Focus Week emphasizes professional development

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio - The 88th Air Base Wing will offer in-residence and virtual courses Aug. 9-13 for its third-quarter Focus Week.

Registration is open and will close three business days prior to each course. This quarter’s spotlight is “Choosing Balance.”

The 11 courses on tap meet the needs of Airmen and civilians navigating life and work through these changing times, 88th Force Support Squadron administrators said.

Classes are open to all Wright-Patterson Air Force Base military and civilian personnel. To register, go to MyETMS (Education and Training Management System) at https://myetms.wpafb.af.mil.  Click on the “Self-Registration” tab.

A tutorial is provided on the MyETMS homepage for first-time users. For more information, contact the 88 FSS Workforce Development Section at 88FSS.FSDED.hrworkflow@us.af.mil.

A look at course offerings and descriptions:

• “Supermarket Savvy” (Aug. 9 from 9-10 a.m.): Learning to plan ahead, make a shopping list, what labels to look at, staying on budget and getting the best-quality food for the least amount of money is within reach. Join this class to learn endless tips on how to become supermarket savvy.
• “Burnout and Stress” (Aug. 9 from 9-11 a.m.): This class discusses different types of stress and the short and long-term effects it has on people’s bodies. Three stress-management techniques (focusing, calming, balanced living practices) will be reviewed so participants leave feeling more empowered to manage stress.
• “John Maxwell’s 21 Laws of Leadership” (Aug. 10 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. This course will also be offered Aug. 11): John Maxwell’s summarization of the 21 leadership laws.
• “Colors Personality” (Aug. 10 from 9-11 a.m.): Discover something new about yourself. Participants will complete a personality assessment. Learn how to communicate and work with different personalities and see individuals through new lenses. This training will help you better communicate with others and establish a common language. Learn to strengthen and motivate people and build working relationships.
• “Influential Leadership” (Aug. 10 from noon to 3 p.m.): This facilitated course guides participants through an in-person lecture, discussion and activity-based class. All participants are Defense Department and Air Force leaders who inspire and influence others, even if they do not see it. The class will guide participants through discussions based on their contributions, attitudes, focus of control, range of influence, values and behaviors that affect others at WPAFB. Participants will accomplish the following objectives: 1) Understand the importance of setting the example and character building. 2) Analyze how to invest in your range of influence. 3) Analyze and apply seven behaviors for influencing others.
• “Thinking Collaboratively in an Online Classroom” (Aug. 11 from 1-3 p.m.): Learn how to conduct web-conference sessions designed to maximize learning and collaboration in an online class. This session provides a research framework and practical examples that allow participants to think collaboratively in a community of learners.
• “Difficult Conversations” (Aug. 12 from 8-11 a.m.): This facilitated course guides participants through an in-person lecture, discussion and activity-based class. Attendees will discuss the different types of difficult conversations that arise on the job and at home. Focusing more on work conversations, the class will discuss and review scenarios. Avoiding common roadblocks, understanding the types of conversations that occur on the job and creating a plan to conduct a difficult conversation will aid in accomplishing the following objectives: 1) Understand the types of difficult conversations you will have with your direct supervisor, peers, employees, partners and stakeholders. 2) Identify the types of conversation barriers or roadblocks. 3) Apply strategies toward preparing for and conducting difficult conversations.
• “Using Self-Coaching to Achieve Your Health and Wellness Goals” (Aug. 12 from 9-11 a.m.): A new approach to alleviating life’s struggles, which combines changes in thinking with a motivational plan for personal empowerment.
• “Federal Resume Writing” (Aug. 12 from 1:30-3 p.m.): Learn to navigate USAJobs and understand veteran and military spouse preferences. Gain a better understanding of the federal hiring process and build your resume by learning successful strategies. Compare the old block-resume format used on USAJobs to another outline used with a Word document to see which style works better. Expand your knowledge of how to submit a resume on USAJobs.
• “Digestive Health” (Aug. 13 from 9-10 a.m.): Food’s journey through the digestive system begins in the mouth, down the esophagus and into the stomach. At times, though, the digestive tract may not always run smoothly and you may have to deal with woes. Learn what digestion is, how it works, why it’s important to overall health and the basics on probiotics. Gain insight into beneficial foods for digestion and other not-so-good ones. Instructors will also discuss the symptoms that could indicate a more serious problem and when to visit your doctor.