TRAINING CATALOG
Foundations for Personal and
Professional Development
I have found myself often quoting
a phrase that I learned in a Synergy training course.
That to me is a true mark of a great training class. If I can take what I have
learned and really apply it in my everyday work to be a more productive
employee, then it was definitely worth the time invested. Our Synergy
representatives have really taken the time to get to know us and our
employees and have been able to tailor trainings that have been very beneficial
for us. The most valuable piece to me has been the one-on-one coaching which
has really helped me to grow as an individual and an employee.
— Delsie Cavanaugh, Director of Finance
and Administration
The Synergy Companies, Inc.
Formed in 1989, Synergy is a leading Midwestern single source provider of outsourced
human capital management (HCM) services to small- and medium-sized enterprises.
These services are delivered as a fully-bundled package and provide a level of HR
services and benefits that is comparable to what is found at Fortune 500 firms.
The service bundle include benefits and payroll administration, health/dental/
life and disability insurance coverage, workers’ compensation insurance coverage,
401(k) retirement plan and flexible spending plan administration, employment risk
management, and employment regulation compliance. Delivered through a high-touch,
high-tech integrated delivery system, each client relationship is managed by a service
team comprised of a Human Resources field representative, a payroll coordinator, a
benefits coordinator, an HR generalist, and an account executive, together enabling
a high degree of hands-on personalized service. Complementing the team is a webbased service delivery channel for convenient online self-service for common inquiries
and transactions related to payroll and benefits administration.
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Invest in your
EMPLOYEES
We strongly believe and have seen that investing in
employees and managers has a significant return on
investment through retention, productivity, performance
output, and overall satisfaction.
Synergy’s Foundations
for Personal and Professional
Development Programs
Synergy’s Training and Organizational Development Programs offer cutting
edge Training Courses, Engagement and Workplace Surveys, Organization and
Workplace Development, and Leadership/Management Coaching.
We at Synergy believe very strongly in the education, development and
investment in a company’s most valuable resource–its people. We strongly
believe and have seen that investing in employees and managers has a
significant return on investment through retention, productivity, performance
output, and overall satisfaction. The importance of building a successful
company culture is like an old family recipe–the perfect and exact ingredients
are essential for the successful outcome. Synergy believes this is also
true for companies and organizations regardless of size or industry. From
the very first steps of hiring the right people, training them effectively and
understanding how to motivate and engage them effects the success and the
overall bottom line of profitability for companies and organizations.
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TRAINING
Synergy’s training program offers a robust cirrriculum of 30 training courses in the areas of Employee
Development, Leadership Development and Workplace Development, designed to have signifigant impact on
workplace employees and management staff. Workshops are designed specifically to each targeted audience
and offer an interactive, educational approach that enables each participant to walk away with topic-specific
knowledge and practical techniques and skills. The trainings’ focus is to provide key behavioral approaches to
ensure effective performance output, team cohesiveness and an engaged workplace culture. These training
sessions include interactive exercises, role playing and worksheets. Workshops can be designed to range from
a one-hour lunch and learn to a full-day leadership class and are offered live on-site or as webcast training.
ENGAGEMENT AND WORKPLACE SURVEYS
A high-performing and dedicated workforce is essential for growth and innovation, ultimately having a positive
effect on an organization’s bottom-line. Understanding employee engagement levels and workplace culture can
help organizations obtain high levels of productivity, retention, and morale—all a part of creating and developing
high-performance teams. Whether you are attempting your first employee engagement survey to understand
how connected your workforce is to the organization, or you wish to better understand employee perspectives
on organization, department, or other workplace initiatives/trends, Synergy can be your survey partner. Synergy
can develop, design, administer, and compile survey data as well as assist you in developing action plans from
survey results. Synergy’s survey services can also be customized to meet your needs.
ORGANIZATION AND WORKPLACE DEVELOPMENT
Synergy places great emphasis on organizational development. We achieve this development process through
evaluation of departments, strategic planning, company-wide participation and effective management leadership.
Synergy will make recommendations on survey results; some of the areas may include transition
management, productivity, negativity, retention, low morale, and conflict resolution. Synergy will administer
departmental surveys and meet with individuals to collect preliminary information and develop a training
program to meet the needs of the specific targeted audience. We will also provide post surveys to collect data
for measurable outcomes.
LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT COACHING
Leadership and Management Coaching can develop managers and supervisors to become dynamic
leaders within your organization. Synergy will work with managers and supervisors individually or in small
groups to create a customized, individualized action plan. There are three steps within this process:
1 Self-evaluation of personal
2 Identification of areas
3 Qualitative and quantitative
management style. Managers
and supervisors will complete a
self-assessment questionnaire.
to develop. These areas may
include: effective communication
strategies, performance
management, strategic planning,
motivational techniques, and
engagement processes.
measurement tools will be
administered that may include
a 360 Development Survey,
satisfaction surveys and town
hall meetings.
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EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT
ART OF NEGOTIATION
In this training, participants will learn the fundamental
tools of how to successfully negotiate with both internal
and external customers. This includes how to identify the
end goal of the negotiation as well as how to walk away
with a win-win agreement.
Learning objectives for this presentation are:
• Learn to identify strategies for a successful negotiation
• Recognize the importance of confidence and
effectiveness
• Learn a step-by-step methodology of successful
negotiation
In this training, participants will learn skills and techniques
to deal with customers and build strategic relationships. At
the end of this session, individuals will be familiar with tips
to deal with challenging customers who are difficult, irate
or who have unrealistic expectations.
Learning objectives for this presentation are:
• Learn strategies for working with all types of customers
• Understand the importance of building image and
rapport
• Learn to build strategic relationships
BALANCING WORK/LIFE CHALLENGES
EFFECTIVE MEETING MANAGEMENT
In this training, participants will learn how to identify the
importance of balance within their lives and develop an
action plan. This action plan will teach participants how
to set boundaries with people and create time for daily
pleasures.
In this training, participants will learn how to plan and
prioritize agenda items and timing measures to ensure
meetings are directional and purposeful. Individuals will
develop techniques and strategies to conduct meetings
with measurable and successful outcomes.
Learning objectives for this presentation are:
• Understand the importance of healthy balance
• Learn to manage time more effectively
• Implement an action plan of positive changes for balance
and relaxation
Learning objectives for this presentation are:
• Learn how to effectively prepare and build an agenda
• Understand the five roles of meeting participants
• Learn how to successfully close a meeting and follow up
DEALING WITH DIFFICULT PEOPLE:
In this training, participants will learn how to identify
different types of difficult people and how to best work
with them for successful outcomes. Participants will
take away skills and techniques to successfully deal with
conflictual situations with co-workers, managers and
customers.
Learning objectives for this presentation are:
• Learn to identify the various types of difficult people/
employees
• Develop awareness of your role when interacting with a
difficult person and avoid getting “hooked-in”
• Learn effective skills and techniques to best interact with
difficult people
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DELIVERING EXCEPTIONAL CUSTOMER
SERVICE
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ESTABLISHING RESPECTFUL
RELATIONSHIP IN THE WORKPLACE
In this training, participants will learn how to build a
working and respectful relationship with co-workers,
employees and managers. Individuals will take away
techniques of a 5-step process to ensure respectful and
engaging relationships within the workplace.
Learning objectives for this presentation are:
• Understand the importance of respect within the
workplace
• Learn interpersonal relationship dynamics
• Implement five ways to build respectful relationships
within the workplace
DEVELOPING A PROFESSIONAL
PRESENCE
In this training, participants will learn the elements of
professional presence that include attire, behaviors and
communication. Individuals will walk away with tips and
ideas that include how to dress for success as well as
interact and speak professionally.
Learning objectives for this presentation are:
• Learn techniques to make a positive impression
• Understand the components of verbal and non-verbal
communication
• Implement a presence that demonstrates
professionalism and confidence
PREVENTING IDENTITY THEFT
In this training, participants will understand how identity
theft occurs and its impact on consumers. Individuals
will have a clear understanding of identity theft and how
to implement a 10-step checklist to lower the risk of it
occurring.
Learning objectives for this presentation are:
• Identify and recognize the early signs of identity theft
• Understand the steps to protect yourself
• Identify resources to help in the case you are a victim of
identity theft
RETIREMENT PLANNING
In this training, participants will learn
developing an effective retirement plan.
designed for individuals to take away
assessments in the areas of finance,
psychology steps.
the steps for
This course is
a checklist of
emotional and
Learning objectives for this presentation are:
• Identify lifestyle changes
• Practice effective time management
• Learn strategies to ensure a successful retirement
SMOKING CESSATION
In this training, participants will learn about the addiction
process of nicotine and the dynamics of how people get
“hooked’ into smoking. Individuals will walk away with
resources to help them stop smoking and behavioral steps
to help get through the initial days of nicotine withdrawal
Learning objectives for this presentation are:
• Identify programs that can help people quit smoking
• Learn behavioral approaches to quitting
• Learn the addictive nature of cigarettes
STRESS MANAGEMENT
In this training participants will identify different reactions
people have to stressors within their life and the dangers
of chronic high levels of stress. Individuals will gain a clear
understanding of ways that will help reduce stressors as
well as behavioral and cognitive exercises to re-channel
one’s reaction to stress.
Learning objectives for this presentation are:
• Understand the difference between good (Eusstress)
and bad (Distress) stress
• Learn the causes and reactions to stress
• Implement effective stress management techniques
TIME MANAGEMENT
In this training, participants will identify their time
management style and the cause and effect of how their
style helps or hinders their day’s outcomes. This course
is designed for individuals to implement techniques to
organize, plan and execute their day at a higher level of
effectiveness.
Learning objectives for this presentation are:
• Understand your time management style
• Identify areas that need improvement
• Learn techniques to ensure working SMART
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LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
THE ABC’S OF HUMAN RESOURCES
In this training, managers will become familiar with
employment laws and regulations that impact their
company. Participants will increase their understanding of
HR and be given resources to guide them in making good
employment decisions to lower the level of risk and liability
within their company.
In this training, managers will learn the importance of
motivation, engagement and a solution-focused thinking
style. Participants will walk away with motivational
techniques and tools to measure levels of engagement
within their teams.
Learning objectives for this presentation are:
• Learn basic employment laws
• Understand the role that Synergy and your organization
play in the Human Resource partnership
• Learn effective skills to resolve issues within the
workplace
Learning objectives for this presentation are:
• Learn motivational techniques
• Understand the importance of using positive
communication, affirmation and reward to build
engagement
• Implement a solution-focused thinking style
ADDRESSING AND STOPPING
WORKPLACE GOSSIP
CONFLICT RESOLUTION
In this training, managers will learn how to address and
manage employees involved in gossip that creates conflict
within the workplace. Individuals will walk away with a
5-step model to identify, address, confront, set limits, and
build an environment free of harmful gossip.
Learning objectives for this presentation are:
• Understand what is considered “gossip”
• Identify the beginnings of a “gossip culture”
• Learn to successfully address an employee when gossip
occurs
• Implement a strong policy and procedure that prohibits
gossip within the workplace
BUILDING THE DREAM TEAM
In this training, managers will learn the dynamics and
identify best practices of high-functioning teams. This
course is designed for individuals to acquire methods and
techniques to implement within their current teams and
have an overall rating process of how well team members
work with one another.
Learning objectives for this presentation are:
• Learn the components of successful teams
• Implement best practices methods
• Learn to assess and measure a team’s effectiveness
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COACHING FOR HIGHER LEVELS OF
MOTIVATION
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In this training, managers will learn to identify conflictual
processes and/or relationships within their teams.
Individuals will learn a 5-step model to address and resolve
conflict.
Learning objectives for this presentation are:
• Understand the dynamic of conflict
• Learn effective ways to manage conflict
• Learn to measure and identify if conflict has been
resolved within your team
CREATING THE PERFECT PERFORMANCE
IMPROVEMENT PLAN (PIP)
Creating the Perfect Performance Improvement Plan
(PIP) and Process- It can be very challenging to place an
employee on a Performance Improvement Plan, especially
if the employee disagrees with the process. There are very
definitive steps in implementing a successful PIP.
Learning objectives for this presentation are:
• Understand the dynamics of conflict
• Learn effective ways to manage conflict
• Learn to measure and identify when conflict has been
resolved within your team
DEALING WITH DIFFICULT EMPLOYEES
In this training, managers will learn how to identify different
types of difficult employees such as bullies, complainers,
know-it-alls, and silent types. Individuals will walk away with
techniques to address, confront and set limits with difficult
employees to ensure effective working teams.
Learning objectives for this presentation are:
• Learn to identify difficult employees
• Develop awareness of your role when working with
difficult employees
• Learn effective techniques to deal with difficult
employees
DEVELOPING A CULTURE OF INCLUSION
In this training, managers will learn the importance of
inclusion management and how to develop and build highfunctioning, cohesive teams. This course is designed for
individuals to become proficient in techniques and methods
to address and resolve issues that may arise with a team
that is divided into different sub-section silos, and create a
team that works collaboratively and directionally as one.
Learning objectives for this presentation are:
• Define diversity and inclusion
• Identify bias and prejudice within the workplace
• Understand and learn inclusion management
DISCIPLINE AND DOCUMENTATION
In this training, managers will learn how to document
performance and behavioral issues, in addition to techniques
for successfully addressing such issues. Individuals will
understand how to document employee’s performance
issues and learn behavioral methods to address and modify
employee’s behaviors and performance.
Learning objectives for this presentation are:
• Learn how to use the progressive discipline process as a
tool for managing performance
• Understand the five steps of the progressive discipline
process
• Develop skills to deal with difficult situations and
conversations
• Learn how to document effectively and thoroughly
EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
STRATEGIES
In this training, managers will learn techniques to more
clearly communicate and effectively hear what employees
are communicating to them. The course is designed to
enhance proficiency in speaking with great clarity and
listening effectively to the message being sent.
Learning objectives for this presentation are:
• Learn various communication styles
• Understand the fundamentals for communication both
face-to-face and remotely
• Learn the components and elements of effective
communication
EFFECTIVE INTERVIEWING SKILLS
In this training, managers will learn behavioral-based
interviewing techniques. Individuals will learn how to
obtain comprehensive information from the person they
are interviewing to make a decision based on statistical
measurement.
Learning objectives for this presentation are:
• Identify the cost of an ineffective interviewing process
• Understand lawful interviewing and hiring practices
• Learn and implement behavior-based interviewing skills
PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT
In this training, managers will learn the elements and the
importance of successful performance management.
Individuals will walk away with tools and methods
to address and assess employees’ performance and
techniques to create motivation and engagement within
their positions.
Learning objectives for this presentation are:
• Learn the eight steps of the performance management
process
• Understand how to give effective performance
feedback
• Learn to build strategic relationships with your
employees
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WORKPLACE DEVELOPMENT
BUILDING AND IMPLEMENTING AN EFFECTIVE
PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL TOOL
In this training, managers will learn the importance of
performance appraisals and the tools used to promote
high performance. This course is designed to educate and
provide techniques to managers to develop a culture of
accountability through the use of performance appraisal
and supporting tools. Synergy can customize a performance
appraisal tool for your company or organization. Speak with
your Human Resource Field Representative or contact our
Director of Training and Development.
Learning objectives for this presentation are:
• Identify the benefits of performance accountability
• Learn to successfully address performance and
behavioral issues
• Understand and practice methods to drive success and
respect
• Implement mindsets that create productivity and success
DIVERSITY TRAINING
In this training, managers will learn to identify and
value diversity as well as how to manage diversity
challenges within their teams and employees. This session
is designed to provide tools and resources to manage
a diverse workforce while maintaining productivity
and employee morale, lowering the risk of liability for
themselves and the organization.
Learning objectives for this presentation are:
• Learn the importance of diversity in the workplace
• Develop skills to address diversity issues
• Understand the power of assumptions
• Learn the four steps to achieve team harmony
IMPLEMENTING ENGAGEMENT STRATEGIES
In this training, managers will identify engagement
strategies and become familiar with valuable research
that identifies the importance of engaged and satisfied
employees and the profitability of a company. Individuals
will walk away with a clear perspective of the benefits of
the engaged employee as well as methods and tools to
incorporate within their teams.
Learning objectives for this presentation are:
• Learn the effects of disengaged employees within your
workforce
• Understand the generational differences with engagement
• Identify ways to engage your employees
• Implement programs to increase performance and
productivity
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OVERCOMING WORKPLACE NEGATIVITY
In this training, managers will learn how negativity impacts
the workplace in several ways: productivity, quality,
retention, and overall job satisfaction. This course is
designed to provide participants methods and tools to
address and change a negative person or team into a
culture of satisfaction and engagement.
Learning objectives for this presentation are:
• Learn how to identify workplace negativity
• Understand differentiation between organizational and
individual negativity
• Learn effective techniques to shape negative behaviors
into positive behaviors
PREVENTING SEXUAL HARASSMENT IN
THE WORKPLACE
In this training managers will learn to identify, address and
prevent sexual harassment within their company. This course
is designed to provide managers with a clear understanding
of their role when they are informed of or observe incidents
of sexual harassment. Managers will walk away with
resources and methods to prevent grievances, lawsuits, loss
of employees, and damaged reputations.
Learning objectives for this presentation are:
• Understand the definition of sexual harassment
• Learn how to recognize sexual harassment
• Understand the effects of sexual harassment
• Learn how to respond to sexual harassment and identify
resources
PREVENTING VIOLENCE IN THE
WORKPLACE
In this training, managers will learn the prevalence and
warning signs of a potential violent event that may occur
within their workforce. Individuals will leave this training
with a clear understanding of their role in identifying and
preventing workplace violence as well as resources to
implement when dealing with a violent employee or situation.
Learning objectives for this presentation are:
• Learn to define workplace violence
• Identify different forms of workplace violence
• Recognize behavior and symptoms that may lead to
violence
• Learn ways to deal with and stop violence from
occurring within the workplace
LEADERSHIP AND TRAINING
ASSESSMENT
REASONABLE SUSPICION TRAINING
In this training, managers will learn the prevalence and
consequences companies experience regarding the use,
abuse and dependency of alcohol and drugs within the
worksite. This course is designed to provide participants
tools and methods to identify, address and make decisions
regarding an employee who may be under the influence at
work.
Learning objectives for this presentation are:
• Learn the importance of understanding your policy on
substance abuse
• Recognize the symptoms of alcohol and drug
impairment
• Learn how to conduct a successful intervention with an
employee under the influence
• Identify resources to assist an employee or manager
with addiction
Synergy’s training and organizational development programs
serve to help its clients create higher levels of employee
engagement, prodictivity and effieciency with their
workforce. To help you better understand your needs and to
determine how Synergy’s training and development programs
can work best for you, complete the brief assessment below.
Below is a sampling of employer “best-practices” that are
known to have positive effects on both employees and the
bottom-line. Place a check mark next to the items you believe
your company currently has in place. When finished, tally
the number of checkmarks at the bottom and compare your
results to the key.

Best-Practices
Defined Mission/Vision/Values Statements
Diversity/Inclusion Training
Effective Communication Strategies Training
TRANSITION MANAGEMENT
Effective Performance Management Process/
Evaluation Tool
In this training, managers will understand how change
occurs within organizations and its effects on individuals
and teams. Individuals will learn the different stages
of change and methods to help individuals and teams
embrace and welcome change within the organization.
Employee Engagement/Satisfaction Survey
Employee Mentoring Programs
Employee Reward and Recognition Program
Health and Safety Programs/Training
Learning objectives for this presentation are:
• Learn to understand the “Why Change” theory
• Learn how to communicate change and transition to
employees
• Implement positive change strategies
HR Processes Aligned with Business Objectives
Leadership/Management Coaching
Leadership/Management Training
Performance Management Training
Recruitment/Behavior-Based Interviewing Training
Teambuilding Initiatives
WORKPLACE CONDUCT TRAINING
In this training, managers will learn to address and resolve
conduct issues, i.e. disrespect, hostile, discourteous
behaviors that are common to many worksites. This
training is designed to provide participants tools and
strategies to build departments where employees interact
appropriately and respectfully with one another.
Learning objectives for this presentation are:
• Understand the importance to address workplace
conduct issues
• Identify the dynamics of a disrespectful and hostile
workforce
• Implement steps to ensure respect amongst employees
• Create a culture of engagement and accountability
Workplace Conduct Training
Total
KEY:
Below Average
Average
Above Average
≥5
6-10
≤11
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The Synergy Companies, Inc. | Corporate Offices | Chicago, Illinois
1-800-432-1026 | www.mysynergy.com