CTC study materials
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CTC (NAR) study plan

CTC · Give each week a clear focus.

8 weeks · About 6 hours per week

Week 1

Mentoring and Coaching & Emotional Intelligence

  • Define coaching versus mentoring and list three distinguishing criteria for each.

  • Apply the GROW model to a real or hypothetical coaching scenario and document the steps.

  • Identify the four components of emotional intelligence (self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship management) and give a personal example of each.

  • Create a self-assessment checklist for emotional intelligence with at least 10 behavioral indicators.

  • Practice active listening by summarizing a 5-minute conversation and noting verbal and non-verbal cues.

Your checkpoint

A one-page coaching session plan using GROW for a team member, plus a completed EI self-assessment with reflection notes.

Week 2

DISC Behavioral Styles & Conflict Management

  • Describe the four DISC behavioral styles (Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, Conscientiousness) and list two typical behaviors for each.

  • Adapt a written message to each DISC style to improve communication effectiveness.

  • Explain the five conflict-handling modes (Thomas-Kilmann) and identify when each is appropriate.

  • Analyze a past conflict using the conflict-handling modes and propose an alternative approach.

  • Role-play a conflict scenario with a colleague and apply active listening and 'I' statements.

Your checkpoint

A conflict resolution role-play reflection report (300 words) including the DISC styles involved and the chosen conflict mode.

Week 3

Creative Problem Solving & Team Building

  • Apply the five steps of the creative problem-solving process (fact-finding, problem-finding, idea-finding, solution-finding, acceptance-finding) to a workplace problem.

  • Facilitate a brainstorming session using at least two idea-generation techniques (e.g., SCAMPER, mind mapping).

  • Define the stages of team development (Tuckman's forming, storming, norming, performing, adjourning) and identify current stage of a team.

  • Design a team-building activity that addresses a specific team development need.

  • Create a team charter template including purpose, roles, and norms.

Your checkpoint

A team-building activity plan with objectives, materials, and debrief questions, plus a completed team charter for a hypothetical team.

Week 4

Negotiation & Presentation Skills

  • Explain the difference between distributive and integrative negotiation and give an example of each.

  • Identify BATNA, reservation value, and ZOPA in a negotiation scenario.

  • Prepare a negotiation planning document for a workplace scenario (e.g., resource allocation).

  • Structure a persuasive presentation using the Minto Pyramid Principle or Monroe's Motivated Sequence.

  • Deliver a 5-minute presentation and collect feedback on clarity, structure, and delivery.

Your checkpoint

A negotiation plan for a real or simulated scenario, and a recorded 5-minute presentation with self-assessment and peer feedback.

Week 5

Finance for Managers

  • Interpret the three primary financial statements (income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement) and explain how they interrelate.

  • Calculate key financial ratios (profit margin, current ratio, debt-to-equity, return on assets) from sample financial data.

  • Prepare a simple budget for a department or project, including fixed and variable costs.

  • Explain the concept of variance analysis and calculate variances between budgeted and actual figures.

  • Evaluate a capital investment using payback period and net present value (NPV) with provided discount rate.

Your checkpoint

A one-page financial analysis of a sample company, including ratio calculations, budget variance report, and a capital investment recommendation.

Week 6

Project Management

  • Define project scope, create a work breakdown structure (WBS) for a small project.

  • Sequence project activities and identify the critical path using a network diagram.

  • Estimate project duration and cost using three-point estimating or analogous estimating.

  • Develop a risk register with at least five risks, including probability, impact, and mitigation strategies.

  • Explain the purpose of a project charter and create one for a hypothetical project.

Your checkpoint

A project plan for a small project including WBS, schedule (Gantt chart), risk register, and project charter.

Week 7

Mentoring and Coaching & Emotional Intelligence & Conflict Management & DISC Behavioral Styles

  • Review and integrate coaching and mentoring techniques with emotional intelligence and DISC styles.

  • Analyze a complex scenario involving conflict and coaching, and propose a resolution using multiple frameworks.

  • Create a personal development plan to improve emotional intelligence and coaching skills.

  • Practice giving and receiving feedback using the SBI (Situation-Behavior-Impact) model.

  • Assess your default conflict-handling mode and plan to expand your repertoire.

Your checkpoint

A comprehensive case analysis (500 words) integrating coaching, EI, DISC, and conflict management, plus a personal development plan.

Week 8

Creative Problem Solving & Negotiation & Presentation Skills & Finance for Managers & Project Management & Team Building

  • Synthesize all domains by solving a capstone scenario that requires creative problem solving, negotiation, presentation, finance, project management, and team building.

  • Create a presentation summarizing key takeaways from the study plan and how they apply to your role.

  • Complete a timed practice exam covering all domains and review incorrect answers.

  • Finalize a personal action plan for continued development after the exam.

Your checkpoint

A capstone project report (including a 10-minute presentation) and a scored practice exam with reflection.

Milestones

Week 4: Complete a self-assessment quiz on coaching, EI, DISC, and conflict management, scoring at least 80%.

Week 6: Submit the project plan and financial analysis for peer review, and incorporate feedback.

Week 8: Achieve a score of 85% or higher on a comprehensive practice exam covering all domains.