Embedded Files
Workplace Communication
The big cheese is the big boss! There are “Big Cheese” questions throughout the curriculum. A Big Cheese is chosen for each unit. The person who is assigned this role will be asked to think from the perspective of a business owner or manager, and will be asked to give their opinion on the scenario. Things to consider may include costs, staffing, morale, efficiency, production, customers, etc.
The big cheese is the big boss! There are “Big Cheese” questions throughout the curriculum. A Big Cheese is chosen for each unit. The person who is assigned this role will be asked to think from the perspective of a business owner or manager, and will be asked to give their opinion on the scenario. Things to consider may include costs, staffing, morale, efficiency, production, customers, etc.
Unit 1 - Communications
Unit 1 - Communications
In this unit, you will learn how to communicate effectively at a higher professional level at work. These are skills that employers most often ask for.
In this unit, you will learn how to communicate effectively at a higher professional level at work. These are skills that employers most often ask for.
This unit will cover:
This unit will cover:
1. Understanding communication
1. Understanding communication
2. Knowing your own communication style
2. Knowing your own communication style
3. First impressions
3. First impressions
4. Body language
4. Body language
5. Technology and social media
5. Technology and social media
6. Speaking clearly
6. Speaking clearly
7. Listening and understanding
7. Listening and understanding
8. Appropriate workplace conversations
8. Appropriate workplace conversations
9. Constructive criticism and employee evaluations
9. Constructive criticism and employee evaluations
10. Final Activity
10. Final Activity
Part 1 - Understanding Communication
Part 1 - Understanding Communication
“The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.”
-George Bernard Shaw
“The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.”
-George Bernard Shaw
Key Lesson
Key Lesson
- Strong communication skills at work help you to:
- know what you need to do and how you need to do it
- understand your co-workers and bosses and their roles better
- work out differences and build trust
- understand the needs of your customers or clients
- create a more positive workplace
- get your work done more effectively and safely
What are the many different ways that you communicate or share information at work? Which ones are more effective?
What are the many different ways that you communicate or share information at work? Which ones are more effective?
Communication Setbacks
Communication Setbacks
There are many ways to communicate. Thousands of “messages” are sent every day. However, messages aren’t always heard or understood exactly the same way that the sender planned. These misunderstandings cause confusion or frustration, and often lead to problems.
There are many ways to communicate. Thousands of “messages” are sent every day. However, messages aren’t always heard or understood exactly the same way that the sender planned. These misunderstandings cause confusion or frustration, and often lead to problems.
Some of the barriers to good communication include:
Some of the barriers to good communication include:
1. Physical barriers – Things that get in the way of being able to see or hear well. These may include
1. Physical barriers – Things that get in the way of being able to see or hear well. These may include
- loud machines
- phone volume
- messy handwriting
- poor eyesight
- illness
- Another example: _____________________________
2. Perceptual barriers – Seeing the world through your own filters including your
2. Perceptual barriers – Seeing the world through your own filters including your
- experiences
- interests
- upbringing
- backgrounds
- culture
- religious beliefs
- Another example: _____________________________
3. Emotional barriers - Communication is affected when the sender or receiver is feeling strong emotions such as
3. Emotional barriers - Communication is affected when the sender or receiver is feeling strong emotions such as
- anxiety or stress
- fear
- anger
- boredom
- embarrassment
- excitement
- Another example: _____________________________
4. Language barriers – Communication can be blocked by
4. Language barriers – Communication can be blocked by
- language differences or strong accents
- speech problems
- use of short forms or slang
- incorrect grammar and spelling errors
- Another example: _____________________________
The Ford Company spent millions trying to advertise to customers in Belgium that “Every car has a high-quality body”. The translated version came out as “Every car has a high-quality corpse.” Oops.
The Ford Company spent millions trying to advertise to customers in Belgium that “Every car has a high-quality body”. The translated version came out as “Every car has a high-quality corpse.” Oops.
Describe a situation at work when there was a communication breakdown. How did you handle it? What was the result?
Describe a situation at work when there was a communication breakdown. How did you handle it? What was the result?
Have you ever worked where there was poor communication? Why do you think that happened? How did it affect your ability to do your job? (10 minutes)
Have you ever worked where there was poor communication? Why do you think that happened? How did it affect your ability to do your job? (10 minutes)
Part 2 - Communication Styles
Part 2 - Communication Styles
Key Lesson
Key Lesson
We all communicate in different ways. Some methods are more effective than others. If your way of communicating is not working, then you can learn to change it. By changing how you communicate you will have more “win-win” situations.
We all communicate in different ways. Some methods are more effective than others. If your way of communicating is not working, then you can learn to change it. By changing how you communicate you will have more “win-win” situations.
Watch the following video and then complete the below activity.
Watch the following video and then complete the below activity.
Your Communication Style
Your Communication Style
As a group, review the chart below. Give an example for each communication style. This may be a statement or an action.
As a group, review the chart below. Give an example for each communication style. This may be a statement or an action.
Openly aggressive
Openly aggressive
Example:
Example:
Assertive
Assertive
Example:
Example:
Passive aggressive
Passive aggressive
Example:
Example:
Passive behaviour
Passive behaviour
Example:
Example:
Remember
Remember
Assertive is not the same as aggressive. If you are assertive, it means you are saying what you want or need clearly. It doesn’t mean being tough, bossy or mean. Here’s an example:
Assertive is not the same as aggressive. If you are assertive, it means you are saying what you want or need clearly. It doesn’t mean being tough, bossy or mean. Here’s an example:
Assertive “I need you to please turn down your TV by 10 pm because my children and I need to sleep. The walls are thin and we can hear everything. Thank you for understanding.”
Assertive “I need you to please turn down your TV by 10 pm because my children and I need to sleep. The walls are thin and we can hear everything. Thank you for understanding.”
Aggressive “TURN DOWN YOUR TV OR I’LL CALL THE COPS AND YOU WILL BE SORRY”.
Aggressive “TURN DOWN YOUR TV OR I’LL CALL THE COPS AND YOU WILL BE SORRY”.
Communications Quiz
Communications Quiz
Read the following scenarios. Think about whether this is how you usually react to the described situation. Choose the five (5) situations which most closely describe your behaviour. On a piece of paper, write down the 5 numbers you choose. Be as honest as you can. This quiz is completely confidential and you do NOT have to share the results with anyone.
Read the following scenarios. Think about whether this is how you usually react to the described situation. Choose the five (5) situations which most closely describe your behaviour. On a piece of paper, write down the 5 numbers you choose. Be as honest as you can. This quiz is completely confidential and you do NOT have to share the results with anyone.
1. I do not believe in confrontation. I would rather try to get someone else to deal with a difficult situation than addressing it myself.
1. I do not believe in confrontation. I would rather try to get someone else to deal with a difficult situation than addressing it myself.
2. When I am in a large group I tend to let others make decisions.
2. When I am in a large group I tend to let others make decisions.
3. When someone is expressing an opinion about a course of action that is opposite to mine I can usually negotiate a compromise.
3. When someone is expressing an opinion about a course of action that is opposite to mine I can usually negotiate a compromise.
4. When I feel that my needs are not being met I tend to be demanding. If I don’t put it out there, I know I won’t get it.
4. When I feel that my needs are not being met I tend to be demanding. If I don’t put it out there, I know I won’t get it.
5. When I am involved in a negative interaction I withdraw from the situation and retreat into myself.
5. When I am involved in a negative interaction I withdraw from the situation and retreat into myself.
6. When I first arrive at a meeting I am usually a bit late and try and sneak into the back without being heard.
6. When I first arrive at a meeting I am usually a bit late and try and sneak into the back without being heard.
7. When something is being discussed at work, I will engage in the discussion, no matter how heated it becomes until I’m sure I have put my point across. It’s important that my voice be heard.
7. When something is being discussed at work, I will engage in the discussion, no matter how heated it becomes until I’m sure I have put my point across. It’s important that my voice be heard.
8. In a high stress situation I carefully prepare the points I want to make, the questions I have, and choose a good time for a calm discussion.
8. In a high stress situation I carefully prepare the points I want to make, the questions I have, and choose a good time for a calm discussion.
9. I can be sarcastic.
9. I can be sarcastic.
10. When I feel my needs are not being considered, I rarely ask directly for what I want. I hint at it and hope the other person will figure it out on their own and do it for me.
10. When I feel my needs are not being considered, I rarely ask directly for what I want. I hint at it and hope the other person will figure it out on their own and do it for me.
11. I can usually make other people aware of my adverse opinion by the way I look at them. I roll my eyes, sigh loudly or shrug my shoulders to let them know they are wrong.
11. I can usually make other people aware of my adverse opinion by the way I look at them. I roll my eyes, sigh loudly or shrug my shoulders to let them know they are wrong.
12. If I’m given a job to do that I dislike, or feel it should be done by someone else, I work as slowly as possible.
12. If I’m given a job to do that I dislike, or feel it should be done by someone else, I work as slowly as possible.
13. I feel I have the right to disagree with my boss, as long as I am polite and have a good reason for disagreeing.
13. I feel I have the right to disagree with my boss, as long as I am polite and have a good reason for disagreeing.
14. My way of doing something is usually correct.
14. My way of doing something is usually correct.
15. When I’m not sure about how to do something I guess, rather than ask someone else.
15. When I’m not sure about how to do something I guess, rather than ask someone else.
16. When I get angry I show my feelings without hesitation.
16. When I get angry I show my feelings without hesitation.
17. When approaching a new task that I’ve never done before I feel comfortable asking a more experienced person for help.
17. When approaching a new task that I’ve never done before I feel comfortable asking a more experienced person for help.
18. While talking to a coworker it becomes clear that they totally misunderstood what I just said, so I tell my coworker that I think I said it wrong , and repeat what I said in a different way.
18. While talking to a coworker it becomes clear that they totally misunderstood what I just said, so I tell my coworker that I think I said it wrong , and repeat what I said in a different way.
19. When I’m speaking with someone in authority, I tend to avoid looking at them directly.
19. When I’m speaking with someone in authority, I tend to avoid looking at them directly.
20. When I’m asked to stay late, I nearly always say yes, even if I have made other plans.
20. When I’m asked to stay late, I nearly always say yes, even if I have made other plans.
Click to calculate your score:
Click to calculate your score:
Scoring for Communications Quiz
Scoring for Communications Quiz
Score 1 point each if you chose # 2, 5, 15, 19 or 20
Score 1 point each if you chose # 2, 5, 15, 19 or 20
Score 2 points each if you chose # 1, 6, 10, 11, or 12
Score 2 points each if you chose # 1, 6, 10, 11, or 12
Score 3 points each if you chose # 4, 7, 9, 14 or 16
Score 3 points each if you chose # 4, 7, 9, 14 or 16
Score 4 points each if you chose #3, 8, 13, 17 or 18
Score 4 points each if you chose #3, 8, 13, 17 or 18
If you scored 6 or less you are a Passive Communicator.
If you scored 6 or less you are a Passive Communicator.
If you scored 7-11 you are a Passive Aggressive Communicator.
If you scored 7-11 you are a Passive Aggressive Communicator.
If you scored 12-16 you are an Aggressive Communicator.
If you scored 12-16 you are an Aggressive Communicator.
If you scored 17-20 you are an Assertive Communicator.
If you scored 17-20 you are an Assertive Communicator.
Part 3 - First Impressions
Part 3 - First Impressions
When people meet for the first time, it’s common to judge each other within the first minute or two. Once that impression is formed, it is very powerful, and hard to reverse or undo.
When people meet for the first time, it’s common to judge each other within the first minute or two. Once that impression is formed, it is very powerful, and hard to reverse or undo.
Key Lessons
Key Lessons
a. People naturally make assumptions about others but often judge too quickly and make mistakes.
a. People naturally make assumptions about others but often judge too quickly and make mistakes.
b. Being open minded is the key to effective communication.
b. Being open minded is the key to effective communication.
c. You don’t have to like every person you work with, but you do have to
c. You don’t have to like every person you work with, but you do have to
- set aside your judgments
- be professional in your work relationships
- give everyone a fair chance
We all want to be part of a pleasant workplace.
We all want to be part of a pleasant workplace.
Impressions of others
Impressions of others
The Airplane Game
The Airplane Game
Imagine you are travelling alone on a 20-hour plane ride. When you check in, you learn that the plane is almost full. The agent says you can choose your seatmate. Remember, this is a long flight, so choose wisely! The 5 options are listed below. On a piece of paper, write down which person you would like to sit beside and answer the questions for each passenger.
Imagine you are travelling alone on a 20-hour plane ride. When you check in, you learn that the plane is almost full. The agent says you can choose your seatmate. Remember, this is a long flight, so choose wisely! The 5 options are listed below. On a piece of paper, write down which person you would like to sit beside and answer the questions for each passenger.
Passenger 1: A single mother with a baby on her lap.
Passenger 1: A single mother with a baby on her lap.
Why did you choose or not choose me?
Why did you choose or not choose me?
Passenger 2: A Refugee
Passenger 2: A Refugee
Why did you choose or not choose me? What do I look like? Where did I come from?
Why did you choose or not choose me? What do I look like? Where did I come from?
Passenger 3: Bald Person with Multiple Piercings
Passenger 3: Bald Person with Multiple Piercings
Why did you choose or not choose me?
Why did you choose or not choose me?
Passenger 4: High-Security Prisoner
Passenger 4: High-Security Prisoner
Why did you choose or not choose me? What do I look like? Why do you think I was in jail? What do I do for a living, now that I am out of jail?
Why did you choose or not choose me? What do I look like? Why do you think I was in jail? What do I do for a living, now that I am out of jail?
Passenger 5: A Female from the Middle East
Passenger 5: A Female from the Middle East
Why did you choose or not choose me? What do I look like? What do I do for a living?
Why did you choose or not choose me? What do I look like? What do I do for a living?
[Click to reveal passenger identities]
[Click to reveal passenger identities]
Is This Who You Had in Mind?
Is This Who You Had in Mind?
Passenger 1: J.K. Rowling
J.K. Rowling is the author of the popular Harry Potter book series, as well as other books. In the mid-1990’s, she was a single mother receiving government benefits. She is the first author ever to become a billionaire from writing books. She generously funds charities that support children and families living in poverty.
Passenger 1: J.K. Rowling
J.K. Rowling is the author of the popular Harry Potter book series, as well as other books. In the mid-1990’s, she was a single mother receiving government benefits. She is the first author ever to become a billionaire from writing books. She generously funds charities that support children and families living in poverty.
Passenger 2: Albert Einstein
Einstein was a Nobel Prize-winning scientist. He is most famous for his theory of relativity. He was a German-Jewish refugee who escaped Nazi Germany. He worked at Princeton University in the USA in 1938.
Passenger 2: Albert Einstein
Einstein was a Nobel Prize-winning scientist. He is most famous for his theory of relativity. He was a German-Jewish refugee who escaped Nazi Germany. He worked at Princeton University in the USA in 1938.
Passenger 3: Eni El-Atrash
Enas El-Atrash is a five-year-old cancer patient with pierced ears. She lost her hair following chemotherapy.
Passenger 3: Eni El-Atrash
Enas El-Atrash is a five-year-old cancer patient with pierced ears. She lost her hair following chemotherapy.
Passenger 4: Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela was leading the fight to end a system of racial segregation in South Africa. This system is known as apartheid. The government sentenced him to life in prison for sabotage. Mandela was released from prison after 26 years. He became the first president of South Africa to be elected in a democratic election. He is a Nobel Peace Prize winner. He died on December 5th, 2013 at the age of 91!
Passenger 4: Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela was leading the fight to end a system of racial segregation in South Africa. This system is known as apartheid. The government sentenced him to life in prison for sabotage. Mandela was released from prison after 26 years. He became the first president of South Africa to be elected in a democratic election. He is a Nobel Peace Prize winner. He died on December 5th, 2013 at the age of 91!
Passenger 5: Malala Yousafzai
Malala Yousafzai challenged the Taliban (a radical militant group) in Pakistan. She demanded that girls be allowed to receive an education. While riding on a bus in 2012, she was shot in the head by a Taliban gunman. She was 14 and survived the shooting. She continued to advocate for education rights for girls all around the world. At age 17, the teen activist became the youngest person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. Today she keeps working to support equality around the world.
Passenger 5: Malala Yousafzai
Malala Yousafzai challenged the Taliban (a radical militant group) in Pakistan. She demanded that girls be allowed to receive an education. While riding on a bus in 2012, she was shot in the head by a Taliban gunman. She was 14 and survived the shooting. She continued to advocate for education rights for girls all around the world. At age 17, the teen activist became the youngest person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. Today she keeps working to support equality around the world.
Watch Susan Boyle’s first audition for Britain’s Got Talent. Pay attention to everyone’s facial expressions and body language. Discuss what you see before and after her performance. What was Susan judged on?
Watch Susan Boyle’s first audition for Britain’s Got Talent. Pay attention to everyone’s facial expressions and body language. Discuss what you see before and after her performance. What was Susan judged on?
We unblock our assumptions about people and improve communication by
We unblock our assumptions about people and improve communication by
- staying open minded
- looking and listening closer - and from a different perspective
- saying “I don’t know” or “I would like to learn more about you”
- avoiding gossip, rumours or social media posts about the person
- getting the facts
- remembering, we all have days or moments when we aren’t at our best
- knowing that it’s what’s inside that counts
Play the “Raise your hand If” Game
Play the “Raise your hand If” Game
Your instructor will go through a list of activities and interests. You are to raise your hand when any of the items apply to you. Look around and see who raises their hand each time. You will be surprised to find out that some things didn’t match your first impressions of the people in your group! NOTE: if you are meeting virtually, make sure your view is on 'gallery mode' so you can see each other!
Your instructor will go through a list of activities and interests. You are to raise your hand when any of the items apply to you. Look around and see who raises their hand each time. You will be surprised to find out that some things didn’t match your first impressions of the people in your group! NOTE: if you are meeting virtually, make sure your view is on 'gallery mode' so you can see each other!
Key Lessons
Key Lessons
In the workplace, making wrong assumptions about others can be a disaster to your career. Imagine talking “down” to a sloppily dressed hippy, only to find out they are the big boss?
In the workplace, making wrong assumptions about others can be a disaster to your career. Imagine talking “down” to a sloppily dressed hippy, only to find out they are the big boss?
You interview someone who had a great resume, but arrives looking shabby, tired and isn’t prepared. They answer your questions better than anyone else, and seem perfect for the job – except for their appearance which isn’t acceptable for a job interview or the job. What do you do?
You interview someone who had a great resume, but arrives looking shabby, tired and isn’t prepared. They answer your questions better than anyone else, and seem perfect for the job – except for their appearance which isn’t acceptable for a job interview or the job. What do you do?
Part 4 - Body Language and Non-Verbal Communication
Part 4 - Body Language and Non-Verbal Communication
“You cannot Not communicate”
“You cannot Not communicate”
Key Lessons
Key Lessons
a. You are always communicating, even when you aren’t speaking, writing, or moving.
a. You are always communicating, even when you aren’t speaking, writing, or moving.
b. Your body language says more about you than you realize.
b. Your body language says more about you than you realize.
c. If you pay attention to what others are thinking and feeling, it improves communication.
c. If you pay attention to what others are thinking and feeling, it improves communication.
The many ways that we communicate include
The many ways that we communicate include
- eye contact
- posture
- tone and volume of voice
- facial expressions
- body movements and gestures
- breathing – speed, loudness etc.
Some experts say that over 90% of our communication is non-verbal. Just think of all the ways you send messages every day without even knowing you are doing it!
Some experts say that over 90% of our communication is non-verbal. Just think of all the ways you send messages every day without even knowing you are doing it!
Be an Actor! Body Language Activity
Be an Actor! Body Language Activity
Use your acting skills show the following without using words or sounds. In other words, use the non-verbal communication skills that you use all the time.
Use your acting skills show the following without using words or sounds. In other words, use the non-verbal communication skills that you use all the time.
Without using words show that you’re
Without using words show that you’re
- really tired but don’t want anyone to notice
- very angry at the person beside you
- surprised to know that your boss will inspect your work in 1 minute
- wondering if you put deodorant on this morning… and it’s really warm in here
- thinking about your awesome plans for tonight and it’s 4:55 pm now
- unable to understand what someone is saying to you
- unhappy when people stand too close and have bad breath
- uncomfortable about how the waist band on your pants is too tight
- suffering with a headache
- keeping a big secret that affects everyone in the room but you can’t share it yet
- daydreaming about a tropical vacation
- noticing the delicious dessert tray over there – it looks amazing
- afraid of spiders and one is on your desk
1. What did you find out that you didn’t know before about showing power?
1. What did you find out that you didn’t know before about showing power?
2. Will you be a “power poser”? If so, in what situations will it work best for you?
2. Will you be a “power poser”? If so, in what situations will it work best for you?
Everyone stand up and power pose for two full minutes.
Everyone stand up and power pose for two full minutes.
How do you feel doing that?
How do you feel doing that?
Workplace communication skills – best practices & common blunders
Workplace communication skills – best practices & common blunders
Key lessons
Key lessons
It’s impossible for people to communicate perfectly all of the time. Our verbal, non-verbal and written messages get mistaken regularly. You can learn how to become more aware of communication blunders and learn how to avoid them. This will help you as you advance in your career.
It’s impossible for people to communicate perfectly all of the time. Our verbal, non-verbal and written messages get mistaken regularly. You can learn how to become more aware of communication blunders and learn how to avoid them. This will help you as you advance in your career.
Communication Mistakes Game (15 minutes)
Communication Mistakes Game (15 minutes)
Forbes Magazine shares the 10 biggest verbal or non-verbal communication mistakes made at work. These mistakes are noticed even if you don’t think they are. What are they? These can include things you say or do that may bother others or appear unprofessional. They could also prevent any chance of a promotion.
Forbes Magazine shares the 10 biggest verbal or non-verbal communication mistakes made at work. These mistakes are noticed even if you don’t think they are. What are they? These can include things you say or do that may bother others or appear unprofessional. They could also prevent any chance of a promotion.
What are some of the things you might be doing or see others doing at work that would give a bad impression or communicate the wrong idea? Think about what you see other people doing or acting that give you an idea about what they are thinking or what they are meaning.
What are some of the things you might be doing or see others doing at work that would give a bad impression or communicate the wrong idea? Think about what you see other people doing or acting that give you an idea about what they are thinking or what they are meaning.
Try to list the 10 biggest mistakes.
Try to list the 10 biggest mistakes.
Part 5 - Technology and Social Media
Part 5 - Technology and Social Media
Key Lessons
Key Lessons
a. Technology will always change and move forward.
a. Technology will always change and move forward.
b. Knowing the proper ways to use it will help you in your career.
b. Knowing the proper ways to use it will help you in your career.
c. Your “e-life” could ruin your professional life.
c. Your “e-life” could ruin your professional life.
Technology has changed the way that we work and even find work. Keeping up to date with digital trends is important. Knowing how to best communicate using technology can make you a more valuable employee.
Technology has changed the way that we work and even find work. Keeping up to date with digital trends is important. Knowing how to best communicate using technology can make you a more valuable employee.
Technology and Confidentiality
Technology and Confidentiality
Before everyone had computers, confidential information was usually locked in a cabinet. Only 1 or 2 people had the key to that information. Now there many ways that important information can be leaked - faster, and to more people.
Before everyone had computers, confidential information was usually locked in a cabinet. Only 1 or 2 people had the key to that information. Now there many ways that important information can be leaked - faster, and to more people.
We all know that cyber-attacks and hackers are serious problems for businesses. However, posting or tweeting private information can also cause lawsuits and other problems. For example, posting a client’s photo on the website without permission, or tweeting the name of the new boss before it’s official can get you in trouble. Customers, clients and co-workers have the right to expect that their personal information will be safely guarded.
We all know that cyber-attacks and hackers are serious problems for businesses. However, posting or tweeting private information can also cause lawsuits and other problems. For example, posting a client’s photo on the website without permission, or tweeting the name of the new boss before it’s official can get you in trouble. Customers, clients and co-workers have the right to expect that their personal information will be safely guarded.
What are examples of confidential information that could accidentally get leaked or shared?
What are examples of confidential information that could accidentally get leaked or shared?
It’s your job to keep company information safe. You can do this by
It’s your job to keep company information safe. You can do this by
- following the proper computer, email, phone and paper systems for using, storing and deleting information safely
- being extra careful and going the extra step for security
- asking your employer for training on confidential or sensitive information
- never downloading games, videos, or personal apps on a company computer or phone
- changing your passwords regularly and never sharing them with anyone
- telling your employer if you think that the company’s security is at risk
Social Media at Work
Social Media at Work
Social media is the use of a website or app to share information and connect with others online. See the icons on the right for examples of popular social media sites.
Social media is the use of a website or app to share information and connect with others online. See the icons on the right for examples of popular social media sites.
Key Lessons
Key Lessons
a. Don't put anything on any social media that you wouldn't
a. Don't put anything on any social media that you wouldn't
want your employer or potential employers to see.
want your employer or potential employers to see.
b. Your social media information is always “out there” even when you think it's deleted.
b. Your social media information is always “out there” even when you think it's deleted.
c. If social media gets in the way of getting your work done, or damages your employer’s reputation, then your job could be at risk.
c. If social media gets in the way of getting your work done, or damages your employer’s reputation, then your job could be at risk.
d. Always remember it is not your computer. You are taking a big risk by viewing or downloading games, apps, or videos that are not work-related.
d. Always remember it is not your computer. You are taking a big risk by viewing or downloading games, apps, or videos that are not work-related.
Social Media at Work Activity (15 minutes)
Social Media at Work Activity (15 minutes)
Instructions
Instructions
Talk about the points below. Think of them from all different angles – your personal opinions as well as how a boss or customer would feel. Share 2 or 3 points with the group when you are done. Warning: This section may cause some heated discussions!
Talk about the points below. Think of them from all different angles – your personal opinions as well as how a boss or customer would feel. Share 2 or 3 points with the group when you are done. Warning: This section may cause some heated discussions!
1. Manage your online reputation. This also means
1. Manage your online reputation. This also means
keeping tight privacy settings and passwords
keeping tight privacy settings and passwords
removing all potentially damaging (inappropriate) photos or posts
removing all potentially damaging (inappropriate) photos or posts
2. Don’t use social media at work for personal use! Resist the urge unless you have unpaid breaks when you know it’s ok. Ask about the company policies around social media.
2. Don’t use social media at work for personal use! Resist the urge unless you have unpaid breaks when you know it’s ok. Ask about the company policies around social media.
3. Think about your own image as well as the company’s. Ask yourself if you are supporting or harming the reputation, productivity and security of the workplace.
3. Think about your own image as well as the company’s. Ask yourself if you are supporting or harming the reputation, productivity and security of the workplace.
4. Think twice before being a Facebook friend (or other connection) with your bosses, co-workers, or clients.
4. Think twice before being a Facebook friend (or other connection) with your bosses, co-workers, or clients.
5. Anything negative (or even just teasing) that you post about co-workers, clients or customers may be considered bullying or harassment. It can fall under Workplace Discrimination, Harassment and Human Rights laws – even if you posted it while away from work. You could get fired, or sued.
5. Anything negative (or even just teasing) that you post about co-workers, clients or customers may be considered bullying or harassment. It can fall under Workplace Discrimination, Harassment and Human Rights laws – even if you posted it while away from work. You could get fired, or sued.
Employers are less likely to hire someone who posts
Employers are less likely to hire someone who posts
- references to illegal drug use or alcohol use
- comments that are rude or uses swear words
- comments or stories with poor spelling and grammar
- comments that are negative about people - including bosses or co-workers
- images of risky or partying behavior
- Another Example: ________________________________________
Now for the good news! Employers are more likely to hire someone who posts
Now for the good news! Employers are more likely to hire someone who posts
- positive personality and a professional image
- strong communication skills
- lots of interests and charity or volunteer work
- lists of awards they’ve received
- Another Example: ________________________________________
Take a few minutes to review your own online profiles. Add or delete posts as needed.
Take a few minutes to review your own online profiles. Add or delete posts as needed.
One of your employees called in sick yesterday. You checked their Facebook page. Sure enough, they have posted a photo at the beach with friends dated for yesterday. This is clearly against your workplace policies. What would you do?
One of your employees called in sick yesterday. You checked their Facebook page. Sure enough, they have posted a photo at the beach with friends dated for yesterday. This is clearly against your workplace policies. What would you do?
How do you personally feel knowing that employers often “check up” on people’s online information before hiring? What about while they are employed?
How do you personally feel knowing that employers often “check up” on people’s online information before hiring? What about while they are employed?
Correct Language and Spelling
Correct Language and Spelling
Remember to use correct grammar, punctuation and spelling in your workplace communications. This includes
Remember to use correct grammar, punctuation and spelling in your workplace communications. This includes
- emails, texts, social media
- forms, reports, memos, applications
Key Lessons
Key Lessons
a. Poor spelling and grammar can make a person look unprofessional
a. Poor spelling and grammar can make a person look unprofessional
b. Be professional in all business communication, on any type of device
b. Be professional in all business communication, on any type of device
c. When sending work communications don’t use
c. When sending work communications don’t use
- emoticons
- cute short forms (LOL, TTYL, etc.)
- all capitals (CALL ME NOW)
All workplace communication should look and sound professional. This includes emails or notices, such as invitations to your workplace holiday party. It gets noticed! If you aren’t strong in this field
All workplace communication should look and sound professional. This includes emails or notices, such as invitations to your workplace holiday party. It gets noticed! If you aren’t strong in this field
- use spell check
- have your work proof read by others to check for any errors
- do an Internet search to get ideas for the best wording or related examples
Remember
Remember
Your boss might be looking at your messages and reports. They might be forwarding them to others. You want to make a good impression at all times.
Your boss might be looking at your messages and reports. They might be forwarding them to others. You want to make a good impression at all times.
Where in your community could someone go to get more help with their writing or grammar skills? If you need more information
Where in your community could someone go to get more help with their writing or grammar skills? If you need more information
- search online
- ask the staff at your Soft Skills Solutions training location
Email Communication Activity
Email Communication Activity
Read the following email that was written poorly. Find the mistakes and cross them out. Re-write the email on your own or as a group.
Read the following email that was written poorly. Find the mistakes and cross them out. Re-write the email on your own or as a group.
Consider
Consider
- Does the email sound professional?
- Is it clear and do you understand everything?
- Is all the contact information there?
email tips.pdf
On a piece of paper, re-write the email so that it has better information without errors.
On a piece of paper, re-write the email so that it has better information without errors.
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