INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

I. Personal Traits Personal Ethics Creativity, Initiative, and Responsibility Attitude Self-control/Orderliness Self-awareness and a Willingness to Change Self Esteem Empathy

Personal Ethics Honesty Integrity “Play Fair” ASK: What do these three words have in common? (Ask for student input.) Why can’t we just play fair? (Students should have some really good comments.)

Creativity, Initiative & Responsibility Find new ways to do your job (cuts boredom) Do what needs to be done without being told Be accountable for your actions SAY: Your job is what you make it. If you are able to devise creative ways to do your job, as long as you follow your employer’s guidelines, then it will make your tasks more enjoyable. SAY: Initiative means doing something without being reminded or told to do it. ASK: When was the last time you took initiative to do something at home or at work?

Attitude Develop a positive attitude View difficult assignments as a challenge Positive attitude flows over into other areas SAY: A positive attitude is an asset to any job. This will help you gain the respect of your fellow employees. It is important to maintain a positive attitude, even when your workload is challenged by outside influences.

Self-control/Orderliness Tactfulness – what does it mean? A must when dealing with difficult customers SAY: Tactfulness means you know what the right thing to say is, and when to say it! Try to put yourself in another person’s shoes before you speak. When dealing with difficult customers, it is important to be tactful; it will help you win them over.

Self-awareness and Willingness to Change Make a list of strengths and weaknesses You may think you know everything… The first 100 years are the hardest Adaptable employees are valuable ASK: Ask the students to fold a sheet of notebook paper in half, vertically. Tell them to write their strengths on the left side and weaknesses on the right side. Next, have them pass their paper to the person behind them. Have them write what they think are strengths and weaknesses of that person. Now, have students return the paper to the owner. Lastly, have the students share both sides of the paper with the class. SAY: Explain that we often see ourselves much differently that others do. They might note some similarities on both sides of the paper. Discuss their findings. SAY: The first 100 years really are the hardest! As people get older, they look back and realize that they would have done many things differently. Say: Employers value employees who are able to get along well with others.

Self-esteem The way you see yourself (your value) Demonstrate self-esteem on the job by showing confidence in your work Build customers’ self-esteem too Call them by name if possible Smile and greet them SAY: Your friends and co-workers often see qualities that you do not realize you have. ASK: What are some ways a person can build his/her self esteem? (Answers will vary; allow students to share their thoughts.)

Empathy Understand another’s situation or frame of mind Putting oneself in another’s place ASK: Why is it important to empathize with others? (Answers will vary.) Students’ responses should be similar to: empathy helps build other peoples’ self esteem; empathy shows others you care, etc.

II. Personal Skills Assertiveness Time Management Stand up for yourself, but don’t be pushy! Don’t boss others Make sure you know what you’re talking about! Time Management Budget your time Don’t over-commit yourself or you’ll regret it! Sometimes, saying “no” is okay SAY: It is okay to tell people “no,” to avoid over-extending yourself. Sometimes people try to “guilt” you, but you have to stand your ground.

Goal Setting What do you want out of… Life Career Relationships Where do you want to be in ____ years? SAY: What goals have you set for yourself? Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? 25 or even 50 years? ASK: Why are goals important?