The Bridge

The Bridge

Join The Bridge

Connecting individual growth to organizational success.

Equip yourself with essential skills to navigate the complexities of influencing and leading from any position. The Bridge is a series of interactive professional development workshops that will prepare you to resolve conflicts, manage change, build trust, establish boundaries, give feedback, discover strengths, and so much more. Workshops are led by expert facilitators who bring a wealth of experience and are passionate about seeing you succeed.

Tailor your experience by signing up for only the classes you need - or take advantage of bundle offers available for a more comprehensive experience.

Bridge the gap between your personal growth and professional goals. There's no better time than now.

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When: The Bridge launches Sept. 10, 2024, with sessions being offered twice a month from September 2024 through May 2025.

Where: All workshops are in-person and will meet in Cedar Rapids. Please view the class's registration page for details.

Who: This series is perfect for driven professionals at any level, including individual contributors, informal leaders, future leaders, and current leaders.

How Much: Pricing is $169 per session if signing up as an individual. If you attend five classes, you'll receive a voucher to attend an additional class for free. *Corporate Training bundles are available in groups of 5, 10, 16, or 32 seats to suit team training needs.

How to Register: If registering as an individual, use the links found in the "Training Sessions" section below or call 319-398-1022 to sign up. For bringing your whole team, contact Kirkwood Corporate Training at 319-398-5623 or email corporatetraining@kirkwood.edu.

Training Sessions | Registration Links

There are basically three sources or types of conflicts, and each type has a unique solution path. Unfortunately, these distinctions are rarely taught in conflict workshops. Without a proper diagnosis, we diminish our chances of successful conflict management. Learn strategies to keep initial conflict from escalating to the point where intense negative emotions obscure the issue, make managing conflict nearly impossible. This is Part 1 of a two-part course.

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Randy Richards

Feeling overwhelmed by change at work? You're not alone! This interactive workshop equips all employees, from frontline team members to managers, with the tools to navigate change effectively. We'll dive deep into the why's and how's of change in organizations, exploring its influences, impacts, and practical strategies for adapting. We will discuss navigating resistance, fostering resilience, and driving and supporting successful change initiatives. Walk away empowered to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing environment!

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Brooke Strahn-Koehler

Teams are the backbone of today's organizations, but are you getting the most out of yours? While core teamwork principles are familiar, there is a hidden wealth of potential waiting to be tapped. This workshop delves beyond the basics, teaching you how to unlock the power of diverse strengths and perspectives, and navigate roadblocks. We will explore strategies for maximizing team strengths, setting clear expectations, navigating challenging situations, and fostering accountability - the glue that keeps teams on track. Join us and discover how to build a team that truly breaks barriers, not just meets them!

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Terry Whitson

Stuck in a team-building rut? Shake things up with this Improv Incubator workshop led by Anthony Jensen and go beyond basic icebreakers. Learn how to lead engaging exercises that break down barriers, build trust, and foster a positive work environment. The key? Laughter and collaboration! This workshop equips you to effectively debrief after each activity, turning the fun into valuable lessons that hone communication skills, spark creative problem-solving, and build adaptability and resilience in your team.

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Anthony Jensen

This is Part 2 of the two-part course for conflict resolution. You will continue your work from "The Conflict Dynamic - Part 1" and use your own workplace conflict to learn to diagnose and gain valuable and effective tools to manage future conflicts with more confidence, less stress, and more success. Prerequisite: Must take "The Conflict Dynamic - Part 1" prior to taking this class.

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Randy Richards

Does it feel like the generation gap is slowing down your team? Bridge the gap and nurture human connection across generations. Sarah Hermanson, a leading HR expert, will unveil practical knowledge that cracks the code on understanding each generation's unique strengths and motivations. Discover the secrets to building strong relationships across generations, learn actionable strategies to unlock the full potential of your diverse team, and see how to leverage the strengths of Millennials, Gen Xers, Baby Boomers, and beyond! 

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Sarah Hermanson

Feeling stuck in emotional loops? This dynamic workshop unlocks the power of Emotional Intelligence (EQ) for stronger connections in all areas of your life. Learn to navigate your own emotions, understand others' perspectives, and build meaningful relationships - both at work and at home. We'll explore practical strategies to boost your self-awareness, manage emotions effectively, and foster empathy. Discover how EQ can transform communication, build trust, and help you navigate challenging situations with confidence.

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Sheri Zevenbergen

Feeling buried under your workload? Even if "Project Manager" is not your official title, you are constantly juggling tasks and projects. This course equips you with the essential project management skills to conquer any challenge, big or small. Learn to break down complex projects, master planning and time management, and unlock the power of collaboration. Say goodbye to stress as you gain the confidence to anticipate roadblocks and navigate them smoothly. Project Power isn't just about work - it's about empowering you to achieve your goals and become a master of your own productivity.

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Jeff Zahrt

When you think of feedback, do you compare it to the terrible sound coming out of a speaker? What if the feedback we receive is more like a story or song that we want to hear and turns into one of the best things we get to listen to? It's time to flip the script and transform feedback into your personal growth anthem. During this session, we will explore our mindset about feedback and why feedback is important, learn a framework for giving feedback, and explore how we can receive feedback well, all with a goal of embracing feedback to lead to improvement and growth. Join us and turn up the volume on your success!

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Brenda Meeker

In this dynamic session, you'll explore the essentials of culture: what it is, the key elements that shape it, and the strategies to nurture the culture you envision. Whether you're aiming to understand your individual role in your organization's ability to flourish, seeking to refine an existing atmosphere, or looking to sow the foundations of a new one, this workshop will equip you with the tools and insights necessary to make a lasting impact. Dive deep into discussions, engage with thought-provoking activities, and leave with actionable steps to cultivate a culture on your team - or within your entire company - that aligns with your company values.

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Arial Montag

Feeling constantly drained? We've all been there, but what if there's a way to thrive, not just survive? This session flips the script on energy depletion. We'll explore your body as a powerful dam, helping you identify the "leaks" that drain your energy and harness the flow for peak performance. Master the art of living in the present moment, the key to showing up fully for your family, teams, customers, and yourself. Learn to identify your personal drainers and refuellers, and communicate your needs effectively. Discover a proven method for grounding yourself in the present, where action and empowerment reside.

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Eric Recker

Feeling stuck? Limiting beliefs might be holding you back! This interactive workshop blasts through the hidden barriers that hinder your personal and professional growth. Explore how limiting beliefs impact your decisions, leadership, and success. Learn to identify and reframe them, embracing a growth mindset. Develop an action plan to overcome your limitations and cultivate a learning culture. Walk away with practical tools to unlock your full potential - stop settling, start thriving! Stop settling for "good enough" and unleash your true potential!

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Andrea Singsaas

This workshop delves into this powerful personality system, helping you understand your core motivations, strengths, and even blind spots. The Enneagram goes deeper than just actions, analyzing your feelings and "why" behind them. It acts as a mirror for self-awareness, guiding you on a path of personal and professional growth. By understanding your type and the types of others, you'll cultivate empathy, navigate challenging relationships, and discover strategies for success in all areas of life.

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Amy Hospodarsky

Want to stand out in the competitive job market? Unlock the power of personal branding and walk away with a clear roadmap for success and the confidence to market yourself authentically in the competitive job market. Learn how to overcome the fear of self-promotion and confidently articulate your value without feeling boastful. Discover how you can confidently communicate your skills and experiences in a way that resonates with leadership, clients, and colleagues. Whether you're aiming for a promotion or building a lasting industry impression, you'll gain the tools and confidence to market yourself authentically and achieve your career goals.

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Kyle Steele

Ostracized. Alone. Isolated. No one wants to feel that way. Yet, research from a Harvard Business Review study showed that 40% of workers felt Isolated- as if they didn't belong. The last few years we've been in survival mode. We've been productive and it has come at the cost of connection. Now is the time to bring back safe spaces to belong. Organizations that have a high sense of belonging have lower turnover, higher productivity, and fewer sick days. We'll explore key strategies for building psychological safety, a culture of learning, and a strong sense of belonging - all essential for empowering your team to excel.

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Molly Mackey

Do you ever feel like your days are a constant scramble? We're all juggling work, personal lives, and endless to-do lists. But what if you could reclaim control of your time and achieve more - without the stress? Skills in maximizing time are essential for personal, team, and organizational success. Imagine ending each day with a sense of accomplishment - that's the power of effective time management. Let's turn those overflowing to-do lists into a manageable plan for successful days.

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Brenda Meeker