Unit 2
Teamwork
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 2 - Teamwork
Unit 2 - Teamwork
In this unit, we will cover:
In this unit, we will cover:
1. The importance of teamwork
1. The importance of teamwork
2. Breakdown of teamwork and the “Silo mentality”
2. Breakdown of teamwork and the “Silo mentality”
3. How to be the team player that everyone wants to work with
3. How to be the team player that everyone wants to work with
4. Working with diverse groups of people
4. Working with diverse groups of people
5. Final Activity
5. Final Activity
Part 1 - The Importance of Teamwork
Part 1 - The Importance of Teamwork
“It is a fact that in the right formation, the lifting power of many wings can achieve twice the distance of any bird flying alone” --Author Unknown
“It is a fact that in the right formation, the lifting power of many wings can achieve twice the distance of any bird flying alone” --Author Unknown
Teamwork is one of the most “asked for” requirements on a job description. Many people don’t know exactly what a good team member is - or does. In this unit, you will learn
Teamwork is one of the most “asked for” requirements on a job description. Many people don’t know exactly what a good team member is - or does. In this unit, you will learn
- what teamwork really means
- how to improve teamwork skills
Key Lessons
Key Lessons
a. Teamwork increases productivity and helps every workplace run smoothly.
a. Teamwork increases productivity and helps every workplace run smoothly.
b. Teamwork is a key skill that must be used on a regular basis.
b. Teamwork is a key skill that must be used on a regular basis.
c. Employers need their employees to be able to
c. Employers need their employees to be able to
- get along with their co-workers
- get the best out of themselves and others
Everyone wins when teams work well together, and people put their personal differences aside. When you work well in a team, you improve productivity and workplace morale.
Everyone wins when teams work well together, and people put their personal differences aside. When you work well in a team, you improve productivity and workplace morale.
As a group, give examples of the many types of teams or working relationships. Use personal experiences about actual work or sports teams, or more general examples.
As a group, give examples of the many types of teams or working relationships. Use personal experiences about actual work or sports teams, or more general examples.
Teams are more than just a group of employees. Teams have a common goal or cause, but a group can be more general. For example, on an airplane there is a flight team (pilot, co-pilot, flight attendants, baggage crew, air traffic controller, etc.), but the passengers on the plane would simply be a group. The flight team has a common goal to arrive safely and make the passengers happy.
Teams are more than just a group of employees. Teams have a common goal or cause, but a group can be more general. For example, on an airplane there is a flight team (pilot, co-pilot, flight attendants, baggage crew, air traffic controller, etc.), but the passengers on the plane would simply be a group. The flight team has a common goal to arrive safely and make the passengers happy.
What are more examples of teams vs. groups? (E.g. Produce department vs. grocery store shoppers or game show contestants such as Family Feud vs. the audience).
What are more examples of teams vs. groups? (E.g. Produce department vs. grocery store shoppers or game show contestants such as Family Feud vs. the audience).
The “Lucy” video shows more than just teamwork. What other employability skills are shown? Discuss as a group what you liked about the 2 workers.
The “Lucy” video shows more than just teamwork. What other employability skills are shown? Discuss as a group what you liked about the 2 workers.
Teamwork Quotes (20 minutes)
Teamwork Quotes (20 minutes)
Instructions
Instructions
1. Read all quotes. Spend approximately 2 minutes discussing each quote. Come to a full agreement on the reasons you like it.
1. Read all quotes. Spend approximately 2 minutes discussing each quote. Come to a full agreement on the reasons you like it.
2. Choose the top 3 quotes your group likes best. Rank them in order.
2. Choose the top 3 quotes your group likes best. Rank them in order.
Quotes
Quotes
1. “Individual commitment to a group effort – that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work a civilization work”. Vince Lombardi
1. “Individual commitment to a group effort – that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work a civilization work”. Vince Lombardi
2. “Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success”. Henry Ford
2. “Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success”. Henry Ford
3. “None of us is as smart as all of us”. Ken Blanchard
3. “None of us is as smart as all of us”. Ken Blanchard
4. “Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take a bus with you when the limo breaks down”. Oprah Winfrey
4. “Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take a bus with you when the limo breaks down”. Oprah Winfrey
5. “A boat doesn’t go forward if everyone is rowing their own way” Swahili Proverb
5. “A boat doesn’t go forward if everyone is rowing their own way” Swahili Proverb
6. “Teamwork, simply stated, is less ME and more WE” Anonymous
6. “Teamwork, simply stated, is less ME and more WE” Anonymous
7. “Teamwork divides the task, and multiplies the success” Anonymous
7. “Teamwork divides the task, and multiplies the success” Anonymous
8. “It is amazing what can be accomplished when nobody cares about who gets the credit” Robert Yates
8. “It is amazing what can be accomplished when nobody cares about who gets the credit” Robert Yates
9. “Sticks in a bundle are unbreakable” Kenyan proverb
9. “Sticks in a bundle are unbreakable” Kenyan proverb
Part 2 - What is a Silo, and Why Do I Need to Care?
Part 2 - What is a Silo, and Why Do I Need to Care?
Most medium and large companies have many different departments. They usually work without much communication between other areas of the company.
Most medium and large companies have many different departments. They usually work without much communication between other areas of the company.
On a construction site for example, it’s common for frontline trades people to have no contact at all with other departments. They just show up to the site and get the job done with their team.
On a construction site for example, it’s common for frontline trades people to have no contact at all with other departments. They just show up to the site and get the job done with their team.
While they do their job, other teams are busy doing other jobs like
While they do their job, other teams are busy doing other jobs like
- ordering supplies
- sending invoices
- drawing up plans
- getting building materials
- writing paycheques
- maintaining equipment
Have you worked in this kind of company? What was it like to try to communicate with other departments?
Have you worked in this kind of company? What was it like to try to communicate with other departments?
Often we don’t even know the staff in different areas of the business, or what it is they do exactly. That is why they are called “silos”.
Often we don’t even know the staff in different areas of the business, or what it is they do exactly. That is why they are called “silos”.
Sometimes it is hard to communicate between silos effectively. Getting information from one silo to another isn’t easy. This is often called “silo” mentality (also called silo vision or silo thinking). One of the biggest trends in business right now, is to deal with this issue and work together better.
Sometimes it is hard to communicate between silos effectively. Getting information from one silo to another isn’t easy. This is often called “silo” mentality (also called silo vision or silo thinking). One of the biggest trends in business right now, is to deal with this issue and work together better.
Employers often look to their employees to think of the whole company as one big team. This helps everything to run more smoothly.
Employers often look to their employees to think of the whole company as one big team. This helps everything to run more smoothly.
The accounting department from head office is coming to your busy store to give you and your staff ideas about how to
The accounting department from head office is coming to your busy store to give you and your staff ideas about how to
- improve business
- lower costs (cut spending)
- learn the new debit and credit system
You and your staff are not very happy about this. In your opinion, they are just “suits” who don’t know what it’s like to work on the “front lines”. How do you handle this?
You and your staff are not very happy about this. In your opinion, they are just “suits” who don’t know what it’s like to work on the “front lines”. How do you handle this?
How Can I Work Better with Silos?
How Can I Work Better with Silos?
Problems arise when the goals of each “silo” are different. If you don’t do what your immediate boss asks, or if you don’t help another team, your job or career will suffer. But, if someone else from another department has a need, you may not see how helping them is important. After all, your boss pays you to do what they need done, not these other people. Do you agree with that?
Problems arise when the goals of each “silo” are different. If you don’t do what your immediate boss asks, or if you don’t help another team, your job or career will suffer. But, if someone else from another department has a need, you may not see how helping them is important. After all, your boss pays you to do what they need done, not these other people. Do you agree with that?
As a dedicated employee, it’s up to you to learn the different areas of the business. Think of the whole company as your team! Pay attention to what can be improved across the business. Be a team player to everyone.
As a dedicated employee, it’s up to you to learn the different areas of the business. Think of the whole company as your team! Pay attention to what can be improved across the business. Be a team player to everyone.
Use the white board or flip chart. As a group, come up with creative examples of what can happen when teamwork breaks down because different departments or groups are not connecting or sharing information. Try to give examples where the consequences are big!
Use the white board or flip chart. As a group, come up with creative examples of what can happen when teamwork breaks down because different departments or groups are not connecting or sharing information. Try to give examples where the consequences are big!
E.g.: Restaurant Hospital/Surgery Construction Site Military attack
E.g.: Restaurant Hospital/Surgery Construction Site Military attack
Part 3 - How to Be the Team Player That Everyone Wants to Work With
Part 3 - How to Be the Team Player That Everyone Wants to Work With
Key Lessons
Key Lessons
Being a good team member doesn’t simply mean being polite and working together in the same space. It means
Being a good team member doesn’t simply mean being polite and working together in the same space. It means
- committing to the project or task
- supporting your team members
- encouraging the development of other team members
- respecting individual differences
If you want to be more of a team player, start by doing the followings things at your next job. Highlight or underline any tips you may need to work on the most.
If you want to be more of a team player, start by doing the followings things at your next job. Highlight or underline any tips you may need to work on the most.
a. Support each other and don’t let one person do an unfair amount of work.
a. Support each other and don’t let one person do an unfair amount of work.
b. Help increase morale. Try to make a pleasant work environment for everyone.
b. Help increase morale. Try to make a pleasant work environment for everyone.
c. Put your own feelings aside when a job needs to get done and the team needs you.
c. Put your own feelings aside when a job needs to get done and the team needs you.
d. Care about the team and its success – even if you don’t love your job.
d. Care about the team and its success – even if you don’t love your job.
e. Show that you respect and care about the needs of the business and/or customers.
e. Show that you respect and care about the needs of the business and/or customers.
f. Show commitment – work late or go the extra mile when needed.
f. Show commitment – work late or go the extra mile when needed.
g. Be flexible – even if it’s not in your job description.
g. Be flexible – even if it’s not in your job description.
h. Don’t leave messes for other people – in the kitchen, at your desk, on the line or on site.
h. Don’t leave messes for other people – in the kitchen, at your desk, on the line or on site.
i. Most importantly: Be positive! No one likes being around the grumpy complainer.
i. Most importantly: Be positive! No one likes being around the grumpy complainer.
Teamwork: Flying in Formation Lessons of the Geese
Teamwork: Flying in Formation Lessons of the Geese
(3:24 length). Discuss key points.
(3:24 length). Discuss key points.
Teamwork Skills Quiz Activity
Teamwork Skills Quiz Activity
All the quiz questions can be done one at a time with the group.
All the quiz questions can be done one at a time with the group.
Eat Your Career
Eat Your Career
“Helping You Create a Nourishing Professional Life.”
“Helping You Create a Nourishing Professional Life.”
Are You a Team Player?
Are You a Team Player?
Letʼs face it: Everyone thinks wants to be a team player. And most people think they are. But we know thatʼs not true. Some people are so consumed with their own work; they forget to support their team—or they flat out donʼt care. It isnʼt always easy to be a part of a team. In fact, itʼs sometimes a real pain! But itʼs an absolute necessity in the workplace. You simply have to be willing to collaborate and pitch in when needed in order to achieve success. After all, if you donʼt help your team, they wonʼt help you. And no one man (or woman) can do it alone!
Letʼs face it: Everyone thinks wants to be a team player. And most people think they are. But we know thatʼs not true. Some people are so consumed with their own work; they forget to support their team—or they flat out donʼt care. It isnʼt always easy to be a part of a team. In fact, itʼs sometimes a real pain! But itʼs an absolute necessity in the workplace. You simply have to be willing to collaborate and pitch in when needed in order to achieve success. After all, if you donʼt help your team, they wonʼt help you. And no one man (or woman) can do it alone!
So, are you really a team player? Or do you just think you are? Take this quiz to find out!
So, are you really a team player? Or do you just think you are? Take this quiz to find out!
Instructions
Instructions
Read each of the following statements. Respond to each by asking yourself if you feel this way:
Read each of the following statements. Respond to each by asking yourself if you feel this way:
Most of the Time = Give yourself 3 points
Sometimes = Give yourself 2 points
Never = Give yourself 1 point
Most of the Time = Give yourself 3 points
Sometimes = Give yourself 2 points
Never = Give yourself 1 point
(Notice there is no option for ALL the time – thatʼs just not realistic!)
(Notice there is no option for ALL the time – thatʼs just not realistic!)
1. When I see my teammates struggling, I offer to help even when Iʼm busy with my own work. ______
1. When I see my teammates struggling, I offer to help even when Iʼm busy with my own work. ______
2. When a task needs to be done and no one else wants to do it, I volunteer. ______
2. When a task needs to be done and no one else wants to do it, I volunteer. ______
3. I always offer my opinion but I am willing to compromise for the good of the team. ______
3. I always offer my opinion but I am willing to compromise for the good of the team. ______
4. When everyone else is working late on a project Iʼm involved with, I will usually stick around too. ______
4. When everyone else is working late on a project Iʼm involved with, I will usually stick around too. ______
5. When I receive praise, I am quick to share credit with my teammates. ______
5. When I receive praise, I am quick to share credit with my teammates. ______
6. I feel that team goals are just as important as my individual goals. ______
6. I feel that team goals are just as important as my individual goals. ______
7. I want to see my fellow team members succeed. ______
7. I want to see my fellow team members succeed. ______
8. I enjoy working with the people on my team. ______
8. I enjoy working with the people on my team. ______
9. I respect the people on my team and appreciate their unique opinions, perspectives and ways of doing things.___
9. I respect the people on my team and appreciate their unique opinions, perspectives and ways of doing things.___
10. I feel that my work is better when Iʼm working with my team. ______
10. I feel that my work is better when Iʼm working with my team. ______
Click to score your answers:
Click to score your answers:
If you have 25 to 30 points:
If you have 25 to 30 points:
Congratulations! Youʼve got teamwork down to a science. You recognize the importance of supporting and contributing to your team. Youʼve built some strong relationships, established a reputation for being a hard worker, and youʼve really got your priorities straight. Your teammates certainly appreciate it. By building, and being a part of, a strong team, you can feel confident that your career future is bright. You have a network of colleagues who know and respect your work – and thatʼs a huge benefit in the professional world. Youʼve also got people who will support you when you need a little help. More than likely, you wonʼt even have to ask. When you need it, your team will be there.
Congratulations! Youʼve got teamwork down to a science. You recognize the importance of supporting and contributing to your team. Youʼve built some strong relationships, established a reputation for being a hard worker, and youʼve really got your priorities straight. Your teammates certainly appreciate it. By building, and being a part of, a strong team, you can feel confident that your career future is bright. You have a network of colleagues who know and respect your work – and thatʼs a huge benefit in the professional world. Youʼve also got people who will support you when you need a little help. More than likely, you wonʼt even have to ask. When you need it, your team will be there.
If you have 20 to 24 points:
If you have 20 to 24 points:
Well done! Youʼre on your way to being a truly strong team player. Right now, youʼre a team player some of the time. While thatʼs perfectly acceptable, itʼs not ideal. Your team needs to depend on you. They need to know that youʼre a part of the team always. Contributing only occasionally might even be counterproductive. After all, you want to show that youʼre a loyal and enthusiastic member, not just a “fair weather” friend. Look at this list of questions again and consider where you could do more to show your support for the team. Youʼre so close – just put in that small, added effort and the results will be dramatic.
Well done! Youʼre on your way to being a truly strong team player. Right now, youʼre a team player some of the time. While thatʼs perfectly acceptable, itʼs not ideal. Your team needs to depend on you. They need to know that youʼre a part of the team always. Contributing only occasionally might even be counterproductive. After all, you want to show that youʼre a loyal and enthusiastic member, not just a “fair weather” friend. Look at this list of questions again and consider where you could do more to show your support for the team. Youʼre so close – just put in that small, added effort and the results will be dramatic.
If you have 10 to 19 points:
If you have 10 to 19 points:
Ok, how do I put this gently…? You probably wonʼt be voted MVP anytime soon. You might be one of those people who think theyʼre a team player but really, youʼre not quite following through on the actions. You answered “sometimes” or “never” quite a bit on this test. Maybe youʼre getting along just fine this way – youʼre doing your job and getting things done. But remember that being a part of a strong team can be an incredible asset in the future. You may be doing fine right now, but once you hit a rough patch, where will you be?
Ok, how do I put this gently…? You probably wonʼt be voted MVP anytime soon. You might be one of those people who think theyʼre a team player but really, youʼre not quite following through on the actions. You answered “sometimes” or “never” quite a bit on this test. Maybe youʼre getting along just fine this way – youʼre doing your job and getting things done. But remember that being a part of a strong team can be an incredible asset in the future. You may be doing fine right now, but once you hit a rough patch, where will you be?
If youʼve been contributing and supporting your team, theyʼll step up and help you when things are tough. But if youʼve been more concerned with doing your own thing, watch out. You might not have anyone to lean on when you need it. Iʼm not saying being a little selfish is always bad. But remember that a team relationship is reciprocal. You give some; you get some. Take a good look at this list and see what kinds of things youʼre failing to do on a regular basis. Maybe itʼs time to step it up a bit and focus on helping your team.
If youʼve been contributing and supporting your team, theyʼll step up and help you when things are tough. But if youʼve been more concerned with doing your own thing, watch out. You might not have anyone to lean on when you need it. Iʼm not saying being a little selfish is always bad. But remember that a team relationship is reciprocal. You give some; you get some. Take a good look at this list and see what kinds of things youʼre failing to do on a regular basis. Maybe itʼs time to step it up a bit and focus on helping your team.
How to Be Part of a High-Performance Team While Showing Leadership Qualities
How to Be Part of a High-Performance Team While Showing Leadership Qualities
Even if you are not a supervisor or manager, you can be a more involved team player. Get noticed by:
Even if you are not a supervisor or manager, you can be a more involved team player. Get noticed by:
a. Dealing with problems by coming up with solutions.
a. Dealing with problems by coming up with solutions.
b. Encouraging and promoting teamwork – ask, “How can we work together?”
b. Encouraging and promoting teamwork – ask, “How can we work together?”
c. Motivating others - say “We can do this!”
c. Motivating others - say “We can do this!”
d. Being positive – with your attitude, words and body language.
d. Being positive – with your attitude, words and body language.
e. Being careful about what you say. Don’t complain about work, co-workers, or bosses
e. Being careful about what you say. Don’t complain about work, co-workers, or bosses
f. Negotiating and compromising; think of win-win solutions.
f. Negotiating and compromising; think of win-win solutions.
g. Keeping your image at work professional – the way you dress, speak and behave are all noticed.
g. Keeping your image at work professional – the way you dress, speak and behave are all noticed.
h. Communicating respectfully with employees at all levels -never talk down to anyone.
h. Communicating respectfully with employees at all levels -never talk down to anyone.
Read the following 5 points and rank them from 1 -5 in terms of importance.
Read the following 5 points and rank them from 1 -5 in terms of importance.
Be a Team Player
Be a Team Player
___ Get things done - don’t procrastinate
___ Get things done - don’t procrastinate
___ Look for solutions - don’t blame others
___ Look for solutions - don’t blame others
___ Recognize others and their work - don’t take all the credit
___ Recognize others and their work - don’t take all the credit
___ Identify the positive things about your team - don’t be negative about your team
___ Identify the positive things about your team - don’t be negative about your team
___ Ask: What can I contribute to help make the team successful?
___ Ask: What can I contribute to help make the team successful?
How to Be the Team Player That Everyone Wants to Work With (30 minutes)
How to Be the Team Player That Everyone Wants to Work With (30 minutes)
Instructions
Instructions
- Answer the questions on the page.
- Take up as a group.
1. Pitch in On the Small Stuff
1. Pitch in On the Small Stuff
Do you ever leave the copy machine empty of paper, or take the last cup of coffee? If you do, co-workers may not see you as part of the team. If they can't rely on you to help out with the little jobs at work, they won't rely on you for help with projects or heavy work. Help with any small job if you see a need.
Do you ever leave the copy machine empty of paper, or take the last cup of coffee? If you do, co-workers may not see you as part of the team. If they can't rely on you to help out with the little jobs at work, they won't rely on you for help with projects or heavy work. Help with any small job if you see a need.
Do you agree with this? Yes ___ No___ Why? ________________________________________________
Do you agree with this? Yes ___ No___ Why? ________________________________________________
Give examples of small jobs that you have helped out with at work or school.
Give examples of small jobs that you have helped out with at work or school.
2. Be Reliable
2. Be Reliable
Part of being a team player is being someone that others can count on. Show up to work on time, meet deadlines, and do what you said you would do. Reliable and consistent performance will impress your boss and teammates, and your loyalty will be returned.
Part of being a team player is being someone that others can count on. Show up to work on time, meet deadlines, and do what you said you would do. Reliable and consistent performance will impress your boss and teammates, and your loyalty will be returned.
Do you agree with this? Yes ___ No___ Why? ________________________________________________
Do you agree with this? Yes ___ No___ Why? ________________________________________________
Give an example when someone at work let you down.
Give an example when someone at work let you down.
3. Get to Know Your Co-workers
3. Get to Know Your Co-workers
Knowing a bit about your co-workers may help you to be more considerate. For example, if you know a co-worker has to leave early to attend a child's championship game, you could help out by staying later to cover his shift. They may return the favour.
Knowing a bit about your co-workers may help you to be more considerate. For example, if you know a co-worker has to leave early to attend a child's championship game, you could help out by staying later to cover his shift. They may return the favour.
Do you agree with this? Yes ___ No___ Why? ________________________________________________
Do you agree with this? Yes ___ No___ Why? ________________________________________________
Give an example when someone had your back.
Give an example when someone had your back.
4. Learn Flexibility
4. Learn Flexibility
Be flexible enough to try something new. Come in a little early or stay late to help meet a group goal. Being flexible shows willingness to do what's best for the team.
Be flexible enough to try something new. Come in a little early or stay late to help meet a group goal. Being flexible shows willingness to do what's best for the team.
Do you agree with this? Yes ___ No___ Why? _______________________________________________
Do you agree with this? Yes ___ No___ Why? _______________________________________________
Give an example when you showed flexibility at work. What was the result?
Give an example when you showed flexibility at work. What was the result?
5. Respect Your Co-workers
5. Respect Your Co-workers
Don't gossip or make fun of co-workers. Co-workers won't trust someone that mocks them behind their backs. Treat them the way you would like to be treated.
Don't gossip or make fun of co-workers. Co-workers won't trust someone that mocks them behind their backs. Treat them the way you would like to be treated.
Do you agree with this? Yes ___ No___ Why? _______________________________________________
Do you agree with this? Yes ___ No___ Why? _______________________________________________
What advice would you give to a co-worker who doesn’t like someone assigned to their team?
What advice would you give to a co-worker who doesn’t like someone assigned to their team?
6. Share
6. Share
Share your information and expertise. This includes knowledge of the business, customers, etc. Also, share your resources – including your paper, stapler or nails, even when it may be inconvenient.
Share your information and expertise. This includes knowledge of the business, customers, etc. Also, share your resources – including your paper, stapler or nails, even when it may be inconvenient.
Do you agree with this? Yes ___ No___ Why? _______________________________________________
Do you agree with this? Yes ___ No___ Why? _______________________________________________
What are “resources” that you might share at your place of work? Or, what would you never share and why?
What are “resources” that you might share at your place of work? Or, what would you never share and why?
7. Set the Example
7. Set the Example
Don’t worry if someone isn’t always doing their job or doesn’t seem to care. Simply decide to set the example and show your team members what hard work, passion and dedication looks like. You will be noticed, even when you think no one is watching.
Don’t worry if someone isn’t always doing their job or doesn’t seem to care. Simply decide to set the example and show your team members what hard work, passion and dedication looks like. You will be noticed, even when you think no one is watching.
Do you agree with this? Yes ___ No___ Why? _______________________________________________
Do you agree with this? Yes ___ No___ Why? _______________________________________________
Have you ever looked up to someone at work? What did you like about that person?
Have you ever looked up to someone at work? What did you like about that person?
Give an example when you had to work with a team member who wasn’t pulling their weight. How did you handle it?
Give an example when you had to work with a team member who wasn’t pulling their weight. How did you handle it?
Employers want “team players”. They rate it as one of the most important qualities and characteristics of their current (and future) employees. Why is this so?
Employers want “team players”. They rate it as one of the most important qualities and characteristics of their current (and future) employees. Why is this so?
Part 4 - Working Well with Diverse Groups
Part 4 - Working Well with Diverse Groups
Key Lessons
Key Lessons
Being able to work well with all types of people is important to you, as well as your team and the company. Your success in the workplace is a direct result of your ability to relate well and work well with other people!
Being able to work well with all types of people is important to you, as well as your team and the company. Your success in the workplace is a direct result of your ability to relate well and work well with other people!
First, let’s try to understand what diversity means. It doesn’t just mean people from different countries or different skin colours.
First, let’s try to understand what diversity means. It doesn’t just mean people from different countries or different skin colours.
What are some of the many ways that people differ? List responses on the white board or flip chart.
What are some of the many ways that people differ? List responses on the white board or flip chart.
Thought for the day
Thought for the day
Take a moment and ask yourself to imagine life with every person having everything in common with you.
Take a moment and ask yourself to imagine life with every person having everything in common with you.
The Importance of Diversity
The Importance of Diversity
It is important to accept and embrace diversity in your workplace. Diversity makes life more interesting and fun. It helps us grow and learn new things. Diversity considers how unique we are. Diversity is the mix of people who have different
It is important to accept and embrace diversity in your workplace. Diversity makes life more interesting and fun. It helps us grow and learn new things. Diversity considers how unique we are. Diversity is the mix of people who have different
- backgrounds
- appearances
- perspectives
- abilities
- values
- beliefs
When you have a welcoming and diverse workplace you
When you have a welcoming and diverse workplace you
- gain a greater understanding of those you work for and with
- have a better understanding of different viewpoints
- are more open minded
- have increased employee productivity
- have less staff turnover – people want to work for an inclusive and welcoming employer
- have increased workplace morale – people need a safe and happy workplace
- have improved customer service and relationships
- have reduced complaints and grievances
Being inclusive and accepting of all people directly affects your success at work.
Being inclusive and accepting of all people directly affects your success at work.
You have 3 employees who have been giggling and whispering about a new staff person because he is gay. He has not complained – yet – but you assume he has noticed. You have talked to them once, but it didn’t work. You can’t afford to fire them and train new staff. You also can’t afford a law suit if he sues you. You really need him, and his skills. What can you do?
You have 3 employees who have been giggling and whispering about a new staff person because he is gay. He has not complained – yet – but you assume he has noticed. You have talked to them once, but it didn’t work. You can’t afford to fire them and train new staff. You also can’t afford a law suit if he sues you. You really need him, and his skills. What can you do?
Cultural Diversity - Avoid Stereotypes (1:50)
Cultural Diversity - Avoid Stereotypes (1:50)
View and discuss as a group
View and discuss as a group
Workplaces are becoming more and more culturally diverse. Canada’s immigrants arrive with a wide range of skills and abilities. We need these workers to boost our economy.
Workplaces are becoming more and more culturally diverse. Canada’s immigrants arrive with a wide range of skills and abilities. We need these workers to boost our economy.
Here’s why:
Here’s why:
1. Aging population – our baby boomers are retiring. There will not be enough workers to fill those skilled jobs unless we continue with our immigration strategies.
1. Aging population – our baby boomers are retiring. There will not be enough workers to fill those skilled jobs unless we continue with our immigration strategies.
2. Global markets – since we are more multi-cultural than ever before, it makes sense that we want all people to do business with us. If we are not a diverse workplace, people will go elsewhere.
2. Global markets – since we are more multi-cultural than ever before, it makes sense that we want all people to do business with us. If we are not a diverse workplace, people will go elsewhere.
3. New technologies and systems – employees from around the world bring excellent ideas and technologies to our workplaces. This helps us find new and better ways to get the job done
3. New technologies and systems – employees from around the world bring excellent ideas and technologies to our workplaces. This helps us find new and better ways to get the job done
Workplace Discrimination
Workplace Discrimination
Workplace Discrimination includes:
Workplace Discrimination includes:
a. Harassment – constantly picking on one person or a group of people
a. Harassment – constantly picking on one person or a group of people
b. Sexual harassment – making unwanted verbal or physical advances of a sexual nature towards a person
b. Sexual harassment – making unwanted verbal or physical advances of a sexual nature towards a person
c. Bullying – joking about someone, yelling, teasing, name-calling or various other behaviours
c. Bullying – joking about someone, yelling, teasing, name-calling or various other behaviours
d. Stereotyping – believing something is true for all members of a group
d. Stereotyping – believing something is true for all members of a group
e. Insensitivity – ignoring the concerns of people who feel they are being discriminated against
e. Insensitivity – ignoring the concerns of people who feel they are being discriminated against
f. Another example: ___________________________________________________________
f. Another example: ___________________________________________________________
Everyone is responsible for workplace behaviour. It doesn’t matter what your job title is, it’s your job to speak up if you see or hear
Everyone is responsible for workplace behaviour. It doesn’t matter what your job title is, it’s your job to speak up if you see or hear
- discrimination
- prejudice
- harassment
- bullying
We can’t change people’s attitudes easily. However, we can stop or change behaviours that are not appropriate. A good team member will work hard to be inclusive. They will help others to be more sensitive to others.
We can’t change people’s attitudes easily. However, we can stop or change behaviours that are not appropriate. A good team member will work hard to be inclusive. They will help others to be more sensitive to others.
Team Building Activity -
Virtual Back-2-Back Drawing
Team Building Activity -
Virtual Back-2-Back Drawing
Instructions:
Instructions:
- As a group, participants will decide on one of the drawings below to use in the activity. If this is being presented virtually, the facilitator will give the participants 1 minute of privacy to decide.
- Each participant will take turns giving instructions to the facilitator to complete the drawing on a whiteboard. For example: 'starting one inch from the left bottom corner draw a straight line approximately 2 inches in length, going up."
Drawing 1
Drawing 2
Drawing 3
Drawing 4
More to Work With - Teamwork
More to Work With - Teamwork
Purpose of activity: To understand how employability skills are needed in every job, even when the employer doesn’t identify them.
Purpose of activity: To understand how employability skills are needed in every job, even when the employer doesn’t identify them.
Instructions
Instructions
1. Look at a job posting from any website and see what soft skills are already listed.
1. Look at a job posting from any website and see what soft skills are already listed.
2. Add at least 5 employability skills to help someone understand the job better.
2. Add at least 5 employability skills to help someone understand the job better.
3. Think about what the employer is really looking for outside of technical skills. Even if you don’t know a lot about that kind of job, you will have an idea about that industry or field of work.
3. Think about what the employer is really looking for outside of technical skills. Even if you don’t know a lot about that kind of job, you will have an idea about that industry or field of work.
Part 5 - Final Activity
Part 5 - Final Activity
Read and answer the following questions:
Read and answer the following questions:
The restaurant where you work as a hostess is having a very busy supper hour. Two of the 3 bus people who clear the tables are away with the flu and two of the servers are sick as well.
The restaurant where you work as a hostess is having a very busy supper hour. Two of the 3 bus people who clear the tables are away with the flu and two of the servers are sick as well.
What should you do to show you are a team player?
What should you do to show you are a team player?
What communication skills did you use?
What communication skills did you use?
How will your actions benefit you?
How will your actions benefit you?
Congratulations!
You have completed
Unit 2: Teamwork
Congratulations!
You have completed
Unit 2: Teamwork