Tag: work

Getting Caught Red-Handed

B2 – Upper Intermediate

We always try to do our job well. Who would want to be caught slacking off or doing something you aren’t supposed to during your shift.

Check out the article and video below then share your thoughts on the employee’s actions.

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2015/03/09/mcdonalds-drive-thru-news-live_n_6830512.html?utm_hp_ref=uk

Discussion Questions:

  1. Did you think what happened to the traffic reporter was funny or unfortunate? Do you think he handled the situation well?
  2. If you were in the traffic reporter’s place, how would you handle the situation?
  3. If you were the station manager, would you do anything to reprimand the employee?
  4. Share a situation where you were caught red-handed.

Kinds of People You Don’t Want in a Meeting

B2 – Upper Intermediate

As professionals we’ve had our share of endless meetings. Some were productive but some were pointless. The agenda is important but so are the people attending the meeting. It turns out that meeting participants can affect the mood or environment in a meeting.

Here is an article to help you identify what kind of meeting  attendee you should and shouldn’t be.

http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/outside-voices-careers/2015/02/25/13-types-of-meeting-attendees-you-dont-want-to-be

Discussion Questions:

1. Have you recognized any of the types among your colleagues?
2. Are you any of these types?
3. What do you think is the worst kind of attendee?
4. Can you think of other type/s that you can add to the list?

How to Stay Focused at Work When You’re the Boss

C1 – Advanced

Whether you are a simple employee, a manager or a company owner, you  need to stay focused on your job to be continuously productive. However, there’s almost always something that may distract you and could affect your performance at work.

In the link below, CEO’s of different companies share how they stay focused on their job.

https://www.bbc.com/news/av/business-31497071

Discussion Questions:

  1. What can you say on this statement: “The CEO’s job is not for the faint-hearted.” ?
  2. What’s your impression on CEOs and bosses in general?
  3. What does it take to be a great boss/CEO?
  4. How do you stay focused at what you do? How do you deal with distractions at work?
  5. For you, what would be the best working conditions to achieve optimum results?

Women with More Children Are More Productive

B2 – Upper Intermediate

One of the greatest worries of women is that having children could slow down their performance in their respective professions. A study reveals otherwise.

In fact, working mothers all over the world are very much capable to balance paperwork and their kids’ bath time.

The article below reveals an encouraging study on the productivity of working mothers.

https://www.today.com/parents/moms-2-or-more-kids-are-more-productive-work-study-1d80256648

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on the results of this study?
  2. Are working mothers common in your country? Why do you think this is the case?
  3. What do you think are the challenges that working parents deal with?
  4. In your opinion, does having a child hinder success? Explain.
  5. What would your advice be to working parents who struggle with balancing work and their family life?

Young and Free: Prerequisite for Success

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Starting a career or a business when you are young is nothing but easy. Perhaps all of us went through struggles as that newbie in the company. But for some others, they used being young and free to their advantage and stopped at nothing to succeed.

Read the article below about being successful at a young age and be ready to discuss the different idiomatic expressions used in the article.

http://esl.about.com/od/businessreading/a/Young-And-Free-Prerequisite-For-Success.htm

Discussion Questions:

  1. How was your work life like the first years you joined the workforce? How has it changed over time?
  2. Describe a situation at work when you had to start from scratch.
  3. Are you the type of person who takes the bull by the horns? Talk about a time in your career when you had to make a bold move.
  4. Are you interested in working on your own startup? Why or why not?
  5. Do you agree that it’s a dog eat dog world out there? Elaborate on your thoughts.

Top Five Personality Traits Employers Hire Most

1222_interview_620x434-300x210

C2 – Proficient – Job Interview

Apart from having a great resume and more than enough knowledge and experience for the dream job, personality is certainly very important to secure that position that you have been vying for. So, what are the kinds of personality traits that employers are seeking?

https://www.forbes.com/sites/meghancasserly/2012/10/04/top-five-personality-traits-employers-hire-most/#4c2fcf52eec3

Discussion Questions:

1. How can you show professionalism during the interview?
2. Why is having high energy important for employers?
3. How can you exhibit that you are intellectually curious?

Time Management to Improve Health and Productivity

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Keeping up in today’s fast-paced world can be a daunting task to many. Take control of your life by enhancing your time management skills. Learn valuable tips from an expert through this article.

http://jamesclear.com/time-management-tips

Discussion Questions:

1. Describe your time management skills at work and at home.
2. How do you deal with distractions?
3. Share your own approach in getting things done.