CTC (NAR) study plan
CTC · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.