Embedded Files
Unit 5
Unit 5
Success On The Job
Success On The Job
Managing and adapting to change
Personal branding
Networking - building your ‘social capital’
Making a professional impression
Work ethics
Managing stress at work
Time management at work
Embracing continuous learning
Rights and responsibilities at work
First few weeks on the job
Goal setting
Goal and Habit Setting
Goal and Habit Setting
Let’s go back to day 1 when we asked you to make a goal for this program and install one habit. What was the goal? What was the habit?
How did that go?
Managing and Adapting to Change
Managing and Adapting to Change
Key Lesson
Key Lesson
Change is constant
Embracing and adapting to change reduces stress
There are things you can change and things you cannot
A global example of change is the effects that COVID-19 had on the world. Individuals, schools, companies, and the Government all had to change very quickly. Some were able to pivot quickly, while others took a very long time to adapt to the ever-changing world around them.
Many people do not like change, so when change is forced or happens without your input, it could cause some negativity and stress.
Tips to Help Embrace Change Effectively
Tips to Help Embrace Change Effectively
Recognize that change is constant
Gather information
Communicate with others positively about the change
Have patience and be flexible
Ask to be part of the change
Reduce your stress by using stress management tools
Be curious about the change
Have an open mind
See things from another perspective, think why the change has to happen
List all the good things that will happen because of the change
The following is a list of issues that companies face all the time. Some are positive and some are negative. All of them mean that the workplace needs to change and adapt.
Give examples if you have had to deal with any of these:
Give examples if you have had to deal with any of these:
a. The move to a remote working environment
b. Technological changes and updates – equipment, computers, cell phones, etc.
c. Increased competition for cheaper/faster/better systems from around the world.
d. The need to be more environmentally friendly.
e. Having to join, separate or downsize different departments or operations.
f. Lower or higher profits than expected.
g. Staff changes - including hiring/firing, promotions, maternity, parental and sick leave.
h. The need to cut back on spending.
i. The demand for new training and higher skill levels in the workplace.
j. The demand to meet health, safety and security regulations.
k. Other? Please list __________________________________________________
What you can change in your world and what you cannot.
Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.
Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.
-George Bernard Shaw
-George Bernard Shaw
How to Deal with Change at Work: 3 Steps to Success - YouTube
Did you know that it took airlines 68 years to gain 50 million users? 62 years for cars to have 50 million users, 50 years for 50 million users to have a phone, 22 years for 50 million users to own a TV, 12 years for 50 million people to own a cell phone, 2 years for 50 million users to use Facebook. How long do you think it took Pokémon Go to get 50 million users?
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Personal Branding
Personal Branding
What is a personal brand and why is it important to have a brand?
What is a personal brand and why is it important to have a brand?
Your personal brand is the combination of your skills, abilities and values related to work and your career.
You need to have a good understanding of what you have to offer an employer.
Marketing yourself does not stop once you secure your job. It is important when you are seeking a job, as well as when you are on the job.
Personal Branding – Develop Your Own “Elevator Speech”
A personal brand is an important tool for today’s job seeker. You may also hear terms used like, 30 second summary or power pitch.
Creating a clear positive pitch can help you when seeking a new job or a promotion. It is also helpful if you are promoting your company or products to others.
A pitch will help you be prepared to tell others what your skills are. You don’t want to be caught off-guard with an answer like “Well, uh, I can do just about anything. I used to work for Meg’s MegaStore”. No one will know what your skills are, and how they can help you.
1. Define your skills.
2. Write them down on paper.
3. Practice stating your skills.
A good pitch takes planning and practice to deliver it on the spot, and under pressure.
A Good Pitch Will Share:
Who you are. What you do. Why you’d be a perfect candidate - your true strengths.
What you are most passionate about.
Your skills or benefits to an employer – clearly state your unique strengths and attributes. Include some of the many soft skills you have explored during this course.
A goal (or ask). For example: “Can we set up a meeting?” “Can I send you my résumé?”
How to create your elevator pitch for networking - YouTube
Networking - Building Your ‘Social Capital’
Networking - Building Your ‘Social Capital’
Key Lesson
Key Lesson
Building your social capital is important for many things, including finding a job
You can use networking to find anything in life, for example: a plumber, a daycare, friends, a job, a car, vacations and more
A common statement is “It is not what you know, it is who you know
Let’s Discuss the common statement: it is not what you know, it is who you know.
Why is networking important?
How would you start a networking conversation?
Hint: Compliment the person authentically about something; you can use your small talk handout
Making a Professional Impression at Work
Making a Professional Impression at Work
Key Lessons
Key Lessons
Making a professional impression at work is important for your career
You can improve your professional image
Keeping your professional image in and out of work is important
1. What are the core workplace or professional strengths that you have now? (E.g. organized, well-presented, pleasant with customers, etc.)
2. What do you need to do to improve your professional image? (E.g. monitor what you say more carefully, spend a few more minutes getting ready every day, update wardrobe, etc.)
3. What (if anything) is getting in the way of you improving your professional image? List any possible ways to solve it.
Most companies have the right to terminate or discipline someone who damages their reputation. It doesn’t matter if this happens at work or on their own time. Discuss ways that someone can damage a reputation by their “on” or “off” work behaviours.
Dressing for Success
Dressing for Success
The move to working remotely during the pandemic and a hybrid working option post-pandemic changed the way people dress for work. The dress code is now much more flexible in most workplaces As we move through remote, hybrid, and in-person working conditions expectations are changing quickly.
A good time to ask your new employer about the dress code is after you accept the job. When the employer is letting you know your hours of work, where you will be located, etc., you can ask what the dress code for this position is.
No matter the dress code, always
wear clean clothes
be showered and well groomed
wear little or no fragrance (many offices have fragrance free zones)
check if your employer allows you to wear pajama or track pants
There is not one professional image picture that will fit all workplaces.
Discuss what to wear in the following workplaces:
Construction site
Medical office
Hospital
Retail store
Lawyers’ office
Daycare
Work Ethics
Work Ethics
Key Lessons
Key Lessons
It takes courage and confidence to be an ethical person. It means doing the right thing even when it isn't popular or easy, and no one is looking
Actions speak louder than words. Make sure you do as you would want others to do.
A good work ethic is all about rolling up your sleeves to work your hardest with honesty and integrity.
Employers keep and promote employees who display a good work ethic.
Being ethical means being willing to admit when you have done something wrong. It means accepting the consequences of your actions.
Discuss
Discuss
1. What does work ethic mean to you?
2. What motivates people to have a good work ethic?
3. What stops some people from having a good work ethic?
An employee has been told they are being put on probation for one or more of the reasons below. Go through each issue and come up with appropriate responses that the employee could provide without blaming anyone else.
These are actual issues that employers most often have to discipline their staff for doing.
Not following safety regulations
Taking extra smoke breaks
Personal cell phone use
Poor quality of work
Arriving late or leaving early
Customer service complaints
Lack of co-operation with the team
Not following dress code
Are You Ethically Challenged Quiz From EatYourCareer.Com Chrissy Scivicque
Are You Ethically Challenged Quiz From EatYourCareer.Com Chrissy Scivicque
Ethics are the morals or codes you follow at work and home. You may call them your values, principles or standards.
For some people, ethics are black and white. For others, there are all kinds of grey areas. You might live by a strict moral code. Maybe you just go on gut instinct. No matter how you define your ethics, it’s important to do your job with integrity. This means your decisions and actions are based on your values and principles. Do you have a commitment to integrity? Do you act with high ethical standards in the workplace? What guides you in your decision-making process?
Take a few minutes to consider your ethics. Are you conducting yourself in a way that you can be proud of. Do you need to re-think your ethics? Take this quiz and find out!
Instructions
Instructions
Read each situation.
Choose the answer that most closely represents what you would do.
Write your answers down on a piece of paper.
1. You are concerned that a co-worker is lying on their time card. Even though it doesn’t impact you directly, it still makes you angry. Do you:
a. Sneak a peek at their confidential files to find out? After all, if they’re lying, you could save the company a lot of money by getting them fired.
b. Discuss your concerns with your supervisor and let them handle the situation?
c. Pretend you know nothing about it? It really isn’t your business anyway.
2. After making you promise not to tell anyone, a co-worker confides in you that they are being sexually harassed by a superior. Do you:
a. Keep your promise but approach the person who has been harassing them? You let them know that you won’t stand for this and if they don’t stop, your co-worker will sue.
b. Explain that you can’t keep your promise and report the issue to Human Resources to investigate?
c. Provide her with personal support and keep your promise?
3. Your supervisor asks you to sign off on a report that you don’t really understand. Do you:
a. Sign it? If your boss asks you, it must be fine.
b. Ask someone with more knowledge to help explain the information in the report? Once you are comfortable with it, you’ll be happy to sign off.
c. Tell your boss that you can’t sign it? If the document is valid, why can’t they sign it themselves?
4. Your friend is going on a business trip to London. They invite you to tag along. You really want to go but you don’t have the vacation hours. Do you:
a. Call in sick for a few days? They can’t argue with the flu.
b. Tell your supervisor about the opportunity and ask if you can take unpaid leave? If not, you’ll just wait until next time.
c. Tell your boss that there was a family emergency and you had to go to London? Hey, it’s half-true! This is the kind of opportunity doesn’t happen every day.
5. A potential client asks a question that, if you tell the truth, will make you lose the sale. Do you
a. Tell a little white lie? You need this sale. There’s no way you’re letting it go now.
b. Explain the truth of the matter and offer solutions as best you can?
c. Dodge the issue and try to be vague in your answer? There’s no sense in wasting all the time you’ve already spent with this customer.
Review your answers.
If A’s Appear Most on Your List
It’s time to re-evaluate your ethics. You might think you’re doing all the right things. Having integrity sometimes means doing the difficult thing. You need to think carefully when facing difficult situations.
At times, you might avoid the ethical solution because it’s harder than the alternative. And let’s face it: even a white lie is still a lie. Stop trying to fool yourself. If you aren’t careful, you could end up in serious trouble. Having “flexible” ethics isn’t a respected value in the professional world and you could easily get taken advantage of. Watch out and shape up.
If B’s Appear Most on Your List
Congratulations! You appear to have strong ethics. You know how to handle difficult situations. You’re not afraid of doing the right thing—no matter how difficult it is. You also seem to understand the value of professional integrity. Don’t let go of that! Others will respect you for it. In the end, you’ll have more success because of it.
If C’s Appear Most on Your List
Newsflash: Ignoring ethical dilemmas doesn’t make them go away!
Stop trying to avoid the issues—you aren’t fooling anyone. The excuse that “it’s not your business” doesn’t work. This is especially true with important matters that can have serious outcomes. You have a responsibility to your company, your co-workers, and your superiors to confront issues in a professional, ethical way. Ignoring when others are acting inappropriately is another way of condoning their behavior.
You don’t have to shout your protest from the rooftops. However, you do need to call attention to the problem. It isn’t up to you to fix it, but bringing a supervisor into the situation will help. And remember, there’s no justification for lying. Be careful with those little “oversights” and “fibs.” They may come back to haunt you.
Unethical Behaviours Include
Unethical Behaviours Include
taking credit for work you didn’t do
ruining or slowing down someone else’s work on purpose
lying, faking or falsifying records or documents
failing to report a “conflict of interest”
taking a bribe
damaging property or being careless with items that belong to someone else
pretending a product or service is better than it is, to get the sale
selling a product knowing it isn’t good quality or appropriate for the customer
breaking confidentiality rules
leaking information about the business, clients or patients
working under the influence of drugs or alcohol
sleeping on the job
looking for a new job during company time
bullying, harassing, teasing or any other type of mistreatment of others at work
Workplace Theft Includes
Workplace Theft Includes
helping yourself to work supplies for use at home
claiming false expenses, hours of work/time sheets, mileage, etc.
calling in sick when you aren’t sick – taking a day for personal fun
downloading software without approval or a proper license
using the company equipment, tools, vehicles, computers, phones, printers, etc. for personal use (unless it is approved of and is a standard company practice/policy)
Managing Stress at Work
Managing Stress at Work
Key Lessons
Key Lessons
Everyone has stress – it is normal.
Some stress is healthy stress – it motivates action. Having no stress can lead to boredom and depression. Too much stress can lead to anxiety and ill health. There is an optimum amount of stress that each individual can tolerate. We are all different in the way we respond to and handle stressful situations. You can reduce your stress if you can identify the causes and find ways to cope with them.
There has been increased stress and anxiety due to major changes in the way we live, work, go to school and socialize. The way we respond to stressful situation is very important to maintain balanced mental health.
The Stress Bucket - YouTube
Helpful ways responding and dealing with stressful situations
Excitement and feeling anxious have the same physiological effects. Imagine waiting in line for a roller coaster, it is really big and looks scary but you really want to go. Close your eyes and imagine this; how does it feel? Sometimes you might be excited about something but confuse this with feeling anxious.
List other ways you can reduce stress at work.
Every time you go to work there is a co-worker who is constantly “stressing you out” – asking did you do this, can you help me with this, there is a customer over there that needs help, can you refill the cups and on and on. It causes you stress just thinking about going to work. What can you do to reduce your worry and your stress when you get to work?
Working While Undergoing Stress at Home
Working While Undergoing Stress at Home
Talk to your supervisor – keep things professional; you do not need to tell them everything
Take some time off – maybe take some vacation days and sort things out
Get support outside of work or maybe your work has an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that you can find help. You may need to talk to the HR department
Don’t talk to you co-workers in depth about your issues at home. You can let them know that you are going through some stress at home, but not everyone wants all the details
Focus on work while you are there – maybe start a new project that you can get excited about
Practice mindfulness (from unit 1)
Get enough sleep – go to bed early
Eat healthy food
Time Management at Work
Time Management at Work
“Imagine there is a bank account that credits your account each morning with $86,400. It carries over no balance from day to day. Every evening the bank deletes whatever part of the balance you failed to use during the day. What would you do? Draw out every cent, of course.. Each of us has such a bank, its name is time. Every morning, it credits you 86,400 seconds. Every night it writes off, at a loss, whatever you failed to invest to a good purpose. It carries over no balance. It allows no overdraft. Each day it opens a new account for you. Each night it burns the remains of the day. If you fail to use the day's deposits, the loss is yours. There is no drawing against "tomorrow". You must live in the present on today's deposits. Invest it so as to get from it the utmost in health, happiness, and health. The clock is running. Make the most of today.” ---Mark Levy
Time is precious and needs to be managed effectively to get the best out of your day.
One way to organize and plan your day is using the “Eisenhower Decision Matrix”.
Give examples of how this can be used in everyday to reduce stress and anxiety and stay focused and positive.
Have to eat lunch because I am tired and actually low on blood sugar; I have to get to work on time and have only 5 minutes; I also have to clean my room, do laundry, and get gas for the car; I have a great book I want to read and helps me relax.
How can you organize the above into the boxes of the matrix?
How To Better Manage Your Time - 5 Simple And Applicable Ways. - YouTube
How To Better Manage Your Time - 5 Simple And Applicable Ways. - YouTube
List 5 ways to manage your time.
Why We Don’t Get Things Done? Biggest Time Wasters (10 minutes)
As a group, list some time wasters people can experience on the way to work, and at work. Then, list some easy strategies to deal with these problems.
Embracing Continuous Learning
Embracing Continuous Learning
Key Lessons
Key Lessons
Jobs are constantly changing and evolving.
You need to grow and learn new things.
This isn’t just to better yourself, but to be a more valued employee.
The Importance of Training for Everyone
The Importance of Training for Everyone
Whatever you are planning for your future, there are so many benefits to personal and professional development. Here’s why:
a. You’re never too old to learn something new. New skills and knowledge improve confidence!
b. Workplace needs are always changing – especially around technology and the environment.
c. Companies sometimes have to lay off staff or close their doors – without any warning! Be ready with solid skills that transfer over to a new job.
d. Most people rely on their jobs to earn a living. It only makes sense to find out what kind of training could improve skills to make even more money!
e. Be in demand. Get the skills that are needed now, and in the future. Don’t hang on to the past. Keep moving forward and step out of comfort zones.
f. Relying only on your good attendance or positive attitude to get a raise or a promotion isn’t as easy as it once was. People need to have more to offer employers.
Write down anything from the list that you think is important for you personally.
Write down anything from the list that you think is important for you personally.
What are the benefits of continuous learning?
What are the benefits of continuous learning?
a. Potential for earning more money!
b. Improved performance - the more you learn about something, the better you will be at it.
c. Increased value to your employer - the more you know and can do, the more you can contribute to the success of your organization.
d. More career flexibility - it will be easier for you to move in new directions when you want to or need to – either in or outside your current company or town.
e. Better able to compete for jobs.
f. Higher self-esteem and motivation – learning makes you feel better about yourself.
g. More creativity.
What are some things that get in the way of learning something new, or taking a course or training? Discuss as a group.
Rights and Responsibilities at Work
Rights and Responsibilities at Work
Key lessons
Key lessons
You have certain rights and responsibilities in the workplace
It will be helpful to review Ontario Labour Laws to ensure you know your rights and responsibilities
Be aware of your rights when it comes to
Be aware of your rights when it comes to
Harassment – Constantly making comments or actions that the person knows you don't like.
Sexual Harassment – making unwanted verbal or physical advances of a sexual nature towards you (whether you are present or not)
Bullying is usually seen as acts or verbal comments that could physically, psychologically or 'mentally' hurt or isolate you in the workplace.
Stereotyping is making assumptions about you based on a group that you belong to
Insensitivity – ignoring concerns that you have of other co-workers
Microaggressions – a statement, action, or incident regarded as an instance of indirect, subtle, sometimes intentional or unintentional discrimination against members of a marginalized group
As we have discussed throughout Soft Skills Solutions, bringing issues about problems in the workplace to your employer is one way of dealing with problems in the workplace; but what if these issues are the result of a supervisor or employer? If you feel harassed or violated at work as a result of a company policy, managerial style or a colleague’s actions you now know there are actions you can take. You have rights and you can easily refer to the laws in Ontario, overseen by the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development: the Employment Standards Act, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and the Human Rights Code.
Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO) has step-by-step information about legal problems to help you deal with them.
That Little Voice - YouTube
First Few Weeks on The Job
First Few Weeks on The Job
"A new job is like a blank book, and you are the author." – Unknown
Key Lessons
Key Lessons
Your first few weeks on the job are important
Learn as much as you can about the company and your co-workers
Make a good professional impression
You have secured the job now what?
You have secured the job now what?
Your first few weeks on the job are important, keep these tips in mind when starting a new job:
Show up early at your workplace, not too early; enter the building at least 5 minutes before you start. Install this habit so it continues.
Be friendly – introduce yourself as much as possible to your co-workers.
Use small talk to get to know people. (see your small talk handout)
Take lots of notes and ask clarifying questions.
Silence your cell phone and only use it on breaks or lunch.
Actively listen and be interested.
Have a good attitude.
Embrace change – it will get easier as it goes along.
Take note of the dress code.
Have fun and be confident! You have secured your job, now let’s keep it.
How you can make a good impression your first few weeks on the job?
Setting Goals for the Future
Setting Goals for the Future
What is your goal that you can meet in the next 3 months?
SMART Goals Worksheet
SMART Goals Worksheet
Use 1 of the goals listed below – for job seeking or at work. Pick 1 from each column. Make sure it’s meaningful to you, and that you would like to work on!
Use 1 of the goals listed below – for job seeking or at work. Pick 1 from each column. Make sure it’s meaningful to you, and that you would like to work on!
On a piece of paper answer the following:
On a piece of paper answer the following:
Today’s date ____________________ Deadline to achieve goal ____________________
Specific: In one sentence, state exactly what your goal is: I will…
Measurable: How and what can you measure to know if you are making progress?
Attainable: What makes it possible? How is it manageable?
Realistic: What makes this a sensible goal? Are there very many big obstacles in your way?
Timely: List the date you will achieve this goal. List any smaller steps - with dates attached.
What are the benefits of achieving this goal? List some obstacles or problems that might get in the way, and how you can deal with them.
Setting goals for the future
Setting goals for the future
SMART Goal Setting Tips
SMART Goal Setting Tips
Make your goals a power statement, not wishes.
Don’t say, "I should apply to 3 jobs a day" because it lacks force.
Say, "I will apply to 3 jobs every week day”. Be brief and stay positive.
Share your goals with someone who cares if you reach them. Sharing with those you are close to encourages you to keep trying. They can offer advice or support, and you won’t want to let yourself down, or them.
Write down your goals and put them where you will see them. The more often you read your list, the more results you get.
It’s OK to review and revise your goals. there may be issues that are unavoidable that may delay your goals
Final Activity
Final Activity
How to be successful at work? (25 minutes)
How to be successful at work? (25 minutes)
In your groups use all the knowledge that you have gained from the course to come up with the top 10 thing to do to be successful at work, starting at 10 being the least important, to 1 being the most important. Have a recorder and a presenter.
Thank you for being part of Soft Skills Solutions©.
Well done!
Thank you for being part of Soft Skills Solutions©.
Well done!
You are now ready to wow employers and compete at a higher level!
Your facilitator will register you on the Soft Skills Solutions© Database and email you a certificate of completion.
You should keep a copy of your certificate in your portfolio. Talk to potential employers about what you learned at this program, and why you are a strong candidate.
Remember to update your résumé!
On Your Résumé: (You may copy and paste this text for your résumé)
On Your Résumé: (You may copy and paste this text for your résumé)
Soft Skills Solutions© Training Certificate – This program was developed by the Simcoe Muskoka Workforce Development Board to demonstrate to participants the skills that employers are looking for. Topics covered: Communication, Collaboration, Personal Management, Problem Solving, and Success On The Job.
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