2008
Course Descriptions
Welcome and Orientation (Tricia Jack and Annie O’Brien)
This session will provide an overview about what to expect at the conference, how the conference will run, and how the classes are scheduled. Participants will also be orientated to the layout of the facility and safety and health issues.
Learning to Learn/Knowledge Transfer Action Plan (KTAP) (Tricia Jack and Sandi Parkes)
In order to get the most out of the learning experience, it is important to know how to learn. This session will help you to understand how you learn best, how to maximize your time here at the conference and how to create a development plan that will help you develop the skills you need to be better at your job, now and in the future. The KTAP discussion will also enlighten you about how to integrate your learning into action once you are back in the workplace.
Records
Management Panel (Senior level
State of
This panel made up of experienced clerks from various municipalities, will discuss their experience of handling records management and give tips on the most efficient and effective way to do it. The session will include a variety of records management topics such as privacy and security issues, manual filing and indexing, document imaging, archive management and email records, plus whatever you want to learn about records management!
Business Licensing Panel (Karen Johnson, Mary Lund, Laura Woolsey, Aaron Lyman and Nancy Bishop)
Processing business licenses is a common part of the job of a municipal clerk. This session, instructed by experienced clerks from the Utah Business Licensing Association, will cover the key information you need to know as a clerk dealing with this topic, including correct processes, special requirements and the different types of licenses that are required.
Training and Coaching Employees (Tricia Jack)
Many municipal clerks are responsible to train other employees. This session will give you the low down on the best techniques to train and coach others, including how to break things down into manageable chunks of learning, how to ask the right questions and how to evaluate whether the trainee has learned what you need them to.
Basics of Public Human Resource Management (David Patton)
An increasing number of municipal clerks are finding themselves carrying out human resource functions. This session will provide an overview of the most common human resources issues that municipal clerks deal with, including recruitment and selection, performance appraisal and discipline.
Administrative Theory (Rick Green)
This session examines public organizations and how they “work.” Information on communication, compliance, decision making models and concepts of authority will be introduced and discussed, all in the context of municipalities and the issues specific to them.
Elections Panel (Kent Clark, Lloyd Carr, Rozan Mitchell)
As
2008 is an election
year, this subject is
close to the hearts
of those who have to
manage them – you! This
panel will explore some
of the details you need
to know about elections
management in
“I Know My Rights and I’m Not Afraid to Use Them” (Ken Embley)
How often do you deal with customers and citizens who quote their “rights” to you? How do you react? This short session will explore customer service and how to keep your cool when everyone around you is losing theirs! The session will use case studies and group discussions to help everyone learn from everyone else’s experience.
Electronic Records Management (Rosemary Cundiff)
With the increase in use of electronic records, there are lots of questions about what is classed as public record and what is not. This session will take you through the maze of law that applies to this issue. Using relevant administrative law cases and decisions, you will learn how to manage electronic records in the most effective, efficient and legal way.
Managing
Political Egos (Jennifer Seelig,
D’Arcy
This panel, made up of legislators, elected officials and senior managers in public service, will enlighten you about their experiences in managing and building good relationships with those who might be more “difficult” to work with because of their political position. Through short presentations and then open discussion, you will learn strategies to manage the “political” aspects of your job as a clerk.
Administrative Law (Connie B. White)
This session examines the legal and constitutional issues that arise from the relationship between public agencies, legislative bodies and the courts. Connie will use relevant court cases to explore issues surrounding sovereign immunity and the scope and limits of administrative discretion.
Problem Solving (Annie O’Brien)
In this session we’ll discuss problem solving techniques for today’s work environment. You’ll learn innovative and effective approaches to problem solving and have an opportunity to apply these using interactive group exercises. Participants will walk away with tools to creatively deal with issues they currently face.
Cultural Competency (Randee Levine)
In this session, participants will learn cultural competency concepts including awareness and attitudes. We’ll discuss skills for working effectively in a multi-cultural business setting. We’ll also discuss the importance of communication skills such as verbal and non-verbal communication, asserting and listening, and inter-cultural communication.
An
Economic and Demographic
Overview of
This
session will first focus
on the economic trends
taking place in
Change Management (Sandi Parkes)
This session provides a deeper explanation of change as it affects individuals and teams in organizations of all sizes. Participants will discuss the concept of organizational change; reflect upon past experiences with and reactions to change; and apply new models to the complex task of managing change in public organizations.
Emotional Intelligence (Kimberly Kniveton)
If you are a current or aspiring leader and searching for that one ingredient that will distinguish your management and leadership effectiveness and performance, Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is it! EQ is at the heart of performance. It is the ability to use emotions effectively and is the foundation of any high-performing relationship. Using the Six Seconds model of Know Yourself, Choose Yourself, Give Yourself, this session will introduce you to the EQ competencies, increase your self awareness of your own and others' emotions, improve your ability to walk your talk and unlock your full capacity to inspire and motivate others. Using case studies and real management examples, you will practice the concepts and tools in order to experience the power of EQ firsthand. Taught by a certified member of the Six Seconds network, you will have a high-quality and engaging experience in this course.
Orbiting the Giant Hairball (Tricia Jack, Sandi Parkes, Ken Embley)
Now that you’ve read the book, let’s discuss the leadership and management lessons learned and how it applies to you and your organization.