This book club features Paul Zak’s book Trust Factor: The Science of Creating High-Performance Companies. Participants must purchase their own book prior to attending the meetings. Please complete the reading for each session prior to the meeting.

The book club is open to faculty and staff. This is part of the TRAIL Leadership Development program in the “Engager” track. Participants must register in Talent Management and attend at least 6 of the 7 sessions to receive credit toward TRAIL certification.

The sessions will be led by Dr. Rob Bittick, Associate Professor, SHSU Dept of Political Science. In these workshops, Dr. Bittick will tie Dr. Zak’s findings to themes in organizational behavior.

Each session = 1 Staff Professional Development Credit. Attendance at least 6 of the 7 sessions = 1 TRAIL credit.

Time: 12:00PM - 1:00PM | Location: Zoom

Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts.

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER [Houston native] Brené Brown has taught us what it means to dare greatly, rise strong, and brave the wilderness. Now, based on new research conducted with leaders, change makers, and culture shifters, she’s showing us how to put those ideas into practice so we can step up and lead…

How do you cultivate braver, more daring leaders, and how do you embed the value of courage in your culture?

In Dare to Lead, Brown uses research, stories, and examples to answer these questions in the [no-nonsense] style that millions of readers have come to expect and love.

Whether you’ve read, Daring Greatly and Rising Strong or you’re new to Brené Brown’s work, this book is for anyone who wants to step up and into brave leadership. (Amazon.com)

Book club leader: Dr. Shani N. Robinson is the Senior Associate Dean and an Accounting Professor in the College of Business Administration at Sam Houston State University. With over 20 years of experience in higher education, she is known for her work in leadership development, mentoring, and strategic initiatives that support students, faculty, and business leaders through community engagement. With a long-standing focus on authentic leadership, effective communication, and purpose-driven work, she is honored to facilitate this semester’s Dare to Lead book club, a title that closely aligns with her professional philosophy.

Eligible to attend: The book club is open to faculty and staff. This is part of the TRAIL Leadership Development program for the “Engager” track, but TRAIL participation is not required to attend. Participants will need to purchase their own books.

Participants must register in Talent Management and attend at least 5 of the 6 sessions to receive credit toward the TRAIL certification.

Credit: 1 Staff Professional Development Credit per session. Attendance at a minimum of 5 of the 6 sessions = 1 TRAIL Influencer credit.

Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Location: LSC Room 320

We encourage participants to attend the in-person offerings. However, a virtual option may be available upon request for select situations. Please contact hrtraining@shsu.edu for more information.

Learn how to create narratives, metaphors, and visualizations from data to make the complex more simple and to give it an emotional immediacy.

Date: 02-06-2025 | Time: 2:00PM - 3:15PM | Location: LSC 320

Professional Development Credit: 1.25

Core Competency: Innovative in Thinking

This session on crisis communication is designed for current and aspiring leaders who want to strengthen their ability to manage communication during crises within their team, organization, or community. Through real-world examples and interactive exercises, leaders will learn to maintain transparency, mitigate rumors, and prioritize the safety and well-being of their community. Participants will develop essential skills for crisis response, including identifying key stakeholders, crafting clear and timely messages, and selecting the right communication channels. By the end of the session, attendees will be equipped to navigate high-pressure situations with confidence and clarity.

Date: 02-13-2025 | Time: 10:00AM - 12:00PM | Location: LSC 242 (Glass Room)

TRAIL DESIGNATION: Influencer Track* | Professional Development Credit: 2.0

Roses are red, violets are blue, I’ve fallen for functions—and I hope you do too! In honor of Valentine’s Day, let’s celebrate the hidden magic in Excel’s formulas and functions.

In this ‘Falling in Love with Function’ Excel session, participants will learn how to use essential Excel functions to streamline data analysis and calculations. The session will include hands-on practice, step-by-step examples, and tips on combining functions to solve real-world problems efficiently. By the end, participants will have the confidence to leverage Excel functions to enhance productivity and accuracy in their work.

Date: 02-13-2025 | Time: 2:00PM - 3:30PM | Location: Thomason 107

Professional Development Credit: 1.5 | Core Competency: Dedicated to Life-Long Learning

As a supervisor or manager, you need to know the most up-to-date information on employment law to deal ethically and legally with your employees. For this Management Academy session, Jeff Farrell, Associate General Counsel for the Texas State University System, provides legal advice to managers to implement best management practices and departmental operations to put the University in the best position to defend itself against employment claims arising from your employment actions.

Date: 02-27-2025 | Time: 10:00AM - 12:00PM | Location: Zoom

Professional Development Credit: 2.0 | Availability: Managers Only

This training will equip supervisors with practical tools and models to deliver constructive feedback that fosters employee growth and enhances team success. Learn techniques for framing feedback to encourage employees to make meaningful adjustments, meet expectations, and reach their full potential.

Participants will gain insights into effective communication strategies, methods for setting clear performance goals, and approaches for addressing challenges.

Date: 03-19-2025 | Time: 10:00AM - 11:30AM | Location: LSC 242 (The Glass Room)

TRAIL DESIGNATION: *Core Course Engager or Influencer Track | Professional Development Credit: 1.5

This course is designed for faculty and staff who want to build a strong personal brand within higher education. This course will provide a comprehensive understanding of personal branding in academia, drawing inspiration from the personal brands of leaders in the field.

Participants will learn how to identify, refine, and communicate their unique personal brands to establish themselves as dynamic leaders in higher education.

Date: 03-25-2025 | Time: 2:30PM - 4:30PM | Location: LSC 116

TRAIL DESIGNATION: Influencer Track | Professional Development Credit: 2.0

When the heat is on, how do you show up? This course focuses on strategies for making the best possible decisions under difficult circumstances.

Presented by Bobby Williams, Jr., Athletic Director. Bobby will bring his 40-plus years of working with athletes, leaders, fans, and followers to the table and show how building trust, relationships, and humility can help prepare you for the moment when it is up to you to make that final call.

Date: 04-01-2025 | Time: 1:00PM - 3:00PM | Location: LSC 324

TRAIL DESIGNATION: Engager Track | Professional Development Credit: 2.0

Not all leaders lead the same. Discover what strengths you bring to the table, and how you can craft your leadership philosophy to reflect the values that guide you.

This course uses the CliftonStrengths assessment to provide insight into your talents and how you communicate, connect, and work with others.

Date: 04-07-2025 | Time: 2:00PM - 4:00PM | Location: LSC 242 (The Glass Room)

TRAIL DESIGNATION: *Core Course Engager or Influencer Track | Professional Development Credit: 2.0

Spring is in the air, and so is your chance to refresh your Excel skills! Join us for a fun and interactive workshop where we’ll help your spreadsheets blossom with powerful Excel functions. Just like flowers need sunshine and rain to thrive, your data needs the right formulas to grow! In this hands-on session, you'll learn how to:

• Sprout essential functions like SUM, AVERAGE, and IF
• Shine with advanced formulas like VLOOKUP, XLOOKUP, TEXT, and date functions
• Buzz through common pitfalls and troubleshoot errors
• Branch out into combining multiple functions for efficiency

Whether you're an Excel seedling or a seasoned data gardener, this workshop will help your skills bloom! Bring your enthusiasm and get ready to cultivate some serious spreadsheet magic.

No prior experience needed—just curiosity for Excel and a love for learning!

Date: 04-10-2025 | Time: 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM | Location: Smith-Hutson 202

Professional Development Credit: 1.5

In the ever-changing landscape of the higher education workplace, supervisors must balance the demands of leadership with the boundaries of our institutional culture, policies, and best practices. This one-hour interactive training session empowers leaders to address workplace challenges effectively without veering off course.

Through scenario-based engagement and practical examples, participants will explore tools for navigating conflicts while fostering a positive and productive team environment. Walk away with the skills and confidence to lead within the guardrails and drive success for your team and organization.

Date: 04-14-2025 | Time: 2:00PM - 3:00PM | Location: LSC 320

TRAIL DESIGNATION: *Core Course Engager or Influencer Track | Professional Development Credit: 1.0

How leaders can motivate others through influence, persuasion, and inspiration. This session, presented by Dr. Shani Robinson, Senior Associate Dean of COBA, will provide a mix of engaging activities, academic insights, and practical strategies that leaders can apply right away.

Key Objectives:

• Discuss strategic influence and its role in impactful leadership.
• Explore key principles of teamwork that amplify influence.
• Offer actionable strategies to implement these principles.

Date: 05-01-2025 | Time: 10:00AM - 12:00PM | Location: LSC 242 (The Glass Room)

TRAIL DESIGNATION: Influencer Track | Professional Development Credit: 2.0

How to create your Leadership Presence by enhancing your presentation skills, from managing anxiety, preparing effectively, and using compelling storytelling.

Date: 05-12-2025 | Time: 10:00AM - 11:30AM | Location: LSC 323

TRAIL DESIGNATION: *Core Course Influencer Track | Professional Development Credit: 1.5

In today’s dynamic workplace, trust is the foundation of high-performing teams and resilient leadership. Join this interactive session to explore the essential elements of building—and sometimes rebuilding—trust within your team. Whether you’re a new leader or seasoned professional, you’ll gain practical strategies to foster trust, enhance team cohesion, and strengthen relationships in varied work environments.

Through real-world scenarios and actionable insights, we’ll dive into the key behaviors and practices that create a culture where trust thrives, empowering your team to reach new levels of collaboration and success.

Delivered via Zoom, this course is eligible for all SHSU faculty and staff, providing the flexibility to connect and learn from any location. Presenter: Dr. Ruth Chisum, Asst. VP for SHSU Online Operations.

Date: 06-03-2025 | Time: 10:00AM - 12:00PM | Location: Zoom

TRAIL DESIGNATION: Engager Track | Professional Development Credit: 2.0

Conflict is a normal part of human interactions. Everyone faces conflict, and how we handle it can improve our relationships by making them more productive and united. Conflict also gives us a chance to evaluate the way things are and find better ways to improve our work and home lives. This seminar teaches basic conflict management skills to help participants communicate better and build stronger relationships both personally and at work. Presented in partnership with the SHSU Ombuds Office. Presenter: Kevin Coonrod, JD, Auburn University Ombudsperson. Mr. Coonrod is a member of the International Ombudsman Association and the California Caucus of College and University Ombuds. He is a Certified Organizational Ombudsman Practitioner and a member of the Alabama State Court Mediator Roster.

Delivered via Zoom, this course is eligible for all SHSU faculty and staff, providing the flexibility to connect and learn from any location. Presenter: Kevin Coonrod, Auburn Universoty Ombudsperson. Mr. Coonrod is a member of the International Ombudsman Association and the California Caucus of College and University Ombuds. He is a Certified Organizational Ombudsman Practitioner and a member of the Alabama State Court Mediator Roster.

Date: 06-18-2025 | Time: 10:00AM - 11:15AM | Location: Zoom

Professional Development Credit: 1.25

Make a splash this summer by leveling up your Excel skills! Whether you're staying cool indoors or prepping for fall project, this hands-on session will help you work smarter—not harder—with your data.

We’ll dive into: Importing External Data – Pull in outside info Excel faster than a summer breeze. Excel Tables – Keep your data clean, organized, and vacation-ready. Pivot Tables – Summarize and explore like you're mapping out the ultimate road trip. No experience needed—just bring your curiosity. Beat the heat and chill with some seriously cool Excel tricks! Get ready to filter, format, and pivot your way into a more productive summer.

Date: 06-26-2025 | Time: 2:00PM - 4:00PM | Location: SHB 202

Professional Development Credit: 2

This training will equip supervisors with practical tools and models to deliver constructive feedback that fosters employee growth and enhances team success. Learn techniques for framing feedback to encourage employees to make meaningful adjustments, meet expectations, and reach their full potential.

Participants will gain insights into effective communication strategies, methods for setting clear performance goals, and approaches for addressing challenges.

Date: 07-15-2025 | Time: 10:00AM - 11:30AM | Location: LSC 242 (The Glass Room)

TRAIL DESIGNATION: *Core Course Engager or Influencer Track | Professional Development Credit: 1.5

Make a splash this summer by leveling up your Excel skills! Whether you're staying cool indoors or prepping for fall project, this hands-on session will help you work smarter—not harder—with your data.

We’ll dive into: Importing External Data – Pull in outside info Excel faster than a summer breeze. Excel Tables – Keep your data clean, organized, and vacation-ready. Pivot Tables – Summarize and explore like you're mapping out the ultimate road trip. No experience needed—just bring your curiosity. Beat the heat and chill with some seriously cool Excel tricks! Get ready to filter, format, and pivot your way into a more productive summer.

Date: 07-16-2025 | Time: 2:00PM - 4:00PM | Location: SHB 202

Professional Development Credit: 2

Make a splash this summer by leveling up your Excel skills! Whether you're staying cool indoors or prepping for fall project, this hands-on session will help you work smarter—not harder—with your data.

We’ll dive into: Importing External Data – Pull in outside info Excel faster than a summer breeze. Excel Tables – Keep your data clean, organized, and vacation-ready. Pivot Tables – Summarize and explore like you're mapping out the ultimate road trip. No experience needed—just bring your curiosity. Beat the heat and chill with some seriously cool Excel tricks! Get ready to filter, format, and pivot your way into a more productive summer.

Date: 08-21-2025 | Time: 2:00PM - 4:00PM | Location: SHB 202

Professional Development Credit: 2

As a leader, your written communications reflect your professionalism, build trust, and influence your team and stakeholders. This interactive TRAIL session is designed to help you craft messages that are clear, concise, and impactful.

Real-world examples and practical exercises will ensure you leave with tools to write emails, memos, and other documents that achieve their purpose while fostering trust and collaboration.

Date: 09-24-2025 | Time: 2:00PM - 4:00PM | Location: LSC 242 (The Glass Room)

TRAIL DESIGNATION: *Core Course Engager Track | Professional Development Credit: 2.0

This session on crisis communication is designed for current and aspiring leaders who want to strengthen their ability to manage communication during crises within their team, organization, or community. Through real-world examples and interactive exercises, leaders will learn to maintain transparency, mitigate rumors, and prioritize the safety and well-being of their community. Participants will develop essential skills for crisis response, including identifying key stakeholders, crafting clear and timely messages, and selecting the right communication channels. By the end of the session, attendees will be equipped to navigate high-pressure situations with confidence and clarity.

Date: 10-03-2025 | Time: 10:00AM - 12:00PM | Location: LSC 115

TRAIL DESIGNATION: Influencer Track* | Professional Development Credit: 2.0

How to create your Leadership Presence by enhancing your presentation skills, from managing anxiety, preparing effectively, and using compelling storytelling.

Date: 10-07-2025 | Time: 2:00PM - 3:30PM | Location: LSC 320

TRAIL DESIGNATION: *Core Course Influencer Track | Professional Development Credit: 1.5

Not all leaders lead the same. Discover what strengths you bring to the table, and how you can craft your leadership philosophy to reflect the values that guide you. This TRAIL course uses the CliftonStrengths assessment to provide insight into your talents and how you communicate, connect, and work with others. Registered participants will be contacted prior to this session to complete the CliftonStrengths assessment or to provide your top strengths to the instructor if you already have that information. This is a core TRAIL for the Engager or Influencer track.

Date: 11-04-2025 | Time: 2:00PM - 4:00PM | Location: LSC 242 (The Glass Room)

Staff Professional Development Credits = 2

In the ever-changing landscape of the higher education workplace, supervisors must balance the demands of leadership with the boundaries of our institutional culture, policies, and best practices. This one-hour interactive training session empowers leaders to address workplace challenges effectively without veering off course.

Through scenario-based engagement and practical examples, participants will explore tools for navigating conflicts while fostering a positive and productive team environment. Walk away with the skills and confidence to lead within the guardrails and drive success for your team and organization.

Date: 11-11-2025 | Time: 2:00PM - 3:30PM | Location: LSC 320

TRAIL DESIGNATION: *Core Course Engager or Influencer Track | Professional Development Credit: 1.0

An interactive TRAIL session in which you will learn about interpersonal- and technology-based tactics for fostering stronger connections with co-workers. Presented by Dr. Ashly Smith, COBA, Dept. of Business Administration and Entrepreneurship.

Date: 11-12-2025 | Time: 10:00AM - 11:30AM | Location: LSC 242 (The Glass Room)

TRAIL Certification Credit: 1 elective credit, Engager Track | Staff Professional Development Credits = 1.5

This TRAIL course will teach you how to create narratives, metaphors, and visualizations from data to make the complex more simple and to give it an emotional immediacy.

Date: 02-02-2026 | Time: 10:00AM - 11:30PM | Location: LSC 320

Professional Development Credit: 1.5

TRAIL elective= 1 credit for the Influencer track

Core Competency: Innovative in Thinking

This training will equip supervisors with practical tools and models to deliver constructive feedback that fosters employee growth and enhances team success. Learn techniques for framing feedback to encourage employees to make meaningful adjustments, meet expectations, and reach their full potential.

Participants will gain insights into effective communication strategies, methods for setting clear performance goals, and approaches for addressing challenges.

Date: 02-19-2026 | Time: 10:00AM - 11:30AM | Location: LSC 242 (The Glass Room)

TRAIL DESIGNATION: *Core Course Engager or Influencer Track | Professional Development Credit: 1.5