The Learn for Yourself Self-Study Series of 35 modules was developed for organizations to use in their Management and Staff Development departments. This integrated, practical self-study series is designed to give the students maximum control over their learning. The series concentrates on the 'soft skills' of leadership, communication, stress reduction and so much more. Students can start in any one module and move from there to related topics.
The series has been used by tens of thousands of managers and staff across Canada and internationally.
One example of the series is: Stress Management.
Other titles in the series will be:
Assertiveness (26 pages): Becoming More Assertive, Limiting Beliefs, Changing a Negative Self-Image, Communication Behaviors, What are Our Personal Rights and Responsibilities?, Assertive Skills, Manipulation, Becoming More Assertive, A Checklist, Summary.
Career Planning (25 pages): Understanding Your Interests and Skills, Career Options: 1. Researching, 2. Staying Put, 3. Moving Across, 4. Return to Previous Position, 5. Moving Up, 6. Same Career -- Different Organization, 7. Different Career, 8. Stop Working Temporarily, 9. Retire; The Job/Career I Want, Summary.
Managing Change (46 pages): Change You Have Already Managed; Personal Ways to Manage Change; Leadership: Preparing and Helping Others Manage Change, Common Errors; Resistance to Change; Present and Future Change; Organizational Change; Directed Change, Planned Change, The Unspoken Third Method; Action Planning, Summary.
Successful Verbal Communication (33 pages): How do You Communicate Now?, Basic Communication, With Whom Are You Communicating?, Body Language: Is Your Body Saying the Same Thing as Your Words?, Your Voice, Where You Communicate, Active Listening, Communication Skills Improvement, Successful Communication, Summary.
Resolving Conflicts (35 pages): Definitions, People's Working Styles, Conflict Resolution Styles, Conflict Resolution Strategies, Preventing and Dealing with Change, Hot Buttons, Helping Others to Resolve Their Conflicts, If You Have Conflicts with Your Supervisor, If You Have Conflicts with Your Staff, When You Can't Avoid Conflict, Summary.
Customer Service (38 pages): Guests Over for the Weekend; Basic Customer Service Rules; Customer Expectations; Basic Ingredients of Service; First Contact; Communication Tips; Body Language and Courtesy, What to Say?, Understanding Time, Referrals, What not to Say; When People Say "X" -- They Mean...; Managing Complaints; Dealing with People in Difficult Situations: The Assertive Person, The Aggressive or Angry Person, The Violent Person, The Passive Person; Customer Evaluations; Action Plans; Providing Staff Service; Summary.
Human Diversity (33 pages): The Universal 'Golden Rule', Choosing the 'Right' Words, Demographic Information, Designing a Cultural, Racial and Religious Self-Study Guide, Races, Cultures, Religious Beliefs and Rituals, Holy Days, Ethical Questions.
Humor, Laughter and Play at Work (29 pages): Types of Humor, Benefits of Laughter, Self-Examination, Ways to Start, Special Pre-arranged Events, Special Notes, How to Help Others, Summary.
Interviewing Skills (32 pages): Defining an Interview, Planning the Interview: 1. Roles and Responsibilities, 2. Job Description, 3. Interview Questionnaire, 4. Union and Legal Issues; Gathering Information: 1. The Resume, 2. Reference Checks; The Interview: 1. The Environment, 2. Managing the Interview, 3. Observation, 4. Opening Remarks, 5. Questions, 6. Ending the Interview; Decision Making: 1. Choosing a Candidate, 2. Your Notes, 3. Input versus Decision Making; Summary.
Principled Leadership (23 pages): Fundamental Ethical Questions, Predictable Vision and Style, Clear Expectations, Three or More Choices, Humor and Memories, The Best They Can with What They Know, 20-80% Rule, Learning.
Self-Directed Learning and Learning Contracts (29 pages): How You Learn, Definitions, General Purposes of Adult Learning, Principles of Adult Learning, Characteristics of Adult Learners, Learning Styles, Learning Contracts, Summary.
Effective Meetings (35 pages): The Basics, The Chairperson, Presenters, Participants, Minute-Taker, Evaluating a Meeting, Summary.
Improving Your Memory (41 pages): What is Memory?, The 7 Ways to Improve Your Memory, Memory "Tricks": The Place System, Mind Games, Peg Words; Memorizing Poems, Speeches and Songs; Remembering People's Names; Exercising Your Mind; Summary.
Negotiation Skills (39 pages): Assumptions, Basic Skills You Need, Everyday Negotiations, The Negotiation Process, Strategies, Goals, Objectives and Standards, A Successful Negotiator, Negotiation Ethics, A Negotiator's Checklist, Summary.
Taking Notes (24 pages): Note-Taking Techniques: Your Own Note-Taking Style, Sequential Method, Memory Map Method, Suggested Abbreviations; Increasing Comprehension and Retention, Summary.
Planning: Long-Term, Strategic, Operational, Budgetary and Personal (37 pages): Assumptions and Values, Mission Statement, Long-Term Planning (5-10 years), Strategic Planning (1-5 years), Year to Year, Operational and Budget Planning, Review-Evaluate-Change, Day-to-Day Planning.
Presentation/Public Speaking Skills (43 pages): One-Time Speech or Presentation; The Basics: For Beginners and Experts Alike; The Audience and Your Presentation; Preparing and Rehearsing Your Presentations; Presentation Formats -- Short, Unrehearsed Speeches, Short Speech-Formats to Influence an Audience, Presentations for Teaching; Delivering Your Presentation, Action Planning, Summary.
Creative Problem Solving (29 pages): Left Brain - Right Brain, Limitations to Creativity, Problem Solving Strategies, Problem Solving versus Problem Finding, Standard Problem Solving, Creative Alternatives, Blocking Creativity, Summary.
Protecting Yourself and Your Family (35 pages): Awareness, Home Safety, Child Safety, Street Safety, Assault Situations, "Will I Panic?", Home Safety Checklist, Identity Game, Self-Awareness, Quiz, Summary.
Researching and Writing (69 pages): RESEARCH PREPARATION: 1. Overview, 2. Define Purpose/Thesis, 3. Who are Your Readers?, 4. Define Your Terms, 5. State Your Assumptions, 6. Designing a Research Plan, 7. Define Your Scope, 8. Using Cue Card Method to Research, 9. Discard Most Information, 10. Compartmentalize Information, 11. Organize Your Cards & Write Your 1st Draft, 12. Revise Draft, 13. Further Revisions, 14. Final Writing; RESEARCH MATERIALS: Print/Non-Print Media, Resource Location, Public Library, Special Libraries, Other Sources (Experts), 6 Steps to Successful Interviewing, Reference texts and Indexes; WRITING: A. Writing Techniques; B: Writing Mechanics: 1. Title Page, 2. Table of Contents, Illustrations, Appendices, 3. Forward, Preface, Introduction, 4. Body of Your Work, 5. Appendices, 6. Endnotes, 7. Bibliography, Summary.
Speed Reading (28 pages): Personal Reading Position, Preparation of Reading Material, Reading with Purpose: 1. Questions, 2. Preview, 3. Further Questions, 4. Read, 5. Further Questions, 6. Quick Review, 7. Final Review; Speed Reading, Reading Tips, Summary.
Stress Management (26 pages): Recognizing When You are Under a Lot of Stress, Ways to Start Dealing with Stress, Deep Breathing, Negative Stress, For Particularly Difficult Stresses, "I'd Pick More Daisies", Summary.
How to Study (38 pages): STUDYING: 1. How Long to Study, 2. Preparation for Studying, 3. The Study Environment, 4. Cramming and Memory Aids, 5. Objective Exams: Multiple Choice, Fill in the Blanks, True and False, 6. Essay Exams, 7. Open Book Exams, 8. How to Write Exams, 9. Oral Presentations; TIME: 1. Priorities, 2. How to Achieve Goals, 3. Note on Negative Thoughts; Questions to Ask Yourself, Planning, Things to Remember, Summary.
Supervisory Skills (51 pages): Self-Assessment: Why do You Want to be a Supervisor?; What Makes a Good Supervisor?; What Does a Supervisor Do?; JUST BEGINNING: Your Approach -- Situation 1. A Breaking-In Period, 2. No Breaking-In Period, Coping Strategies; SUPERVISION: 1-2-3 Basics of Supervision, A Supervision Process, Open Communication, Performance Appraisals (The Importance of Goal Setting): An Effective Appraisal, A Performance Appraisal Process; Difficulties with a Staff Member, Your Power as a Supervisor, Decision Making, Delegation, What's Next?; Summary.
Teaching Others -- Train-the-Trainer (66 pages): For Beginning Teachers: The Basics; How You Learn; Principles of Adult Learning; Characteristics of Adult Learners; Designing Programs: Organizational Questions, Content Design; Facilitating the Program: A Quick Overview of the Program, Learning Disabilities, Different Ways of Presenting Information, Taking a Risk, When Participants Challenge You, Teaching with Other Trainers, Multicultural Aspects; Audio Visual Tools, Physical Environment; Evaluations; Summary; Appendix 1: Program Bookings, Training Program Requirements; Appendix 2: Teaching Styles.
Team Building (40 pages): Working Styles, Leadership Roles, Requirements for Success, Requirements for Failure, How Individuals Can Help or Hurt a Team, Understanding the Needs and Gifts of Others, Phases of Team Development, Where do I Go from Here?, Summary.
Time Management and Organizing Your Work (29 pages): Family Goals and Priorities, Physical Goals and Priorities, Emotional Goals and Priorities, Educational Goals and Priorities, Spiritual Goals and Priorities, Economic Goals and Priorities, Career Goals and Priorities, Long Term Goals and Priorities, Negative Thoughts, The Daily Check List, Time Management Techniques for Long Term Success, Organizing Your Work, Action Plans, Summary.
Telephone Skills (29 pages): Communications Within Your Organization, Attitude is Critical, The Quality of Your Voice, What Callers Want, Caller's Reactions to What We Say, Managing Objections: Assertive Callers, Aggressive/Irate Callers, Passive Callers; Some Statements to Avoid, Summary.
Writing Letters and Memos (26 pages): Purpose, Audience, Conversational Writing, Active Voice, How to Write Bias-Free, Editing, Editing for Someone Else, Proofreading, Summary.
Writing for Everyone--Writing for Different Literacy Levels (35 pages): Writing for Everyone: "Spring with George", General Rules, Barriers to Effective Communication, Format, How to Write Bias-Free, A List of Simpler Words and Phrases, Readability Tests, Who are Your Readers?, Writing Checklist, Summary.
Effective Writing: Beyond the Basics (58 pages): Outline, The First Draft, Tone, Style Barriers to Effective Communication, Format, How to Write Bias-Free, Editing, Editing for Someone Else, Proofreading, Time Management for Writing Letters, Memos, Reports and Technical Information; Summary.
PLUS
Communicating with People Who are Dying (35 pages): [This material covers information rarely presented to managers, staff and learners to help them deal with the personal difficulties of helping someone they know who is dying or helping someone whose loved one has died.] Attitude and Philosophy of Palliative Care, Palliative/Hospice Care, Communication, Effective Listening and Communication, Emotional Aspects of Dying and Death, Pain and Symptom Control, Homecare Suggestions, Summary.
Guide to Using the "Learn for Yourself" Self-Study Series (83 pages): This resource is designed to help people integrate their present skills and knowledge with the new information within the Learn for Yourself Series. Includes all the content guides and memory maps from all the titles in the series.
Managing Your Financial, Legal and Medical Records (57 pages): A collection of legal, financial and medical forms to keep your own personal information up-to-date. Instructions for Filling Out Forms; Choosing an Accountant, Lawyer and Family Doctor; Your Personal-Legal Record: Executor/Executrix, Documents and Property Checklist, Banking, Insurance, Financial Investments, Family Heirlooms, Pre-Arranged Funeral and Cemetery Service Instructions, Other Funeral and Cemetery Service Instructions, Disposition of the Body, For Burials, For Cremations, Obituaries, List of People to Notify Regarding Death and Funeral, Printed Notification of Death, List of Thank-You Notes, Funeral Expense Record. Financial Record: Monthly/Yearly Budget, Estimated Assets, Estimated Liabilities. Medical Record: Basic Information, Childhood Illnesses, Adult Illnesses, Your Mother's Medical History, Your Father's Medical History, Your Own Recent Medical History, Prescription Drug Record.
Recording Your Stories (70 pages): Three ways to begin, Your book by the end of the day, What rises above the rest, Your Table of Contents, Ways to write, More depth and color to your story, Ways to generate ideas, Data collection, Your life line, Family records, Family heirlooms, Genealogy/Family tree, Other life history formats, Other book formats, Resources.
The series has been used by tens of thousands of managers and staff across Canada and internationally.
One example of the series is: Stress Management.
Other titles in the series will be:
Assertiveness (26 pages): Becoming More Assertive, Limiting Beliefs, Changing a Negative Self-Image, Communication Behaviors, What are Our Personal Rights and Responsibilities?, Assertive Skills, Manipulation, Becoming More Assertive, A Checklist, Summary.
Career Planning (25 pages): Understanding Your Interests and Skills, Career Options: 1. Researching, 2. Staying Put, 3. Moving Across, 4. Return to Previous Position, 5. Moving Up, 6. Same Career -- Different Organization, 7. Different Career, 8. Stop Working Temporarily, 9. Retire; The Job/Career I Want, Summary.
Managing Change (46 pages): Change You Have Already Managed; Personal Ways to Manage Change; Leadership: Preparing and Helping Others Manage Change, Common Errors; Resistance to Change; Present and Future Change; Organizational Change; Directed Change, Planned Change, The Unspoken Third Method; Action Planning, Summary.
Successful Verbal Communication (33 pages): How do You Communicate Now?, Basic Communication, With Whom Are You Communicating?, Body Language: Is Your Body Saying the Same Thing as Your Words?, Your Voice, Where You Communicate, Active Listening, Communication Skills Improvement, Successful Communication, Summary.
Resolving Conflicts (35 pages): Definitions, People's Working Styles, Conflict Resolution Styles, Conflict Resolution Strategies, Preventing and Dealing with Change, Hot Buttons, Helping Others to Resolve Their Conflicts, If You Have Conflicts with Your Supervisor, If You Have Conflicts with Your Staff, When You Can't Avoid Conflict, Summary.
Customer Service (38 pages): Guests Over for the Weekend; Basic Customer Service Rules; Customer Expectations; Basic Ingredients of Service; First Contact; Communication Tips; Body Language and Courtesy, What to Say?, Understanding Time, Referrals, What not to Say; When People Say "X" -- They Mean...; Managing Complaints; Dealing with People in Difficult Situations: The Assertive Person, The Aggressive or Angry Person, The Violent Person, The Passive Person; Customer Evaluations; Action Plans; Providing Staff Service; Summary.
Human Diversity (33 pages): The Universal 'Golden Rule', Choosing the 'Right' Words, Demographic Information, Designing a Cultural, Racial and Religious Self-Study Guide, Races, Cultures, Religious Beliefs and Rituals, Holy Days, Ethical Questions.
Humor, Laughter and Play at Work (29 pages): Types of Humor, Benefits of Laughter, Self-Examination, Ways to Start, Special Pre-arranged Events, Special Notes, How to Help Others, Summary.
Interviewing Skills (32 pages): Defining an Interview, Planning the Interview: 1. Roles and Responsibilities, 2. Job Description, 3. Interview Questionnaire, 4. Union and Legal Issues; Gathering Information: 1. The Resume, 2. Reference Checks; The Interview: 1. The Environment, 2. Managing the Interview, 3. Observation, 4. Opening Remarks, 5. Questions, 6. Ending the Interview; Decision Making: 1. Choosing a Candidate, 2. Your Notes, 3. Input versus Decision Making; Summary.
Principled Leadership (23 pages): Fundamental Ethical Questions, Predictable Vision and Style, Clear Expectations, Three or More Choices, Humor and Memories, The Best They Can with What They Know, 20-80% Rule, Learning.
Self-Directed Learning and Learning Contracts (29 pages): How You Learn, Definitions, General Purposes of Adult Learning, Principles of Adult Learning, Characteristics of Adult Learners, Learning Styles, Learning Contracts, Summary.
Effective Meetings (35 pages): The Basics, The Chairperson, Presenters, Participants, Minute-Taker, Evaluating a Meeting, Summary.
Improving Your Memory (41 pages): What is Memory?, The 7 Ways to Improve Your Memory, Memory "Tricks": The Place System, Mind Games, Peg Words; Memorizing Poems, Speeches and Songs; Remembering People's Names; Exercising Your Mind; Summary.
Negotiation Skills (39 pages): Assumptions, Basic Skills You Need, Everyday Negotiations, The Negotiation Process, Strategies, Goals, Objectives and Standards, A Successful Negotiator, Negotiation Ethics, A Negotiator's Checklist, Summary.
Taking Notes (24 pages): Note-Taking Techniques: Your Own Note-Taking Style, Sequential Method, Memory Map Method, Suggested Abbreviations; Increasing Comprehension and Retention, Summary.
Planning: Long-Term, Strategic, Operational, Budgetary and Personal (37 pages): Assumptions and Values, Mission Statement, Long-Term Planning (5-10 years), Strategic Planning (1-5 years), Year to Year, Operational and Budget Planning, Review-Evaluate-Change, Day-to-Day Planning.
Presentation/Public Speaking Skills (43 pages): One-Time Speech or Presentation; The Basics: For Beginners and Experts Alike; The Audience and Your Presentation; Preparing and Rehearsing Your Presentations; Presentation Formats -- Short, Unrehearsed Speeches, Short Speech-Formats to Influence an Audience, Presentations for Teaching; Delivering Your Presentation, Action Planning, Summary.
Creative Problem Solving (29 pages): Left Brain - Right Brain, Limitations to Creativity, Problem Solving Strategies, Problem Solving versus Problem Finding, Standard Problem Solving, Creative Alternatives, Blocking Creativity, Summary.
Protecting Yourself and Your Family (35 pages): Awareness, Home Safety, Child Safety, Street Safety, Assault Situations, "Will I Panic?", Home Safety Checklist, Identity Game, Self-Awareness, Quiz, Summary.
Researching and Writing (69 pages): RESEARCH PREPARATION: 1. Overview, 2. Define Purpose/Thesis, 3. Who are Your Readers?, 4. Define Your Terms, 5. State Your Assumptions, 6. Designing a Research Plan, 7. Define Your Scope, 8. Using Cue Card Method to Research, 9. Discard Most Information, 10. Compartmentalize Information, 11. Organize Your Cards & Write Your 1st Draft, 12. Revise Draft, 13. Further Revisions, 14. Final Writing; RESEARCH MATERIALS: Print/Non-Print Media, Resource Location, Public Library, Special Libraries, Other Sources (Experts), 6 Steps to Successful Interviewing, Reference texts and Indexes; WRITING: A. Writing Techniques; B: Writing Mechanics: 1. Title Page, 2. Table of Contents, Illustrations, Appendices, 3. Forward, Preface, Introduction, 4. Body of Your Work, 5. Appendices, 6. Endnotes, 7. Bibliography, Summary.
Speed Reading (28 pages): Personal Reading Position, Preparation of Reading Material, Reading with Purpose: 1. Questions, 2. Preview, 3. Further Questions, 4. Read, 5. Further Questions, 6. Quick Review, 7. Final Review; Speed Reading, Reading Tips, Summary.
Stress Management (26 pages): Recognizing When You are Under a Lot of Stress, Ways to Start Dealing with Stress, Deep Breathing, Negative Stress, For Particularly Difficult Stresses, "I'd Pick More Daisies", Summary.
How to Study (38 pages): STUDYING: 1. How Long to Study, 2. Preparation for Studying, 3. The Study Environment, 4. Cramming and Memory Aids, 5. Objective Exams: Multiple Choice, Fill in the Blanks, True and False, 6. Essay Exams, 7. Open Book Exams, 8. How to Write Exams, 9. Oral Presentations; TIME: 1. Priorities, 2. How to Achieve Goals, 3. Note on Negative Thoughts; Questions to Ask Yourself, Planning, Things to Remember, Summary.
Supervisory Skills (51 pages): Self-Assessment: Why do You Want to be a Supervisor?; What Makes a Good Supervisor?; What Does a Supervisor Do?; JUST BEGINNING: Your Approach -- Situation 1. A Breaking-In Period, 2. No Breaking-In Period, Coping Strategies; SUPERVISION: 1-2-3 Basics of Supervision, A Supervision Process, Open Communication, Performance Appraisals (The Importance of Goal Setting): An Effective Appraisal, A Performance Appraisal Process; Difficulties with a Staff Member, Your Power as a Supervisor, Decision Making, Delegation, What's Next?; Summary.
Teaching Others -- Train-the-Trainer (66 pages): For Beginning Teachers: The Basics; How You Learn; Principles of Adult Learning; Characteristics of Adult Learners; Designing Programs: Organizational Questions, Content Design; Facilitating the Program: A Quick Overview of the Program, Learning Disabilities, Different Ways of Presenting Information, Taking a Risk, When Participants Challenge You, Teaching with Other Trainers, Multicultural Aspects; Audio Visual Tools, Physical Environment; Evaluations; Summary; Appendix 1: Program Bookings, Training Program Requirements; Appendix 2: Teaching Styles.
Team Building (40 pages): Working Styles, Leadership Roles, Requirements for Success, Requirements for Failure, How Individuals Can Help or Hurt a Team, Understanding the Needs and Gifts of Others, Phases of Team Development, Where do I Go from Here?, Summary.
Time Management and Organizing Your Work (29 pages): Family Goals and Priorities, Physical Goals and Priorities, Emotional Goals and Priorities, Educational Goals and Priorities, Spiritual Goals and Priorities, Economic Goals and Priorities, Career Goals and Priorities, Long Term Goals and Priorities, Negative Thoughts, The Daily Check List, Time Management Techniques for Long Term Success, Organizing Your Work, Action Plans, Summary.
Telephone Skills (29 pages): Communications Within Your Organization, Attitude is Critical, The Quality of Your Voice, What Callers Want, Caller's Reactions to What We Say, Managing Objections: Assertive Callers, Aggressive/Irate Callers, Passive Callers; Some Statements to Avoid, Summary.
Writing Letters and Memos (26 pages): Purpose, Audience, Conversational Writing, Active Voice, How to Write Bias-Free, Editing, Editing for Someone Else, Proofreading, Summary.
Writing for Everyone--Writing for Different Literacy Levels (35 pages): Writing for Everyone: "Spring with George", General Rules, Barriers to Effective Communication, Format, How to Write Bias-Free, A List of Simpler Words and Phrases, Readability Tests, Who are Your Readers?, Writing Checklist, Summary.
Effective Writing: Beyond the Basics (58 pages): Outline, The First Draft, Tone, Style Barriers to Effective Communication, Format, How to Write Bias-Free, Editing, Editing for Someone Else, Proofreading, Time Management for Writing Letters, Memos, Reports and Technical Information; Summary.
PLUS
Communicating with People Who are Dying (35 pages): [This material covers information rarely presented to managers, staff and learners to help them deal with the personal difficulties of helping someone they know who is dying or helping someone whose loved one has died.] Attitude and Philosophy of Palliative Care, Palliative/Hospice Care, Communication, Effective Listening and Communication, Emotional Aspects of Dying and Death, Pain and Symptom Control, Homecare Suggestions, Summary.
Guide to Using the "Learn for Yourself" Self-Study Series (83 pages): This resource is designed to help people integrate their present skills and knowledge with the new information within the Learn for Yourself Series. Includes all the content guides and memory maps from all the titles in the series.
Managing Your Financial, Legal and Medical Records (57 pages): A collection of legal, financial and medical forms to keep your own personal information up-to-date. Instructions for Filling Out Forms; Choosing an Accountant, Lawyer and Family Doctor; Your Personal-Legal Record: Executor/Executrix, Documents and Property Checklist, Banking, Insurance, Financial Investments, Family Heirlooms, Pre-Arranged Funeral and Cemetery Service Instructions, Other Funeral and Cemetery Service Instructions, Disposition of the Body, For Burials, For Cremations, Obituaries, List of People to Notify Regarding Death and Funeral, Printed Notification of Death, List of Thank-You Notes, Funeral Expense Record. Financial Record: Monthly/Yearly Budget, Estimated Assets, Estimated Liabilities. Medical Record: Basic Information, Childhood Illnesses, Adult Illnesses, Your Mother's Medical History, Your Father's Medical History, Your Own Recent Medical History, Prescription Drug Record.
Recording Your Stories (70 pages): Three ways to begin, Your book by the end of the day, What rises above the rest, Your Table of Contents, Ways to write, More depth and color to your story, Ways to generate ideas, Data collection, Your life line, Family records, Family heirlooms, Genealogy/Family tree, Other life history formats, Other book formats, Resources.