Unit 3: Employability
Lesson 8: Good Attitude
OBJECTIVES
Understand the importance of having a good attitude on the job.
Review the important skills in having a good attitude on the job
MATERIALS
marker board or something to write on
SUPPLEMENTAL RESOURCES
If you have purchased videos recommended in other lessons of the
Employability unit, there may be some dramatizations of having a good
attitude at work. However, there is not enough contained in any one video
to justify buying it solely for this lesson.
INSTRUCTIONAL FORMAT
This lesson is about teaching students to have a good attitude at work. Remind
students that the definition of attitude, according to Webster's
Dictionary, is a way of acting, feeling, or thinking. Having a good attitude
and showing a good attitude are two different things. One worker could be
real positive about his job, but not be cheerful or energetic. He may be
perceived as having a bad attitude. Another worker may be perceived as having
a good attitude because she smiles and appears to work hard. In reality,
this person may complain a lot and only work hard when others are around.
Some people tend to be happy and cheerful, and other people tend to be somewhat
grumpy and unfriendly. Trainers will not be able to change someone's personality;
but, they can hopefully convey some tips about showing and having a good
attitude.
Have a discussion about what it means to have a good attitude while working.
Ask the students to indicate behaviors that indicate a good attitude and
behaviors that indicate a bad attitude. Write the information on the board.
Some indicators of a good attitude are: smile, good posture, talking in nice
tone of voice, being interested in others, making complaints in appropriate
ways at appropriate times, being respectful and courteous, being calm, doing
a good job, and handling anger appropriately. Some indicators of a bad attitude
are: unhappy look on face, slumping in chair or while standing, causing trouble
(constant complaining, telling co-workers about all the bad things about
the job, encouraging co-workers to have a bad attitude, etc.), losing temper,
whining, mumbling, doing a poor job, and ignoring others.
Discuss why it is important to have a good attitude on the job. Some examples
include: you keep your job and have a better chance of getting promoted or
getting a raise; you make friends; customers are easier to deal with when
you are have a good attitude; customers are more likely to come back to your
business; and, co-workers work better with you.
Discuss some skills that are needed to have a good attitude. Most of the
skills are covered in the Social Skills and Employability units.
These lessons include "Anger Management,"
"Conflict Resolution," "Getting
Along with Co-workers," "Making Friends,"
"Communication Skills," "Acting
Appropriately on the Job," and "Social Skills in
the Workplace." All of these lessons relate to improving relationships
on the job and resolving problems on the job. These skills can increase the
likelihood that a person will keep a good attitude on the job. If particular
students need specific training in any of these areas, conduct a class to
provide the training. As a final note, remind students that their job and
their co-workers can affect their attitude. If they are working at a job
they hate, and their co-workers have a bad attitude, it is going to be difficult
to keep in high spirits. If the students find themselves at jobs like this,
it may be time to look for a different job.
SIGNS OF GENERALIZATION
As mentioned previously, teaching someone to show a good attitude when it
is not part of his or her personality may be difficult. As a trainer, the
best time to reinforce the information in this lesson is when the student
is working. When a worker shows signs of having a good attitude, this needs
to be reinforced while on the job. Of course, it can also be reinforced while
at the training program. The person is getting along with people at work
and putting in a good effort.
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