The folks at Human Resources are there when you need them, whether at work or at home. Take advantage of these classes for your professional career. For course locations and more information, call 215-898-3400 or visit www.hr.upenn.edu/learning. Registration required.

Howard Schultz on Leadership

Howard Schultz is chairman and chief global strategist of Starbucks, the company that has transformed the way we consume coffee. Beginning with 17 stores in 1987, Starbucks now serves nearly 20 million people per week from nearly 5,000 outlets around the world and is the world’s most recognized brand of coffee. Hear from Schultz how he maintains both growth and profits and learn how his leadership has led the company to over 120 months of positive sales. This live satellite broadcast will include a 30-minute Q&A session with Schultz.

- Oct. 22, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., free

Franklin Covey’s “What Matters Most”

Franklin Covey will again be offering its world-renowned time management program, entitled, “What Matters Most.” This program addresses the entire business of living, not just the demands of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Learn how to focus your time, energy and resources on things that are most important to you.

- Oct. 23, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., $50, price includes Franklin Planner

Get Hired: How to Ace the Interview

This video presents key interviewing advice that will help you better communicate your personal characteristics and career skills. Topics include how to prepare for your interview, the types of interviews you might encounter, and how you can present yourself and your skills in the best possible light.

- Oct. 25, noon to 1 p.m., free, popcorn provided

The Abilene Paradox

In this video about “mismanaged agreement,” all members of a family agree to a hot and dusty road trip, which no one wants, without communicating their reservations. The video then shows mismanaged agreement in an organizational setting, where a project that no one wants is carried forward. Viewers come to understand the tendency of groups to take actions that their individual members do not support, and see the consequences of mismanaged agreement. Walk away from this video with tips on how to work toward consensual group decisions and how to foster a climate in which communication is open and supportive.

- Oct. 31, noon to 1 p.m., free, popcorn provided

QOWL workshops

The following is a list of Quality of Worklife workshops. Registration is required. For course locations and online registration visit www.hr.upenn.edu/quality/workshop.asp or contact Orna Rosenthal at 215-898-5116 or orna@hr.upenn.edu. Feel free to bring your lunch.

Handling the Difficult and Angry Customer

Learn how to prepare, engage and cope with demanding or difficult customers without responding to their anger and frustration. Concrete methods are discussed on how to positively respond and bring about successful resolution for the customer and employee. This is a one-hour workshop, with an optional half hour for discussion and/or role-playing.

- Oct. 24, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Practical Solutions for Everyday Parenting

Receive tips on how to handle some issues familiar to many parents.
Latchkey children: Learn how to ensure that youngsters who stay home without adult supervision remain safe and happy.
Communication: Learn how this two-way bridge that connects you to your child’s feelings can foster healthy interactions and helps your youngsters develop positive personalities and good relationships with other people.
Learn practical tips on how to simplify your mornings.
This is a one-hour workshop, with an optional half hour for discussion and/or role-playing.

- Nov. 7, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Butt Out: Smoking Cessation

This half-hour video will take you through the quitting process, from getting ready to quit to how to overcome setbacks. Following the video, learn about a free Quit for Health program available through the Penn Tobacco Use Research Center.

- Nov. 8, noon to 1 p.m.