Services
Professional Development Training
Jim customizes most presentations to meet the needs of the organization. He confers with the program facilitators and learns the needs and expected outcomes. Together they craft a program that is unique for the group. Some are "behind the podium" presentations, but most are hands-on, interactive workshops.
What follows are some basic programs that Jim offers. Each of these programs can stand alone or used as a foundation for a customized presentation.
Quality Service Anywhere, Anytime
What one thing can any school or organization provide that separates them from others and doesn't cost one dime? The answer is service. Bad service is unforgettable and can cause undo damage. Average service, is, well, average. It does nothing to lose or gain respect or appreciation. Quality service sets a new standard and can become positively unforgettable if it is consistent and genuine.
This workshop is for everyone who represents the school or organization. From CEO to part-timer, each individual is the organization, and reflects the overall commitment to providing quality service. This program defines what service is and the secret to making it exceptional. We will learn from the best of the best and every participant will walk away with hands-on skills and knowledge to provide quality service anywhere, anytime!
Teachers Change Lives 24/7 - 150 Ways to Do it Right!
This workshop is based on the book of the same title. It is a practical "journey" toward more effective teaching. It gives a fundamental review of some of the basics regarding how to develop stronger relationships with students, parents, and peers. It shares time-tested techniques for motivating, listening, and teaching. It focuses on maintaining a balance between personal and professional obligations, and even shares a few secrets that will enhance family life and make you an "unforgettable" educator. Along the way, dozens of practical "tips" obtained from a long list of successful educators will be shared. Fun, fast, interactive, and meaningful are the descriptors for this workshop.
How to be a More Effective Educator, Remain Sane, and Stay out of Jail - All at the Same Time!
This has long been Jim‚s most popular workshop. It is designed for teachers, administrators, or non-certified employees. Jim constantly updates and changes it to meet today‚s needs and situations. It is also easily customized to meet unique organizational goals. It is based on a series of "Commandments" for everyone who works in the school environment. This workshop evokes smiles, reflection, and maybe a fear tears. Jim relives the experiences of many exceptional educators and makes their example come to life. He sets the stage for making a difference. Skill development, concept understanding, and practical "hands-on" tools are presented in a fast moving, hold-your-interest workshop.
Leadership vs. Management - Making a Difference
Do you lead or manage? Do you make a difference or just hold a place? This workshop offers some basic, and yet timeless, strategies to become better at what you do. For businesses, corporations, schools, or institutions, the discussion and ideas shared hit upon several key elements of success. How to balance time, understand vision building, set goals, confer with others, and solve problems in less than a minute are just a few of the many ideas shared. Participants walk away ready to change their outlook and update their practices. Fast moving and fun, this workshop does make a difference.
Building a Team that Makes a Difference
Teamwork is a key element of the success of any organization. This customized workshop considers the issues at hand and provides several successful ways to find solutions. Most companies or institutions face teamwork or personality issues. Many ideas are shared that help focus on the problems and establish ways to move forward and reach new levels of excellence.
The Perfect School
The newest of Jim's workshops focuses on the elements of his latest book, coauthored with Jim Rosborg and Max McGee. Jim focuses on the chapters he wrote that deal with hiring, firing, and building the best staff possible, creating a climate of service, infusing character into all elements of the system, and understanding the importance of perception. This is an valuable workshop for teachers, administrators, board members and anyone involved with education.
Keynote and Motivational Presentations
Jim is a popular keynote presenter. Each keynote is unique to the specific audience. Depending on the size of the group, the venue, and the agreed upon goals, Jim will craft a presentation that will excite and motivate. He uses humor and emotions to make his points but wants his audience to walk away with something meaningful and lasting, not just a quick fix that they will enjoy, but forget. Jim's goal is to provide a presentation that makes a difference.
Strategic Planning Facilitation
Jim has crafted a very successful, affordable, and concise process to facilitate long term/strategic planning. The process starts with a conference to determine goals and objectives. If Jim's process can help meet these goals he then provides a detailed outline of the steps involved. Jim also has a long list of references for the many strategic plans he has helped facilitate. Business, schools, churches, and other institutions such as hospital and medical organizations, the IHSA, the IPA, and the IESA have used Jim's simple, effective, and successful process.
Administrator Academies
Jim has developed a number of approved Administrator Academies that he has presented throughout the United States. These academies have been presented to large groups, intimate groups, and on-line. Topics include Effective Leadership, Ethical Decision Making, How to Resolve Political Issues, Communication, Surviving Administration, Keys to Successful Leadership, and Jim's latest - Practical and Effective Leadership 24/7.
Board Member Training and Presentations
Doom to Zoom
It’s been a rough ride for a lot of schools and educators recently. Financial concerns, teacher reductions, program shrinkage, larger class sizes – you name it and many schools have, are, or will be experiencing it. While kids want to learn more than ever with the excitement of new technology and the ever growing understanding that they need an education to succeed, we are in a “doom” mentality when it comes to resources. This keynote, workshop, or academy gives meaningful insight into how to build morale and move mentality from “doom” to “zoom”. Zoom? The excitement of learning and the ability to do more with less, to move forward in spite of circumstances, and to ignite staff and students forward. Not just a motivational fix, this session includes real ideas that work! Perfect for school boards, administrators, and teachers!
Boardmanship 101
What board of education doesn’t need a reminder of the responsibilities and rights of being the educational policy makers and leaders for a school.
Management Advice
Over the years, Jim has provided one-on-one consultation with school administrators, aspiring administrators, administrative teams, board members, and others seeking his experience and insight into educational issues.
Jim also provides a service he calls "Perception Check" where he actually conducts an onsite visit of the school or district to measure first impressions, service, user-friendliness, and personnel quality. Jim provides a follow-up report or meeting to share his findings and suggestions.