The New Workplace Readiness Skills Needs Identified By

The New Workplace Readiness Skills Needs Identified By Virginia Employers NBC Highlights CTE WRS Link WRS Resources

Percent Ranking Skills as “Very Important” for High School Graduates

7 Attributes: Personal Qualities and People Skills #s. 001 -. 007

The activities found throughout this powerpoint are NOT collected and should only be used to help you understand the material in preparation for the associated quiz. Students may be required to take an end-of-course Workplace Readiness Skills Industry Certification Exam at your home school

What does Positive Work Ethic mean to you?

Positive Work Ethic – Possible class discussion/journal entry questions Ø What does positive work ethic mean? Ø How can a positive work ethic guide your behavior at work? Ø Why is a positive work ethic valued by teachers? Ø Why is a positive work ethic valued by employers? Ø Where did you get your attitudes and beliefs regarding work ethic? Is it possible to change attitudes and beliefs? What resources are available to help you strengthen your work ethic?

Positive Work Ethic So…what does positive work ethic mean to an employer? Maybe… 1. Punctuality for work & appointments l Accurately accounting for hours worked • Ex: Not saying you left 15 minutes after you really did l Honestly reporting unanticipated absences (sick) l Reliability (consistent attendance)

Positive Work Ethic What about… 2. Taking direction willingly l Using active listening techniques • Ex: Participate, ask questions when necessary, eye contact

Positive Work Ethic So…what does positive work ethic mean to an employer? And what about… 3. Exhibiting motivation to accomplish the task at hand l l l Remaining on task Completing the task efficiently Taking initiative

WRS. 001: Positive Work Ethic – Resources & Activities Ø OFCN's Academy Curricular Exchange - Social Studies Ø Work Ethics in the Information Age Ø Work Ethics Quiz Ø Class Discussion Ø Being Dependable Cases

WRS. 002: Integrity Possible Discussion Questions Ø Identify and discuss workplace laws and policies Ø How can one’s actions and behavior have far-reaching effects on personal behavior and/or business decisions?

WRS. 002: Integrity Ø Abide by workplace policies and procedures l using personal & sick leave only when necessary Respecting the property of the employer and co-workers Ø 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) Ø Ø Demonstrate honesty and reliability

Integrity – Resources & Activities Scholastic Weblink & Inspirational Commercial Assign students to write a short paper or story of how they have shown or observed integrity onthe-job Ø Read & discuss the following article on Integrity at Work. Have students answer the questions at the end (could use as set induction questions or journal entries or just plain classroom discussion). Ø

WRS. 003: Teamwork Possible Discussion Questions (Set-Induction) Ø What team skills are helpful at school? In the workplace? Ø What are the various roles of team members? Ø What are the consequences of not using the strengths of each team members? Ø What can you do to integrate a new person into your group or team?

WRS. 003: What is Teamwork? Ø Contributing to the success of the team l l l Brainstorming solutions, volunteering, performing in accordance with the assigned role Supporting team members and leaders Taking initiative

WRS. 003: What is Teamwork? Ø Asking questions after consulting manuals on policies and procedures Ø Knowing when to seek help from coworkers and supervisors

WRS. 004: What is Self- Representation? According to dictionary. com, the term means: action or speech on behalf of a person, group, business house, state, or the like by an agent, deputy, or representative.

Self- Representation might include: Ø Dresses appropriately Ø Uses language and manners suitable for the workplace Ø Adhering to professional rather than personal standards Ø Following dress code Ø Maintaining personal hygiene Ø Adhering to respectful, polite, and professional practices.

WRS. 004: Self- Representation – Activities & Resources Ø "Making a Great First Impression" Article Ø Cell Phone Usage at Work Article Ø How to Make a Good First Impression Video

WRS. 005: Diversity Awareness Ø What are some ways that you can give exceptional customer service to all customers and co-workers? Ø List some things that you can do to become more familiar with the unique backgrounds of your customers and co-workers?

What is Diversity Awareness in the workplace? Ø 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 Ø Respecting cultural differences encountered in the workplace

Diversity Awareness – Activities & Resources Ø Examples of how gestures can be misinterpreted Ø Diversity quotes Ø Diversity Jellybeans (many possibilities)

WRS. 006: What is Conflict Resolution? Ø Negotiating diplomatic solutions to interpersonal and workplace issues l l personality issues cultural difference issues disagreements over how to handle work projects performance issues

Conflict Resolution – Discussion Question Ø What are three strategies you might employ to resolve a conflict you had with a customer or co-worker?

Conflict Resolution – Activities & Resources Ø Small group activity; four conflict situations; directions included Ø Assertiveness Quiz Ø Problem Solving Quiz for Work Situations

WRS. 007: Creativity And Resourcefulness

Creativity And Resourcefulness – Discussion Questions Ø How do you demonstrate independence and initiative at school? At work? Ø How can independence and initiative impact your school goals? Career goals? Ø How would you suggest that a worker demonstrate independence and initiative without overstepping his or her authority?

Creativity And Resourcefulness – Possible Answers Include: Contributing new ideas (e. g. , for improving products and procedures) Ø Displaying initiative readily, independently, and responsibly Ø Dealing skillfully and promptly with new situations and obstacles Ø Developing operational policies and procedures that use resources in a sustainable manner Ø

Creativity And Resourcefulness – Activities & Resources Ø How Creative are You? quiz with good feedback following Ø Brainstorming video Ø Creative ways to brainstorm

Students should now be ready for the Personal Qualities and People Skills Quiz