Please note: Career enhancement courses are open for all to register. You do not have to be enrolled in a specific program to register for a career enhancement/elective course.
Mississippi Certified Public Manager Program (CPM)
Managerial Courage

In this class, participants will learn how to communicate effectively as a supervisor and how to approach
difficult conversations.
Objectives:
• Identify misconceptions about workplace communication.
• Discuss environmental barriers to courageous conversations.
• Learn how to appropriately respond to difficult situations.
TARGET AUDIENCE: All Staff/Supervisors/Management
Credit: 6 Hours CPM Elective Credit
Managing Stress with MBTI

This class explores conflict in relation to the individual differences that are caused by personality type. Participants are introduced to conflict pairs that can sometimes make interactions stressful and nonproductive.
Objectives:
• Identify likely causes of conflict.
• Predict desired outcomes versus satisfactory outcomes.
• Understand the role of emotion.
• Evaluate others’ impressions.
• Analyze blind spots and hot buttons.
TARGET AUDIENCE: All Staff/Supervisors/Management
6 Hours CPM Elective Credit
Prerequisite: Myers-Briggs (MBTI) Assessment
 
Move Through It: Resolving Conflict and Having the Tough Conversations

Avoiding conflict doesn't make it go away; it makes it grow. This session equips participants to address tension early, stay calm under pressure, and handle difficult conversations with respect and confidence. Participants practice scripts and strategies for turning conflict into resolution.

  • If you supervise: Address behavior and performance issues, and mediate between employees.
  • If you don't yet: Work through peer conflict, disagree with your supervisor respectfully, and know when to escalate.

TARGET AUDIENCE: Individuals who interact with the public,
Those who are on a management track,
Those who deliver critical services, 
Those who manage people, projects, or programs
6 Hours CPM Elective Credit
MSPB Grievance Process: Requirements and Best Practices for Managers and HR

This class will review the MSPB Grievance Procedures and the obligations for HR and managers in the grievance process. The timelines and required procedures will be reviewed, as well as best practices for HR and managers to avoid employee grievances. Issues related to appeals of grievances to the Mississippi Employee Appeals Board and subsequent charges to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission will also be covered. This class will prepare managers and HR administrators to effectively navigate the state employee grievance process.          

TARGET AUDIENCE: Individuals who interact with the public,
Those who are on a management track,
Those who deliver critical services, 
Those who manage people, projects, or programs, or
Human Resources professionals
6 Hours CPM Elective Credit
One You, Multiple Priorities

Multi-tasking is a learned skill that can lead to increased productivity and greater confidence in one’s job duties. This class teaches participants how to balance multiple tasks, even during periods of high stress.
Objectives:
•    Identify and develop methods to prioritize tasks
•    Recognize the importance of communication in achieving maximum productivity in a multi-tasking world
•    Develop strategies for maintaining positive relationships during high stress periods
TARGET AUDIENCE: All staff 
6 Hours CPM Elective Credit 
Performance Review System

It is the duty of MSPB to “provide a uniform system of personnel management that enhances efficiency and effectiveness with regard to the use of personnel resources.”  Effective January 1, 2021, the uniform system changed from the Performance Development System (PDS) to the Performance Review System (PRS). 
A performance review system serves several distinct purposes and functions, including aligns, corrects, and leverages the performance of each employee; allows managers to make effective decisions regarding workforce performance issues; and promotes quality services. Annual performance reviews must be administered in a fair manner and in compliance with state and federal laws. 
•    Performance Factors
•    PRS Scoring
•    PRS Process
•    Documenting Job Performance
•    Addressing Unsatisfactory Job Performance
•    Important Dates to Remember
Preventing Workplace Harassment Claims

This session will review:

  • MSPB’s policies on management’s obligation to prevent and effectively respond to workplace harassment. 
  • The EEOC’s latest guidance and regulations on appropriate measures to prevent and respond to harassment claims
  • Best practices in conducting a thorough and appropriate workplace harassment investigation
  • Documenting the investigation
  • Common mistakes made by management and HR
  • Best practices for presenting the agency’s investigation and personnel action to the EEOC 
Protecting the Public Trust

Management (not an auditor) is responsible for designing the internal control structure of the agency to protect assets and data from fraudulent activity. Managers need to know how to assess fraud risks, have an understanding of preventative and detective controls, and know how to stay on top of the control and fraud issues facing government financial management leaders. Also in this session, In this session, participants will take an in-depth look at deception and receive insight into determining truth from fiction in verbal and written accounts of events. The class is facilitated by a Certified Fraud Examiner. Objectives:
•    Determine whether or not an investigation is necessary
•    Identify the scope, goals, and timeline of an investigation
•    Identify interviewing techniques and questions the EEOC recommends asking third parties and witnesses
•    Determine the appropriate recommendations and actions and how to conclude the investigation
•    Learn how the human brain is wired  to release physical cues as a lie is told 
•    Learn what details reveal in a story, and what to know when details are omitted
•    Participate in a mock investigation 
TARGET AUDIENCE: Individuals who interact with the public,
 Those who are on a management track,
 Those who deliver critical services, 
 Those who manage people, projects, or programs, or
 Human Resources professionals
Psychological Safety

Psychological safety is a shared belief held by members of a team that the team is safe for interpersonal risk taking.

Objectives:

  • Understanding emotional quotient
  • Understanding social awareness
  • Understanding relationship management

TARGET AUDIENCE: Individuals who interact with the public,
Those who are on a management track
Those who manage people, projects or programs
6 Hours CPM Elective Credit
Respect in the Workplace

In this class you will understand the role respect in the workplace plays in every aspect of your organization. You will learn to differentiate between the cultures of respect and cultures of disrespect. Objectives:
•    Identify the connection between respect, culture, and unleashing potential
•    Become aware of conscious and unconscious behaviors as it relates to respect
•    Understand the need to disagree constructively
TARGET AUDIENCE: Individuals who interact with the public,
Those who are on a management track,
Those who deliver critical services, or
Those who manage people, projects, or programs
6 Hours CPM Elective Credit