Blog Archives

Time Management and Productivity

Days only have 24 hours but to-do lists are getting longer and longer—how does one keep up and complete all of their tasks?

Description

In today’s dynamic work environment, productivity is not simply about getting more done—it’s about doing what matters most with clarity, efficiency, and purpose. Each professional approaches work with different styles, habits, and strengths; therefore, productivity isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s about finding the tools and strategies that work best for each individual.

This interactive program blends personal productivity principles with Lean thinking processes and tools to help participants streamline their workflow, manage their energy & focus, and reduce inefficiencies that can lead to burnout. Participants will explore how to differentiate between being busy and being productive, maintain healthy boundaries with technology and colleagues, and cultivate accountability that drives consistent follow-through and goal achievement.

By developing both the mindset and systems needed for sustainable productivity, professionals will leave equipped to focus on meaningful contributions—both individually and as part of a team.

Audience

Professionals at all levels in any industry who want to discover better methods of managing their time and learn ways to hold colleagues and themselves accountable.

Outcome

Participants will walk away with these skills:

  • Differentiating between being busy, being productive, and making meaningful contributions by focusing on the most important—not just urgent—work.
  • Managing time, energy, and attention using customizable productivity strategies and Lean thinking tools.
  • Leveraging AI and digital tools to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, communication and prioritization.
  • Maintaining healthy boundaries with technology and in workplace relationships to protect focus and well-being.
  • Building accountability practices that create momentum, ownership, and follow-through across teams and individuals.

Fostering Teamwork and Trust

In today’s fast-paced and interconnected workplace, true success thrives on collective trust and collaboration—because when people depend on one another, the team becomes stronger than any individual effort.

Description

Fostering Teamwork and Trust is designed for professionals at all levels who want to contribute to a high-performance team rooted in trust, shared purpose, and mutual respect. Beginning with a pre-program assessment, participants learn about nine distinct clusters of team-oriented behaviors—ranging from creative idea generation to practical implementation—that, when balanced, help teams work more effectively together

This program empowers individuals to become catalysts for effective collaboration, strong working relationships, and positive team dynamics. Participants will gain tools to enhance communication, navigate conflict, strengthen accountability, and build trust which is the essential thread that connects and sustains high-performing teams. Whether you’re leading a team, working within one, or building new connections across departments, this program helps you create the kind of environment where teams thrive and people want to contribute.

Audience

Professionals at all levels who work in or with teams, across functions and industries.

Outcome

Participants will walk away with these skills:

  • Understand the key attributes of high-performing teams
  • Build trust with colleagues across roles and responsibilities
  • Identify behavioral strengths and areas for development in the workplace.
  • Foster open, productive communication and feedback
  • Navigate team dynamics and strengthen collaboration
  • Apply strategies to maintain connection and accountability under pressure

Elevate Leadership Certificate Program

Effective leaders continuously enhance their skill set to make an impact on the people and organizations they lead. The journey is defined by experience, self-awareness, and personal development. As leaders rise in organizations, they must elevate their skill sets to see the organization from a higher viewpoint, entrusting their colleagues and reports to manage everyday tasks.

In this interactive learning experience, participants will explore the characteristics of great leaders from a human centered and business acumen approach. They will learn new tools to help them grow into more senior roles, lead teams through change, inspire a workplace built on collaboration, and develop actionable plans to achieve long-term success.

Description

Program Components:

The journey begins with a virtual group introductory call to meet the program facilitators and cohort members. Participants will have reflective work in between each in-person session to encourage learning, skill development, and reflection outside of the classroom.

Session 1: Engaging Strengths

  • Recognize existing leadership strengths and development opportunities
  • Identify what a good leader looks like and how to present oneself as ready for a senior role
  • Navigate difficult or critical conversations
  • Create a plan to build a board of advisors and network with other senior leaders

Session 2: Empowering People*

  • Determine ways to coach, mentor, and develop others
  • Clarify team roles
  • Implement best practices for effective delegation
  • Explore a leader’s role in decision-making

Session 3: Embracing Change

  • Develop a holistic perspective of an organization and realize the overall impact change can have
  • Become familiar with the phases of change
  • Explore strategies for leading oneself, individuals, teams, and organizations through ongoing change

Session 4: Executing Forward*

  • Articulate the organization’s strategy
  • Identify opportunities to align departmental-level strategic plans with the organization's strategy
  • Establish a framework for succession planning and apply it to direct reports’ growth plans

*Virtual Group Reflection Calls

After the second and fourth in-person sessions, the cohort will meet for a virtual group check-in session to discuss how they have incorporated their learning into their lives and how they can continue to improve and sustain their new practices.

Audience

Upper-level managers preparing for the next level or those new to senior leadership roles who are responsible for a division or the overall organization.

Outcomes

  • Shift from a task-oriented management mindset into a “big picture” perspective
  • Capitalize on prior leadership experience to develop an authentic leadership aspiration
  • Effectively interact with all levels of an organization for maximum impact
  • Develop strategic and long-term thinking
  • Guide an organization through change
  • Establish habits and behaviors for continued improvement to retain leadership skills

Venue

Cintas Center
1624 Musketeer Drive
Cincinnati, 45207 United States + Google Map
Phone
513-745-1094

Moving into Management

This 2-day introductory leadership program is designed to equip new and upcoming managers with the necessary skills to be successful in their roles. Oftentimes, managers struggle with the transition from peer to supervisor because they have not been trained or even exposed to leadership best practices. Filled with discussions, case studies, and experiential activities, participants will explore concrete and practical examples to equip themselves with the needed tools and skills as they move into management.

Description

Program Components:

Setting the Leadership Foundation:

    • Compare and contrast leadership and management in a post-pandemic and increasingly complex world
    • Explore various management styles and their benefits and advantages
    • Realize the importance of emotional intelligence and self-awareness

Effective Communication and Relationship Building:

      • Explore the art of clear, persuasive, and empathetic communication
      • Recognize the underlying message of nonverbal communication and body language
      • Learn how to actively listen and provide constructive feedback
      • Build trust and rapport to develop strong relationships with team members and direct reports
      • Understand the sources of conflict and how to address them

Unlocking the Potential of Teams:

    • Discuss team roles and dynamics
    • Utilize the five stages of team development to build and lead effective teams
    • Empower others through coaching, feedback, and ongoing development via one-on-ones
    • Learn techniques for motivating and engaging team members while recognizing and rewarding contributions

Problem-Solving and Decision-Making:

    • Evaluating problems to make informed decisions
    • Communicating complex decisions to various audiences
    • Recognizing the importance of ethical behavior in decision-making
    • Overcoming resistance to change and developing a culture of adaptability

Leading into the Future:

    • Align actions and team deliverables with organizational goals
    • Leveraging SMART goals for personal and team member growth
    • Establish practices, behaviors, and habits of continuous improvement

Audience

New managers, those with 1-3 years of managerial experience, and identified future managers within an organization.

Venue

Cintas Center
1624 Musketeer Drive
Cincinnati, 45207 United States + Google Map
Phone
513-745-1094

Build Your Own Certificate

Business professionals need a variety of skills and tools to complement their diverse industries and achieve their unique success. Build a certificate from our large list of offerings to match your exact needs!

Description

XLC is proud to offer all working professionals the ability to build their own custom certificate programs by choosing four unique one-day programs that target their specific needs. Participants can focus on business acumen tools, communication skills, or any combination in between! No matter what the selected one-day programs are, professionals will learn and gain tools and skills that can be immediately incorporated into their professional and personal lives.

One-Day Program Options:
Participants select 4 one-day programs offered within the same semester.

Audience

Professionals at any level who want a customized solution for their challenges, obstacles, and areas of improvement.

Venue

Cintas Center
1624 Musketeer Drive
Cincinnati, 45207 United States + Google Map
Phone
513-745-1094

Time Management and Accountability

Days only have 24 hours but to-do lists are getting longer and longer—how does one keep up and complete all of their tasks?

Description

Professionals must decide how to prioritize and complete their assigned tasks to meet personal and managerial expectations. Everyone has unique working styles, habits, and needs when accomplishing their responsibilities, so time management and prioritization must be customizable skills anyone can adopt.

This program aims to provide practical tips, tools, and strategies to help individuals approach their use of time wisely and help managers lead their teams more effectively. Oftentimes, procrastination sets in because a certain task seems daunting or emotionally taxing. Participants will explore ways to manage their energy and mindsets to aid in their productivity. Finally, the program will discuss how accountability is created between managers and their teams, among colleagues, and within oneself.

Audience

Professionals at all levels in any industry who want to discover better methods of managing their time and learn ways to hold colleagues and themselves accountable.

Outcome

Participants will walk away with these skills:

  • Distinguishing between the urgent and important uses of time and prioritizing different tasks
  • Acknowledging the value of personal energy through the emotional fuel tank
  • Interpreting the hidden patterns of everyday life, both personally and professionally
  • Exposing five “time robbers”
  • Discovering organizational strategies to better budget one's use of time
  • Formulating accountability methods to keep oneself on track
  • Developing habits of mutual accountability

Venue

Cintas Center
1624 Musketeer Drive
Cincinnati, 45207 United States + Google Map
Phone
513-745-1094

Motivating Top Talent Across Generations

The most important asset to any organization is its people. Leaders must find ways to support top talent in order to achieve higher retention and performance success.

Description

Workforce trends and workplace culture has changed dramatically in recent years. Understanding what motivates employees from different generations, helping them strengthen their well-being, and developing top talent to support their performance are all critical for today's leaders.

Discovering one's purpose behind their work is a guiding theme in this one-day program. Participants will explore the new psychology of how work is seen and valued; the critical elements of well-being, self-care, and individual motivators; and how to align employees' performance with overall organizational performance. Conversations, discussions, and experiential activities are interwoven throughout the session.

Audience

Team leaders, managers, or anyone in a position to support their colleagues will benefit from this program.

Outcome

Participants will walk away with these skills:

  • Understanding the foundation of new motivational norms
  • Developing mindsets to shift from old motivations to the new motivational norms
  • Identifying best practices to support a high performance/high retention culture amidst the new psychology of work
  • Recognizing practical ways to embrace the cultural development necessary to attract and retain top talent
  • Establishing next steps to win the war for talent in this competitive labor market

Venue

Cintas Center
1624 Musketeer Drive
Cincinnati, 45207 United States + Google Map
Phone
513-745-1094

Effective Decision Making

In this fast-paced world, a person’s and their team’s effectiveness in getting things done at work depends on decision-making. How a person manages their time, what meetings they go to, and the work their team focuses on are all based on effective decision-making methods. And yet, according to a global McKinsey study from 2019, only 20% of respondents say their organizations excel at decision-making.

Description

In this one-day program, participants will explore various ways and methods to make decisions as both an individual and as a leader. Then, the program will focus on how to build a culture of effective decision-making within an organization. Real-world examples and interactive activities will guide discussions and showcase examples of great and not-so-great decision-making skills.

Audience

Professionals at all levels in any industry who want to develop their decision-making skills will benefit from this program.

Outcome

Participants will walk away with these skills:

  • Identify various methods to make decisions
  • Leading group decision-making processes by understanding how others make decisions
  • Learn strategies to make personal decisions more effectively
  • Discover how to be consistent and empowering as a decision-making leader
  • Balance autonomy and risk when creating an organizational culture

Venue

Cintas Center
1624 Musketeer Drive
Cincinnati, 45207 United States + Google Map
Phone
513-745-1094

Engaging, Coaching, and Mentoring Others

The Great Resignation has evolved the workplace in many industries. Now, it is even more important for managers, team leaders, and colleagues to create a positive work environment where people want to belong. Clear communication, strong mentoring, and accurate expectations are needed to develop effective teams both virtually and in person.

Description

This one-day program will begin by discussing worker satisfaction and how to establish transparent expectations while addressing each employee’s personal needs. Effective communication will follow, focusing on delivering feedback in healthy and positive ways. Finally, participants will explore aligning individual and team performances to create a cohesive work environment.

Experiential and interactive learning will guide the day’s activities, allowing participants to practice tools and strategies for immediate implementation.

Audience

Professionals at all levels in any industry who want to enhance their interpersonal communication will benefit from this program.

Outcome

Participants will walk away with these skills:

  • Define a positive work environment
  • Learn how to align and manage worker expectations
  • Improve feedback and real-time coaching
  • Identify the roles mentors can play in professionals’ lives
  • Utilize 3 simple steps to positively reinforce what people do well
  • Develop effective teams through virtual and in-person environments.

Venue

Cintas Center
1624 Musketeer Drive
Cincinnati, 45207 United States + Google Map
Phone
513-745-1094

Executing Business Strategy

A successful organizational strategy needs to address two essential questions: where in the market should the organization focus and how can the organization differentiate itself from competitors. A strategy is only effective, however, when members of the organization at all levels can understand the plan and meaningfully contribute.

Description

In this program, you will learn how to define a business strategy and communicate it to peers, supervisors, and reports. Once participants can capture the elements of a strategy, they will explore the strategy’s execution. Creating a cohesive and comprehensive strategic plan will be guided by the OGSM method while also referencing other approaches.

Filled with small and large group exercises, case studies, and concrete examples, participants will be able to immediately identify and advance their organization’s strategy.

Audience

Designed for professionals at all levels who want to align their day-to-day responsibilities with their organization’s longterm goals.

Outcome

Participants will walk away with these skills:

  • Understanding the core goals of business strategy
  • Identifying the role of change planning and execution management
  • Assessing a company using SWOT analysis
  • Communicating the impact of culture and organizational design on strategy
  • Implementing a strategic planning process for any size company, including a dashboard
  • Solving common problems with strategic planning and execution

Venue

Cintas Center
1624 Musketeer Drive
Cincinnati, 45207 United States + Google Map
Phone
513-745-1094