6. Points for discussion.

• If you were an employer, under what circumstances would you hire your friend?

• What do you think the atmosphere in the company should be like?

• What is a "team"?

• If you were an employer what would you do to keep "good people" in your company?

• If you have a job, describe it and say what you like/dislike about it.

• If you could do any kind of job, what would you most like to be?

At work

Moving from school to work means not only a change of surroundings but also a change in your be­haviour to suit your new life. As an employee you will be paid for the services that you give to your employer. Try to make sure that you give a fair day's work in return for your wages. Part of your job may involve learning rules which ensure safety and produc­tivity. Remember that a good worker feels he has a responsibility to his employers, just as the employers are responsible for him or her.

Climbing The Ladder

You will find life at work very different from school or college. At the moment you are probably a senior pupil but on beginning your first job you will be the inex­perienced junior in the work force.

Several people will be interested in your progress ; some of them will be training you and helping you through the first difficult stage ; others will assess your work to see if you are suited to the job. and with a view to your future promotion.

A good worker is punctual, obedient to the rules (especially safety regulations) and is willing, reliable, and honest. Remember that you are not employed to waste time, nor are company facilities, especially the telephone, provided for your own personal use.

People At Work

A job can be much more enjoyable if you get on well with your workmates. Try to be polite to everyone, whatever their position, and carry out any duties that are given to you as soon as possible. If you have any problems or enquiries, don't be afraid to ask for advice. Be prepared to do your fair share of work without grumb­ling.

What To Wear

The manner in which you dress gives some outward sign of your attitude to work. Try to look clean and smart. This is possible even if you have to wear the recognised safety clothing for your particular job. Safety clothing is designed to be worn in a special way if it is to be effective. You are the one who suffers in an accident, so be sensible about following rules. For jobs where you have a choice in what you wear, it is well to choose clothes that are easily cleaned and pressed, and do not readily crease. For any kind of job, comfortable shoes are necessary, particularly if you are on your feet for most of the day.

If you have chosen your job wisely, you will be happy in your work, and find a sense of satisfaction at the end of each day, as well as earning money for the necessities of life.

On Business and Social Manners. Tips for Powerful Communicators

Match the following headings with the appropriate tip.

a) How to say NO e) Take care of "personal space"

b) Never stare at a person f) Mind your gestures

c) Never forget to say "thank you" g) An open smile

d) A warm handshake h) Learn names

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A pleasant smile is a strong indica­tion of a friendly and open attitude and a willingness to communicate. It's a positive, nonverbal signal sent with the hope that the other person will smile back. When you smile you de­monstrate that you have noticed the person in a positive manner. The oth­er person considers it a compliment and will usually feel good and smile back. Smiling doesn't mean that you have to put on a phony face or pretend that you're happy all of the time. But when you see someone you know, or would like to make contact with, do smile. By smiling, you are demonstrat­ing an open attitude to conversation.

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The strongest of the nonverbal ges­tures are sent through the eyes. Direct eye contact indicates that you're lis­tening to the other person. Eye con­tact should be natural and not forced or overdone. It's okay to have brief periods of eye contact while talking to each other. When the person smiles, be sure to smile back. Too much eye contact can be counterproductive. If you stare at a person or leer in a suspicious manner, the other person may feel uncomfortable and even sus­picious about your intentions.

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You might not realize that closed posture (sitting with your arms and legs crossed and your hand covering your mouth or chin) is the cause of many conversational problems. To es­cape them, keep your hands away from your mouth and your arms uncrossed. Crossed arms tend to indicate impa­tience, displeasure or judgment — any of which could discourage people from opening up.

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Place yourself within communicat­ing distance of the other person — that is within five feet. Take care, howe­ver, not to violate someone's "personal space" by getting too close. Leaning forward slightly while a person is talk­ing to you indicates interest on your part, and shows you are listening to what the person is saying. This is usu­ally taken as a compliment by the other person, and will encourage him to continue talking.

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In many cultures the most accepta­ble form of first contact between two people who are just meeting is a warm handshake. This is true when meeting members of the same or opposite sex -and not just in business, but in social situations, too. In nearly every situa­tion, a warm and firm handshake is a safe and positive way of showing an open and friendly attitude toward the people you meet.

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Have you ever been asked to do something you really don't want to do? Of course we all have. Instead of agreeing to do something you cannot do properly, you'd better say no in a nice way. For example, a friend asks you to help him with a project he's working on and you know you don't have the time to devote to it. Rather then using weak powerless words, you can respond in this way: 'You know I'd like to help you, but I know that this project deserves extra attention and I'm really too busy to give that kind of attention right now, so I would sug­gest you talk to so-and-so.' Your friend will understand that you're rejecting the project, not your friendship.

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One of the sweetest sounds to some­one's ear is the sound of his own name. So, it's vital to learn a person's name and to use it. But don't worry if you forget someone's name. We all forget names, it's not the end of the world. Here's a common situation. You've been introduced to someone and a few days later you happen to meet him again. The best way to handle this situation would be to go up to him and say. "How are you? Remember me? I'm Jack Lee, we met the other day at...' Chances are he'll respond with his name. It's not important if he doesn't, he'll just be pleased that you remem­bered HIM.

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Notice good things and express appreciation. When someone does some­thing well, take the time to tell him. When someone does something for you, don't be afraid to thank him. When people feel appreciated they will work harder and more conscientiously.