Positioned for Promotion

Communication, Accountability and Professional Effectiveness

The Positioned for Promotion course is a high-impact, interactive professional development experience designed to equip participants with the foundational skills required to thrive in today’s workplace. This course provides a practical, applied overview of core competencies, including communication, emotional intelligence, accountability, feedback and professional presence. Participants will leave with immediately actionable tools to improve collaboration, strengthen workplace relationships and increase personal effectiveness.

Upcoming Class

Dates: September 3 – 17, 2026 | Thursdays, 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Registration Fee: $750

Location: College of Charleston

Registration closes Aug. 27

Register now

Course Benefits

  • Identify key behaviors that contribute to professional credibility and workplace effectiveness.
  • Demonstrate foundational communication techniques for clarity and influence.
  • Apply emotional intelligence principles to workplace interactions.
  • Practice giving and receiving constructive feedback.
  • Develop a personal action plan to strengthen accountability and performance.

Participants will:

  • Improve collaboration and workplace relationships
  • Increase personal effectiveness through practical, applied learning
  • Gain immediately actionable workplace skills
  • Learn in an interactive and highly engaging format
  • Develop skills designed for real-world workplace application
  • Receive a Certificate of Completion from the College of Charleston School of Business Continuing & Professional Education

What is Covered

Course topics include:

  • Leading Self: Professional Presence and Accountability
  • Communication Essentials for Workplace Success
  • Emotional Intelligence in Action
  • Feedback and Productive Conversations
  • Personal Action Planning and Application
  • Presentations and Graduation with Executive Sponsors in attendance

Course topics are explored through interactive facilitated discussions, small group breakouts, case studies, workplace scenarios, guided reflection exercises, and more.

Who Should Attend

This program is ideal for:

  • Early-career professionals
  • Individual contributors
  • Emerging leaders
  • Professionals seeking foundational leadership skills

Course Instructor

Kelly Starnes, MBA, ACC is an executive and sales coach with 25+ years in specialty pharmaceutical sales and leadership (Bristol-Myers Squibb, AbbVie) before founding Higher Form Coaching & Consulting. Kelly works with individuals navigating a career transition or stepping into a leadership role for the first time, and with organizations investing in the development of their leaders and teams.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some answers to common questions about our Positioned for Promotion course.
  • How is the course taught?

    The learning experience includes facilitated discussions, small-group breakouts, workplace scenarios, case studies, guided reflection exercises, skills practice simulations, presentations, and action planning activities.

  • What materials are included?

    A digital workbook, supplemental articles and tools in PDF format are included.

  • What credential will I earn upon completion?

    Participants who successfully complete all program requirements receive a Certificate of Completion from the College of Charleston School of Business Continuing & Professional Education.

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