WPRS+Personal+Qualities+and+People+Skills

=I. Demonstrate positive work ethic.=

A. Definition

 * Demonstration includes**
 * maintaining punctual and consistent attendance (e.g., accounting for hours worked, arriving on time for work or appointments)
 * taking direction willingly (e.g., using active listening techniques, approaching the assigned task with motivation)
 * exhibiting motivation to accomplish the task at hand (i.e., remaining on task and completing the task efficiently).

B. Process/Skill Questions: How do you define //positive work ethic?//
**Choose from the following questions and answer above in the discussions**
 * How can a positive work ethic guide your behavior at work?
 * Why is a positive work ethic valued by teachers and employers?
 * Where did you acquire attitudes and beliefs regarding a work ethic? Is it possible to change attitudes and behaviors? What resources are available to help you strengthen your work ethic?

Students design a brochure for parents that addresses how they can help their children develop a good work ethic. Two handouts are attached. 2. Class Discussion on Work Ethic: [] Students participate in a class discussion about work ethic and keep an observation journal. Students participate in a class discussion about how a good work ethic at school can lead to a good work ethic as an employee. A handout is attached. Students use a handout and interview two local business people and two students about work ethic, either by phone, e-mail, or in person. Students keep a journal of their impressions and thoughts on any aspect of employee or student work ethic as they visit a variety of local businesses. Students design a poster for either elementary or middle school students that will help them define good schoolwork ethic. Students follow a handout to write a help-wanted ad for a student with a good schoolwork ethic. Students read the want ads in print and online and list the employee traits desired by the employers who advertise. Students review a handout featuring quotes from Virginia business leaders and engage in a discussion. In this activity, students write, with a partner or as a group, a skit that features an employer and employee(s) exemplifying a good work ethic. Students use this resource to develop an idea for their own company.
 * __ Answer the questions above in the discussion post Review the activities that are below and evaluate__. **
 * 1. Brochure for Parents **
 * 3. Compare and Contrast: Students and Employees **
 * 4. Go to the Source **
 * 5. Observation Journal on Work Ethic **
 * 6. Poster for Younger Students **
 * 7. Want Ad for a Student with a Good Schoolwork Ethic **
 * 8. Want Ads **
 * 9. What's the Word on Work Ethic? **
 * 10. Work Ethic at Work **
 * 11. Your Own Company **

= II. Demonstrate integrity. =

A. Definition
Demonstration includes
 * identifying and abiding by laws and workplace policies (e.g., using personal and sick leave only when necessary)
 * respecting the property of the employer and coworkers
 * identifying how one’s actions and behavior can have far-reaching effects (e.g., personal behavior affects others nearby; business decisions can have global implications or impact the environment)
 * exhibiting honesty and reliability.
 * __ Answer the questions above in the discussion post Review the activities that are below and evaluate__ **
 * 1. Employment Law Resource Center ** Current articles and practices are posted here by human resources compliance experts.
 * 2. Ethics Resource Center Toolkit ** Resources are published here, including a glossary and articles on workplace ethics.
 * 3. Interpreting the Law on Safe Employment ** [|Elementary, middle, and high school lesson plans, some in video, are available here.]
 * 4. Nine traps that stop people from making a difference ** The Better World Handbook provides arguments against such negative attitudes as “That’s just the way the world is,” “One person can’t make a difference,” and “It’s not my responsibility.”
 * 5. Online Ethics Center for Engineering and Research: Ethics Topics ** [|These are links to cases, scenarios, role plays, essays, articles, student projects, and a variety of other resources related to ethics.][|.]
 * 6. Sample Human Resources Policies ** [|Samples abound here for students who want to practice writing policies on their own.]
 * 7. Zippy Scenarios for Teaching Internet Ethics ** [|This is a large sampling of scenarios to address many types of potential][|situational][|workplace issues.]

=**III. Demonstrate teamwork skills.**=

A. Definition

 * Demonstration includes**
 * contributing to the success of the team (e.g., brainstorming solutions, volunteering, performing in accordance with the assigned role)
 * assisting others (e.g., supporting team members and leaders, taking initiative)
 * requesting help when needed (e.g., asking questions after consulting manuals on policies and procedures, knowing when to seek help from coworkers and supervisors).

B. Process/Skill Questions
**Choose from the following questions and answer above in the discussions**
 * What team skills are helpful at school? In the workplace?
 * What are the various roles of team members?
 * What are the consequences of using the strengths of team members? Of not using the strengths of team members?
 * What can you do to integrate a new person into your group or team?

= IV. Demonstrate self-representation skills. = ===A. Definition=== Demonstration includes
 * __ Answer the questions above in the discussion post Review the activities that are below and evaluate__ **
 * 1. Hello, My Name Is...and I Am... ** Students learn more about themselves through interaction with other people and how those people perceive their personality traits.
 * 2. Recognizing Leadership Qualities in Yourself ** By examining past situations, students discover new leadership potential within themselves.
 * 3. Team Bonding for Teens ** [|This resource provides group and classroom games to promote communication skills.]
 * 4. Team-Building Activities for High School Students ** [|Activities][|here][| include ice-breakers, games, and more.]
 * 5. Teamwork ** Students follow a worksheet to identify the critical skills exhibited by effective team members.
 * 6. Teamwork Scenarios ** [|Sample teamwork scenarios are presented here by Work Keys.]
 * dressing appropriately (i.e., adhering to professional rather than personal standards, following dress code)
 * maintaining personal hygiene
 * using language and manners suitable for the workplace (i.e., adhering to respectful, polite, and professional practices).

B. Process/Skill Questions
**Choose from the following questions and answer above in the discussions**
 * What is the relationship between self-image and self-representation skills?
 * Why are self-representation skills important in school? On the job?
 * How can you improve your self-representation skills?
 * What techniques can you employ to overcome

[|This analysis of body language can make students re-think the messages they are sending.]
 * __ Answer the questions above in the discussion post Review the activities that are below and evaluate__ **
 * 1. Attitude Survey ** This worksheet/survey makes students aware of the need for cultivating positive attitudes toward work and learning.
 * 2. Creating Your Personal Brand ** Students are advised on how to market their personality and skills and fill a niche.
 * 3. Dress and Groom for the Workplace ** Students can learn valuable techniques and expectations through this [|video.]
 * 4. Dressing the Part ** This resource helps students research the value of dressing appropriately for a variety of settings, including business and school.
 * 5. Mind Tools: Making a Great First Impression ** [|Students are provided background information about how to make the most out of a first meeting.]
 * 6. Top Six Rules for Using Cell Phones at Work ** [|This site, filled with helpful advice and connections to other hot topics, provides excellent guidelines.]
 * 7. Workplace Body Language **

= V. Demonstrate diversity awareness. =

Definition
Demonstration includes
 * working in a respectful and friendly manner with all customers and coworkers (i.e., treating all with the same degree of professional respect), regardless of national origin, race, appearance, religion, gender, disability, or age
 * respecting cultural differences encountered in the workplace.
 * __ Answer the questions above in the discussion post Review the activities that are below and evaluate__ **

A giant list of resources is provided here promoting access, equity, and diversity. This resource helps students understand how messages can get distorted through a cultural lens. This resource provides tips on how to effectively communicate in diverse cultures. Click on the //Culture Tool// on the right side of this article. An overview of workplace diversity issues is provided here. This site provides advice on how to become more inclusive. [|Because society is multicultural, there is a need for all workers—especially those who rely on public interaction, communication, health care, and marketing—to be aware of the affects of media and language on others.] [|Activities and a worksheet are provided for communicating with and about those with disabilities. See the //Special Education// page for more resources.] =VI. Demonstrate conflict-resolution skills.=
 * 1. American Association for Affirmative Action, Workforce Diversity **
 * 2. Communication with Gestures **
 * 3. Culture Shock **
 * 4. Diversity in the Workplace **
 * 5. Diversity in the Workplace: Benefits, Challenges, and Solutions **
 * 6. Multicultural Literacy **
 * 7. Speaking and Writing About People with Disabilities **

A. Definition
Demonstration includes negotiating diplomatic solutions to interpersonal conflicts in the workplace (e.g., personality issues, cultural difference issues, disagreements over how to handle work projects, performance issues). ** __ Answer the questions above in the discussion post Review the activities that are below and evaluate__ ** This is a role play in which students strengthen their communication skills. =VII. Demonstrate creativity and resourcefulness.=
 * 1.Communicating at Work: Facilitating Good Communication **
 * 2. Conflict Resolution ** This lesson plan allows students to demonstrate an understanding of conflict-resolution strategies and to practice assertive communication.
 * 3. Conflict-Resolution Information Source ** Many resources, including lesson plans, are available through this site.
 * 4. Conflict-Resolution Lesson Plans ** Links to 23 lesson plans are provided here.
 * 6. Conflict-Resolution Worksheets ** Go to the left column of the Metropolitan EAP site and click //Conflict Management//.
 * 7. Resolving Conflict Situations ** Students follow a worksheet to recommend actions that will reduce conflict and lead to positive results.
 * 8. Win-Win Negotiation ** [|This resource provides solid background on negotiating a fair compromise in negotiations and offers a link to a worksheet]

A. Definition
Demonstration includes
 * contributing new ideas (e.g., for improving products and procedures)
 * displaying initiative readily, independently, and responsibly
 * dealing skillfully and promptly with new situations and obstacles
 * developing operational policies and procedures that use resources in a sustainable manner.

B. Process/Skill Questions
Students learn critical and creative thinking by envisioning a future different from the present. This resource presents lateral and systematic approaches to finding creative solutions. This group of pages presents many lesson plans focused on encouraging creative thinking. This detailed unit provides steps for developing and implementing a sustainability policy in the workplace. Here is a list of suggestions for applying sustainability in the office, operations, and with materials and equipment. Here is a list of suggestions including recycling programs, energy efficiency, water conservation, and transportation. [|This lesson plan helps students innovate and contextualize learning.] [|This research project/survey resulted in a top-10 list to promote organizational creativity.] [|This article offers tips on sparking creativity at work.]
 * How do you demonstrate independence and initiative at school? At work?
 * How can independence and initiative impact your school goals? Career goals?
 * How would you suggest that a worker demonstrate independence and initiative without overstepping his or her authority?
 * __ Answer the questions above in the discussion post Review the activities that are below and evaluate__ **
 * 1. Creating a More Humane and Environmentally Sound Future **
 * 2. Creativity Tools **
 * 3. Creativity and Creative-Thinking Lessons **
 * 4. Develop Workplace Policy and Procedures for Sustainability **
 * 5. Green Your Jobsite **
 * 6. Green Your Office **
 * 7. Mind Your Own Business **
 * 8. Organizational Creativity—the Top 10 Enablers **
 * 9. Sparking Creativity in the Workplace **