Great leaders come from all organizational levels and have technical and interpersonal skills. That’s why we’ve developed the FREE LEAD Yourself Series, a group of essential courses ready to equip you (and your team) with the technical and interpersonal tools needed for professional success. Take advantage of these amazing opportunities this fall.

LEAD Yourself workshops coming this fall:

Bear Financials: MSU Budgeting Basics – LEAD Yourself

The Bear Financials: MSU Budgeting Basics workshop provides a comprehensive overview of budget fundamentals, fund oversight, financial policies, and reporting tools to equip participants with essential financial skills. This session is specifically designed for individuals who initiate payments, process financial transactions, and handle reconciliations as part of their daily responsibilities to ensure they understand key financial principles and best practices for fiscal responsibility at MSU.

• Tue, Sep 23; 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM, Pummill 203
• Facilitator: Dawn McIntyre

Communication Basics – LEAD Yourself

Every problem in the workplace may not stem from poor communication—but poor communication is the root of enough problems that it’s worth talking about! What, exactly, is communication? What is the difference between verbal and nonverbal communication, and why is nonverbal communication so important? What can go wrong when two people attempt to communicate? What can you do to be a more effective communicator?  These topics will be the focus of this informative workshop.

• Wed, Nov 19; 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM, Pummill 201
• Facilitator: Dr. Gloria Galanes

Effective Listening – LEAD Yourself

Good listeners have deeper, stronger, and better relationships at work, at home, and with friends. This workshop will explain why listening is important, help you figure out what type of listener you are, and teach you the necessary skills to become a more effective listener.

• Tue, Dec 2; 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM, Pummill 201
• Facilitator: Dr. Gloria Galanes

Microsoft Excel Series – LEAD Yourself

Whether you’re new to Excel or a seasoned user seeking a refresher, this series of hybrid online/seated classes offer valuable insights by combining the flexibility of LinkedIn Learning with the hands-on interaction of instructor-led workshops. Carefully curated learning paths in LinkedIn Learning provide you with a broad overview of Excel fundamental concepts and features. Then, the seated portions of each class provide hands-on practice allowing you to confidently handle most common tasks in Excel. Plus, learn how to leverage Microsoft’s Copilot AI tools to maximize productivity.

• Microsoft Excel Level 1 – Fri, Sep 26; 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Glass 331
  • Covers: Excel interface, formatting, and data management
• Microsoft Excel Level 2 – Fri, Oct 17; 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Glass 331
  • Covers: charts, graphs, and PivotTables
• Microsoft Excel Level 3 – Fri, Nov 14; 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Glass 331
  • Covers: data validation, conditional formatting, and formulas & functions
• Facilitator: Karen Eisman

MSU Spotlight: Bear Financials Argos Reports

Strong financial decisions start with clear data. This workshop will show you how to get the most out of Argos Reports by teaching you how to access them, understand the main report types, and interpret the codes behind the numbers. With the chance to bring your own reports for discussion, you’ll leave feeling more confident and capable of managing financial information.

• Wed, Oct 15; 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Pummill 204
• Facilitator: Dawn McIntyre

MSU Spotlight: Bear Financials Forms

Understanding MSU’s financial forms is key to working efficiently and avoiding costly errors. In this hands-on session, you’ll review the most commonly used forms—including the updated Travel Expense Report and Independent Contractor Form—and learn how to navigate requirements with confidence. You’ll leave knowing what’s required, what to avoid, and how to streamline submissions for faster processing and stronger compliance.

• Wed, Nov 12; 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM, Pummill 204
• Facilitator: Dawn McIntyre

MSU Spotlight: Telecom Invoicing

Understanding MSU’s telecom invoices is key to managing departmental costs and ensuring accurate billing. In this hands-on session, you’ll learn how to navigate the billing system, review and reconcile charges, and resolve discrepancies with confidence. You will also explore how to process service requests and apply telecommunication policies, so your department stays compliant and in control of costs.

• Tue, Oct 28; 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM, Telecom Center Training Room 152 (Blair Shannon)
• Mon, Nov 17; 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Telecom Center Training Room 152 (Blair Shannon)
• Facilitator: Angie Cockrum

My Learning Connection ILT Instructor Training 

Are you responsible for adding your department’s events into My Learning Connection? If so, this training is for you! Learn to create and edit Instructor Led Training (ILT) events and manage session rosters while adhering to system standards. This course is required for all new My Learning Connection ILT Instructors but is also recommended, as a review, for existing ILT Instructors.

• Tue, Aug 26; 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM, Zoom
• Thu, Aug 28; 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM, Zoom  
• Facilitator: Jason Coons

Public Affairs Mission: What Does It Mean? Can you Relate? – LEAD Yourself

Become a more engaged Citizen Bear by modeling the three pillars of the public affairs mission. As the university is educating students to become global scholars, it is imperative that employees can communicate, interconnect, and promote the meaning of public affairs to students and the community.

• Tue, Oct 21; 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM, Zoom
• Facilitator: Mary Ann Wood

Teamwork: Unlocking Team Success – LEAD Yourself

In today’s dynamic world, thriving in teams isn’t just about working together—it’s about truly connecting, valuing diverse perspectives, and maximizing everyone’s potential. Whether you’re a leader or a team member, this interactive workshop empowers you with the skills to build high-performing, cohesive groups that deliver results. Through engaging activities and actionable insights, you’ll explore how to foster collaboration, embrace individual strengths, and create an environment where everyone thrives.

• Tue, Nov 18; 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM, Pummill 201
• Facilitator: Dr. Gloria Galanes

Writing for Business – LEAD Yourself

Whether it is writing a report or delivering a presentation, your ability to convey ideas and messages clearly, succinctly, and with conviction establishes a connection with others and leaves a positive impression. This workshop will help you communicate better by providing useful tips for avoiding common writing errors, reviewing strategies to enhance message clarity, and leveraging the latest generative AI writing tools.

• Tue, Oct 14; 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM, Pummill 204
• Facilitator: Emily Yeap

To register for LEAD Yourself courses:

MyMissouriState > Learning and Development Card > My Learning Connection.

Then search for the course, view details, and request to be registered.

MYMISSOURISTATE

Please contact HRLearning@missouristate.edu with questions.