in place take much longer to replace key staff and often the best candidate is not hired. This can be a costly decision. Managing the succession of talent in your organization is a vital strategic process that minimizes gaps in leadership and enables your best people to develop the skills needed for future roles. Learn how to design and implement an effective and flexible succession plan that will help your organization to grow and fulfill its mission statement.
Topics to be covered
- Overview of importance of succession planning, function and methodology
- Learn to formulate strategies for attracting, retaining and developing skilled staff
- The role of coaching and mentoring
- Learn how to develop your talent pool internally
- Develop a targeted approach to identify competencies needed for specific positions
- Help increase retention by matching organizations needs with career goals of staff
- Forecasting future needs and strategic alignment
Transformational Leadership
In this two-day training participants will learn an approach to lead others. Being this type of leader will cause a change in individual and social systems. It will also cause valuable and positive change for those you lead with the end goal of turning followers into leaders. Leaders can be anyone within the organization and not just those in top level management. This Transformational leadership is grounded in the belief that inspiring others to focus on the grater good results in excellence. Participants will learn the four components of transformational leadership and how they can use these strategies to increase their leadership skills.
Topics to be covered
- Difference between leadership and management
- Leadership assessment
- Find your vision and share it with passion and purpose
- Native American traits of leadership
- Develop elements of charisma and share impactful stories with others
- Help others engage in critical thinking
- Implement ideas to encourage creativity and problem-solving
- Make personal connections with your followers and encourage their growth