Oklahoma State University - Tulsa
Oklahoma State University - Tulsa
Professional Development - Relationships in the Making

Relationships in the Making Fall Staff Conference

Tuesday, Oct. 30 and Wednesday, Oct. 31
11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m..
OSU-Tulsa Helmerich Research Center

To be and feel successful in our careers, we rely on having high functioning respectful relationships with our co-workers, patients, and students. This fall conference will provide you with the opportunity to learn how to communicate effectively and manage emotions while providing quality customer service. Learn ways to increase the functionality of your relationships at work resulting in a happier you.

The same workshops will be offered both days, with two exceptions:

  • 35 Dumb Things Well-Intended People Say will only be held on Tuesday, Oct. 30 at 2:10 p.m.
  • Building Respectful Relationships will only be held on Wednesday, Oct. 31 at 2:10 p.m.

Participants may attend workshops on either or both days, but they will only receive one incentive payment for the conference. Participants may apply workshop hours from both days to their OSU Pride Works certificate program.

You will be able to receive a one-time incentive payment by attending workshops and submitting an action plan. You will be able to count the workshop hours toward your respective training certificate.

View Conference FAQ

Schedule and Session Descriptions

Lunch/Keynote (11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) - HRC Atrium

Tuesday, Oct. 30
Give a Little to Get a Lot: Strategies for Successful Relationshisp in the Workpla
ce
Dr. Raja Basu

Wednesday, Oct. 31
Team Collaboration

Dr. Jim Hess

Lunch provided by Baxters Interurban Grill. Registration for lunch is required.

Session 1 (12:40-2 p.m.) Choose one:

The Polished Professional: First and Lasting Impressions
Jana Christian

OSU Pride Works With Me
OSU Pride Works In Our Leaders
OSU Pride Works For Our Customers

For the first time in American history, the workplace incorporates over 150 different cultures and 4 distinct generations. With so many variables, professionalism is often compromised. Whether you are a front line employee, manager or student, how you present yourself is key to your success, as well as, the organization you represent. In this seminar, you'll learn practical ideas and strategies that will help you present a more professional image, as well as equip you with skills to move with ease and confidence on any level in the business arena.

Topics include:

  • 10 Elements of a First Impression
  • Protocol for Introductions
  • Professional Image
  • Five Types of Handshakes
  • Eye Contact
  • Speaking with Confidence
  • Answering the Business Phone
  • E-mail Etiquette Essentials
  • Smart Behavior with Smart Phones
  • The Art of Mixing & Mingling.

Managing Emotions at Work
Carrie Little, Education & Community Relations Director, Family & Children’s Services
Claudia Arthrell, Director of Professional Services, Family & Children’s Services

OSU Pride Works With Me
Wizard
OSU Pride Works In Our Leaders
OSU Pride Works For Our Customers

Productivity, morale and job satisfaction all increase when staff are managing emotions well. Sometimes things happen at work that can test the patience of staff members and affect emotions and mood. Identify red-flag behaviors and learn stress management skills along with other specific ways to manage emotions at work.

Sesson 2 (2:10-4:10 p.m.) Choose one:

Tuesday, Oct. 30

35 Dumb Things Well-Intentioned People Say
Sandy Cooper, director of Human Resources, OSU in Tulsa Nekki Regan, director of Student Success Center

OSU Pride Works With Me
Wizard
OSU Pride Works…Diversity
OSU Pride Works In Our Leaders
OSU Pride Works For Our Customers

This workshop, based upon the book 35 Dumb Things Well-Intended People Say, will provide answers to the diversity questions we sometimes find ourselves faced with.

Have you ever heard yourself or someone else say:
“Some of my best friends are…(Black, White, Asian, etc.)”?
“I don’t think of you as…(Gay, Disabled,  Jewish, etc.)”?
“I don’t see color, I’m colorblind”?

These statements and dozens like them can build a divide between us and the people we interact with.  Though well-intended, they often widen the diversity gap sometimes causing irreparable harm personally and professionally.

Join Nekki and Sandy as they discuss these questions and meaning behind the book.

Wednesday, Oct. 31

Foundational Skills for Building Highly Functional Working Relationships
Barbara Bannon, Oklahoma State University, Lecturer

OSU Pride Works With Me
Wizard
OSU Pride Works…Diversity
OSU Pride Works In Our Leaders
OSU Pride Works For Our Customers

In this session we'll identify and practice some of the kinds of skills that are critical for improving the quality of business communication and can lead to increased productivity and results.

The 12 Principles of Remarkable Customer Service
Rhett Laubach, YourNextSpeaker, LLC and PLI, Inc.

OSU Pride Works With Me
Wizard
OSU Pride Works In Our Leaders
OSU Pride Works For Our Customers

Remarkable customer service doesn't just happen. It is a product of training, hiring the right people, creating the proper systems and processes and understanding the basics of excellent customer service. This program is designed to improve your team's customer service IQ to create higher customer loyalty and satisfaction.

Closing Session (4:20-5 p.m.) - HRC Atrium

Making it Work
Rhett Laubach, YourNextSpeaker, LLC and PLI, Inc
OSU Pride Works With Me
Wizard
OSU Pride Works…Diversity
OSU Pride Works In Our Leaders
OSU Pride Works For Our Customers

This closing program will wrap up the discussions and learning points that have been reflected throughout the day. Participants must have attended at least one other workshop during the day to take part in the closing session.

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Incentives

Attendees will be able to apply workshops toward their currently enrolled certificate program in conjunction with obtaining credit for this workshop day. The lunch/keynote speaker session counts as a workshop.

  • Attend one workshop + Action Plan (does not include the closing workshop) = $25
  • Attend two workshops + Action Plan (does not include the closing workshop) = $35
  • Attend three workshops + Action Plan (does not include the closing workshop) = $50
  • Attend all day (three workshops and closing) + Action Plan = $100

All action plans are due to Human Resources by 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 16. If an employee is unable to obtain their manager’s signature on the action plan, they should submit their plan to HR with at least the employee’s signature. A training representative will follow up with the manager to obtain final signatures if needed.

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Register

Participants must have their supervisor's approval to participate in the conference. Register by submitting the online form, which will email your supervisor to confirm approval for participation. Your supervisor must reply to the email in order for you to be enrolled in the workshop.

Register online

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Follow-up

Download and fill out the following two forms and return to Human Resources by 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 16 to receive credit for your participation in the conference and your incentive.

Download Action Plan form (PDF)

Download Example Action Plan (PDF)

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I enroll?

Enrollment for the conference and/or a workshop is done online.  Once completed, your request will forward to your supervisor via email.  To approve enrollment, your supervisor will need to click on Reply All and Human Resources personnel will be notified.

Do I have to enroll in the Conference to attend a workshop?

Enrolling in any workshop (with supervisor’s approval) automatically enrolls you in the Conference. 

Do I have to attend all day? Can I attend both days?

Some workshops will be repeated both days of the conference, while others will only occur once. Participants are not required to attend all day, nor are they expected to attend both days.

To receive the $100 incentive, a participant must attend the opening, two workshops and the closing session. While participants may attend as many workshops as they choose, only one incentive payment will be given for this conference and workshops only count toward one training program.

Do I have to sign up for lunch?

If you plan on attending lunch, yes.  This way we have an accurate count to order food.

How do I write an Action Plan?

Each incentive option requires an Action Plan.  The template for the Action Plan can be found online.

What are the incentives for attending the Conference?

View all incentive options here.