Professional & Personal Development Programs

Open to faculty and staff. Register at http://knowledgelink.upenn.edu/

Adapting your Leadership Style; 1/16; 12:30-1:30 p.m. Leadership styles can vary based on working environment, personal background or industry. Knowing how to effectively channel the right leadership style given a specific audience or setting is key to being an effective leader. In this course, we will uncover the qualities it takes to be a leader, recognize style differences, understand how to conduct one-on-ones and develop motivation approaches for employees.

Valuing Different Generations; 1/24; 12:30-1:30 p.m. For the first time in American history we have four different generations working together, each bringing value in helping us to understand where we have been and where we are headed. When dealing with people, we are often dealing with different generations of people. This seminar includes a discussion of the characteristics commonly associated with each of the generations as participants learn how making the most of generational resources greatly improves teamwork.

Managing Up; 1/29; 12:30-1:30 p.m. In today’s busy work environment, creating a relationship of trust and open communication with your manager is critical to your success. In this course, learn to increase your ability to recognize your manager’s perspective and meet his/her expectations as well as fine tune your communication skills to optimize your work with your manager, including providing and receiving feedback.

Work-life Workshops

Open to faculty and staff. Register at www.hr.upenn.edu/registration

Introduction to 8-Session Mindfulness Course Pre-Requisite; 1/8 and 1/9; noon-1 p.m.; free. In January 2019 the University of Pennsylvania is partnering with the Penn Program for Mindfulness to provide a second installment of Mindfulness in the Workplace. This is an eight-week program that offers an introduction to mindfulness-based stress management. This program consists of a structured and foundational process for learning mindfulness-based tools and applying mindfulness in real life situations to help reduce stress, increase focus and mental clarity, improve communication in relationships, improve mood and energy and better manage difficult situations. The course consists of eight two-hour weekly classes and a full-day retreat on the weekend between weeks six and seven of the course. All class materials are provided, including access to homework handouts and audio recordings of guided meditation exercises. Participants must attend all eight sessions to earn 60 Be in the Know Bonus Action Points.    

Guided Meditation; 1/16 and 1/30; 12:30-1:30 p.m. Practice mindful breathing that focuses your attention on the present moment with kindness, compassion and awareness. Self-massage and gentle mindful movements that promote relaxation and reduce stress may also be included in the workshop. No experience necessary.    

Mindfulness; 1/22; 12:30-1:30 p.m. Mindfulness is “paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgmentally,” said Jon Kabat-Zinn. Mindfulness practice develops awareness of your present thoughts and feelings to help you manage different situations. In this once-a-month experiential workshop, you’ll see how mindfulness can help you become more engaged and effective both at home and in the workplace. No prior meditation experience necessary.    

Mindfulness in the Workplace 8-Session Mindfulness Course; 1/28; 2:30-4:30 p.m. This course meets on Mondays, January 28 through March 18. Beginning in Spring 2019, the University of Pennsylvania is partnering with the Penn Program for Mindfulness to provide Mindfulness in the Workplace, an eight-week program that offers an engaging and effective introduction to mindfulness-based stress management. This program presents a structured and foundational process for learning mindfulness-based tools and applying mindfulness in real life situations to help reduce stress, increase focus and mental clarity, improve communication in relationships, improve mood and energy and better manage difficult situations. The course consists of eight two-hour weekly classes and a full-day mindfulness retreat on the weekend between weeks six and seven of the course. All class materials are provided, including homework handouts and audio recordings of guided meditation exercises for use at home. Participation in the previously mentioned  Introduction to Mindfulness one-hour presentation on January 9 or 10 is a pre-requisite to enrolling in the 8-session course.

Penn Healthy You Workshops

Open to faculty and staff. Register at www.hr.upenn.edu/registration

Gentle Yoga; 1/10; noon-1 p.m. Let your body reward itself with movement! Join us for this Gentle Yoga session and explore the natural movements of the spine with slow and fluid moving bends and soft twists. During this session, you will flow into modified sun salutations that loosen those tightened muscles and joints of the lower back, neck, shoulders and wrists. And as an added bonus, you’ll get a workout in the process. Mats and props will be provided.

Indoor January Wellness Walk; 1/11; noon- 1 p.m. The holidays are over, and the New Year has begun! For everyone who overindulged this holiday season (and even those that didn’t!), we invite you to get moving and kick off your 2019 with our monthly wellness walk. Each January, only roughly one third of Americans resolve to better themselves in some way and even fewer follow through. This month’s New Year’s Resolution themed walk, held in the Palestra, will occur rain or shine. Whether you wish to lose weight, have more energy or just be healthier, remember to reach your goals one step at a time. Join us for this Human Resources and Center for Public Health Initiatives co-sponsored event. Bring your water bottle and don’t forget your sneakers and a co-worker!

—Division of Human Resources