Communication Skills for Business

  • course details
  • Dates and time: 6 – 8:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, Feb. 26 - March 20 (March 11, 13: Spring break)
  • Location: Online, instructor-led live sessions
  • Number of sessions: 6 sessions over 4 weeks
  • Instructional fee: $895, reduced fees available (see Cost section below for details)
  • Format: Zoom videoconference

Communication is the most important skill needed to succeed in relationships, in business and in life. Oddly, our training is left mostly to assimilation, circumstance and sheer determination. Learn how to stay in the driver’s seat in interactions, be truly heard when you speak, grasp differing viewpoints with ease and remain comfortable even when things go south.

This course delivers comprehensive, practical and effective tools for clear, authentic and powerful communication and collaboration.

What you will learn

  • Understand core concepts and apply practical tools of personal interaction and communication in business and beyond
  • Identify the destructive anatomy of judgment and learn to use the genius of nonjudgment
  • Master the four steps of impactful communication (nonviolent communication)
  • Analyze the anatomy of fear to design the roadmap to achieve objectives

What are graduates saying?

"Very insightful, great course to take to really open up skills in communication"

"Wonderful course. Very glad that I was able to take it. The value of the course was easily double to triple of what was charged"

"The teacher was absolutely amazing. She encourages participation in a way instructor's would envy. She also takes time to listen to everyone's viewpoints and personal experiences, and gives wonderful advice"

Who should attend

Working professionals, business owners, team or division leaders, managers and those involved in HR and professional development, product, process or services.

Working professionals who are in emerging roles as front-line leaders (including technical or business professionals who are relatively new to leading teams) or experienced leaders who have a need to sharpen their skills relative to communication, collaboration, team building and addressing challenges effectively.

Course content

A typical course covers the following:

  1. Session 1
    • Genius of Nonjudgmental; Communication basics; the 3 keys to connected communication
  2. Session 2
    • Practice lab and case study application
  3. Session 3
    • Impactful Communication: 4 steps that dissolve barriers, ease tensions, strengthen relationships and invite collaboration
  4. Session 4
    • Practice lab and case study application
  5. Session 5
    • Flipping Fear into Unstoppable Action: Turn off worry and unleash creativity harnessing the innate tracking tool in fear
  6. Session 6
    • Practice lab and case study application
    • Capstone project presentation

Capstone projects are chosen by you at the beginning of the program (in alignment with the needs of your employer). Combination of the in-class training and the application of course concepts to a real-world capstone project will help increase your knowledge depth.

Student materials

  • Course materials will be provided in PDF format
  • Recommended reading will be shared in class

Instructor

Lezza Steindorf

Leezá Steindorf, is an international business consultant, HR trainer, leadership coach and mediator. With a proven track record as a communication, conflict and crisis management specialist in multinational corporations, trade unions and nonprofits across the globe, Steindorf delivers potent tools and unique strategic processes for organizational transformation and professional development. She helps professionals develop cohesive team-building skills and positive organizational operations in even the most diverse and chaotic environments.

Steindorf’s programs and CORE SuccessTM system are internationally acclaimed and accredited. She is a leadership coach for the Forbes Coaches Council, is a nonviolent communication trainer and a former Tony Robbins Results coach. She holds a degree in business management and certifications as an ICF coach, trainer and group facilitator, and mediator.

Cost

The instructional fee is $895. There are limited number of seats available for employees of small businesses with fewer than 150 employees ($448), non-profits and educational institutions ($224), and for current WSU students ($90) and employees ($224). All instructional fees are per person and include a nonrefundable administrative fee of $75. See Registration for details.

The registration fee is the same regardless of residence.


Meetings and format

The course is delivered via Zoom videoconference with live instruction. To attend, you need a computer with webcam, microphone and high-speed internet.

Each Zoom session allows for live interactions with the instructor and other students via chat, web conferencing or phone, all in real time. Assignments and other materials will be available online through a web-based learning management system.

Certificate completion

  • Attend at least five of six sessions
  • Completion and presentation of capstone project