This document discusses the importance of soft skills for workplace success. It covers key soft skills like problem solving, time management, and self-confidence. For problem solving, it outlines a 4-step process of defining the problem, generating solutions, evaluating plans, and re-evaluating. For time management, it emphasizes scheduling, prioritizing tasks, managing distractions, and avoiding multi-tasking. Finally, it discusses traits of confident individuals and provides tips for building self-confidence like good posture, gratitude, and spending time with supportive people. The overall message is that soft skills are crucial for effective communication, productivity, and career advancement.
2. In this short online course you will…
• Understand how soft
skills are important to
success in the workplace
• Understand how to use
soft skills to
communicate, manage
time, and solve problems
• Apply soft skills to specific
situations
2
4. Soft skills can be learned
• Soft skills are the personal
attributes that allow us to
effectively relate to others
• They:
o enhance personal
interactions
o lead to greater job
performance and satisfaction
o are interpersonal and can be
applied to a broad range of
situations
o encompass personality traits
(eg. optimism) and abilities
that can be practiced (eg.
empathy)
• Most important, soft skills can
be learned! 4
5. Soft skills are often neglected
• We often focus on
developing hard skills, such
as technology, knowledge,
or other skills related to
getting work tasks done
• Soft skills:
o build stronger work
relationships
o make work more
productive
o maximize career
prospects
o are directly transferrable
to any job, organization,
or industry
• It is worth investing in the
development of soft skills! 5
6. You solve problems every day!
• There are 4 steps to
problem-solving:
o Define the problem
o Generate alternate
solutions
o Evaluate
o Implement and re-
evaluate
6
7. You can’t solve a problem if you don’t
know what it is!
• A problem is often a
symptom of a larger issue
• Clearly define exactly
what the problem is
o this allows you to solve
the problem rather than
the symptom
• Move forward with
solutions to solve it
• Important when
emotions are high or
interactions are heated
o puts the focus back on
shared goals and allows
everyone to be heard 7
8. Take time to generate alternate
solutions
• Don’t just choose the first
solution
• Don’t push your preferred
solution to the exclusion of
others
• Generate alternate
solutions
• Discuss ways solutions
might play out and how to
overcome any obstacles
• As a group, decide which
ones to move forward with
• Apply active listening and
clear communication
throughout the process 8
9. How do we evaluate plans?
• Give all solutions equal
treatment
• Brainstorm benefits
• Anticipate problems
• Consider resources
available for each plan
o eg. people, time,
materials, funding
• As plans are evaluated, it
will quickly become clear
which are unworkable
• Narrow the list until the
most workable plans are
found
9
10. Don’t forget to re-evaluate!
• After the most workable plan is
chosen, its time to implement
it
o Communicate how the plan
will be implemented, what
each person’s role will be,
the expected goals and
outcomes
• Provide a timeline for the plan,
including when it will be re-
evaluated
• Communication and teamwork
are vital here
o People must feel that they are
part of the solution if you want
buy-in 10
11. Re-evaluation is often missed
• Take a few moments
to consider the
following question:
• Why is it important
to re-evaluate?
11
12. Why is it important to re-evaluate?
• Sometimes what appears
to be the most workable
plan on paper doesn't
play out when put into
action. It’s important to
re-evaluate so you can
gauge how well the plan
is working
• Depending on the results,
you may need to make
some changes or
implement a new plan
• Re-evaluation helps
determine whether the
original problem has
been solved
12
13. Summarizing problem-solving
• What have you learned
about problem-
solving?
• How will you use what
you’ve learned in the
future, in your
workplace or in your
personal life? Will your
approach be any
different? How?
• Next topic: Time
management
13
14. Time waits for no one…
• We will look at 4
topics under time
management
oScheduling
oPrioritizing
oManaging
distractions
oMulti-tasking
14
15. Master the art of scheduling
• Schedule work tasks
o Scheduling work tasks
makes them a priority
o Scheduling acts as a
reminder
• Scheduling takes time
to master
o Some tasks take more
or less time than
scheduled
• Don’t forget to
schedule breaks! 15
16. Do you schedule?
• Consider the following
questions:
• Do you schedule your
tasks?
• Do you schedule breaks?
• What types of tools do
you use to schedule your
time? (apps, Outlook, day
planner)
• Do you find scheduling
useful?
• What are other benefits
of scheduling?
16
17. Make it a priority
• Prioritizing ensures the
most important tasks
are dealt with
• It’s especially important
when working with
others
• Steps
o Determine what’s
important
o Slot priority items
into schedule first
17
18. Make it a priority
• Consider the
following questions:
• Why do you think
prioritizing is so
important when working
with others?
• What are consequences
of not prioritizing?
18
19. It’s important to prioritize when
working with others
• Prioritizing:
o prevents
miscommunication
o reduces conflict
o increases productivity
19
20. Prioritizing scenario
You come in to work on a Monday morning at 8am.
• You have 10 new emails in your Outlook inbox
• You have a meeting from 1130am-1230pm with your manager for your annual
performance review. You need an hour to complete the forms before the meeting.
You will need to update forms with comments after the meeting
• From 1230-130pm you are hosting a pot luck fundraising event. You are
responsible for collecting raffle tickets and donations (they go into two separate
envelopes and will need to be counted). You need to tell the 10 people who
brought food for the pot luck that you will be coming from a meeting and they
should set up without you. The room is booked from 12-2pm
• From 2-230pm, you have a weekly call with two team members to discuss a list of
issues. Out of this call, you will have action items to complete
You are leaving work at 4pm. How would you schedule your day?
Record your hourly schedule on a piece of paper.
20
21. Prioritizing scenario – Debrief
• Consider the following
questions:
• How did you find the
prioritization exercise?
Was it hard? Easy?
• What did you think of the
schedule you completed?
Could it have been done
differently?
• Are there any issues you
might not have
considered?
21
22. Prioritizing scenario – Debrief
• Did you consider…
o other tasks that may
be due tomorrow?
o delegating tasks to
others?
o interruptions or
distractions?
22
23. Finding your flow
Distractions happen!
• Determine your major
distractions
• Brainstorm solutions
• Distractions can’t be
eliminated, but they
can be minimized or
managed
23
24. Distractions can be minimized
Consider the following
questions:
• What are some
common types of
distractions?
• How can distractions
be minimized?
24
25. What are some common types of
distraction?
Possible answers:
• Checking
email/voicemail
• Colleagues
• Noise
• Clutter
• Spending too much
time on one task
(boredom) 25
26. How can distractions be minimized?
Possible answers:
• Establishing “open door”
hours
• Close door/ DND sign (when
might this not work?)
• Noise cancelling
headphones
• Check email/voicemail at set
times
• Let calls go to voicemail
• De-clutter workspace
• Schedule breaks
26
28. Multi-tasking is a myth!
• Multi-tasking is trying to do
more than one thing at a
time
• Studies show 30-40% more
time is spent on tasks when
multi-tasking
o Your attention is divided
• Leads to miscommunication
and errors
• Can damage relationships
o It can convey we’re not
interested in the person
trying to get our
attention
• It’s not the best way to
manage your time! 28
29. Summarizing time management
• What have you
learned about time
management?
• How will you use what
you’ve learned in the
future, in your
workplace, or in your
personal life? Will
your approach be any
different? How?
• Next topic: self-
confidence
29
30. Own it: self-confidence
• The greatest thing you can do for
your own success is to build and
learn to show self-confidence
• Self confidence is:
o the belief that you know what
to do and how to do it, that
you are good at what you do,
that you can handle any
situation that comes your way
o building yourself up, not
tearing others down
• When you are confident, you
make others around you feel
confident too
• Helps engender trust in you
• Demonstrates you are skilled and
adaptable
30
31. Studies show that confident people share many
of the same traits, even across cultures and
industries
• Consider the
following question:
• What are some traits
common to confident
people?
31
32. What are some traits common to confident
people?
• Possible answers:
o They are not afraid to be wrong
o They are willing to take a stand, even if
they end up being wrong
o They value what is right more than they
value being right
o They listen more than they speak
o They do not seek the spotlight, they
share it with others
o They ask for help
o They think in possibilities, not in
obstacles – they ask “why not?”
o They don’t put others down
o They aren’t afraid to look silly or foolish
o They acknowledge their mistakes
o They seek feedback from only those
who matter
o They accept compliments
o They walk their talk
32
33. How confident are you?
• Reflect on the following statements:
o I intuitively know what’s right
for me
o I walk my talk
o I am honest with others
o I am honest with myself
o I feel comfortable being wrong
o I am more interested in finding
out what is right than being
right
o It is not important to me that I
be right all the time
o I feel like I can meet any
challenge
o I operate well under pressure
o I do not put others down
o I like to share the spotlight with
others
o I have a clear vision for my life 33
34. How confident are you?
• Now that you’ve
reflected on those
statements, what do
you think are some
ways of building self-
confidence?
34
35. Surefire self-confidence building
tactics
• Dress your best
o Knowing you look good is key to
feeling good
o When you feel good you project
confidence
o Choose clothes that fit well and that
you feel good wearing
o Choose a haircut easy that’s to style
• Stand up straight
o Good posture is a quick, free way to
build confidence
o Stand up straight and keep shoulders
back. Don’t be afraid to take up space
o A bonus of good posture is that you
breath more deeply and get more
oxygen, which may mean you have
more focus
• Practice gratitude
o Practicing gratitude helps you see all
the blessings you have in your life
o It builds confidence and appreciation
for your life
35
36. Surefire self-confidence building
tactics
• Compliment others
o Shows you have concern and
appreciation for others
o A key trait of people who have
high self-confidence is that they
build up others
o The success of others does not
take away from your own
o Being a mentor can help build up
others’ self-confidence
• Accept compliments
o Too often. we say, “Yes, but…”
Instead, just accept the
compliment. Say, “Thank you.”
• Spend time with people who build
you up
o It helps to keep you positive 36
37. Summarizing self-confidence
• What have you learned
about self-confidence?
• How will you use what
you’ve learned in the
future, in your
workplace, or in your
personal life? Will your
approach be any
different? How?
37
38. That’s a wrap!
• What did you learn
today?
• How will you use the
information and skills
you have learned?
• Additional resources
(link)
38
Editor's Notes
Instructor note:
Welcome to the soft-skills workshop
Ask students to make name tags while they wait
Write the agenda on the board
- Objectives
- Housekeeping
- Introductions
- Start with a definition of soft skills, then talk about 3 topics: Problem- solving, time management, and self-confidence
- We’ll have some discussion, do some activities, and summarize what we’ve learned
- End the class with some resources
- Parking lot
Student activity:
Purpose: To make name tags
Output: name tags
Groupings: Individual
Timing: 5 minutes
Materials: labels, markers
Detailed instructions: Write your name clearly on the name tag using the markers provided; wear the name tag
Debrief questions: none
Instructor note:
Attention – By the end of the workshop, students will be able to…Context – 3 hour workshop where we will learn about three soft skillsObjectives - 3 objectives for the workshopMap/agenda – Review the agenda written on the board
- Explain the parking lot concept: a place to “park” ideas that may not be on the agenda or may be off topic
- Explain that we will address parked items as the end of the workshop (either suggest resources or ways the topic can be investigated after the workshop)
Benefits – Develop knowledge and/or skill in effective time-management, problem-solving and building self-confidence
Student activity: none
(approximate time on slide: 2 mins)
Instructor notes:
Encourage participation in the discussion
Wait for spontaneous answers, then pick a few students by name to give answers if there is no or little participation
You may wish to write out the list students have generated on the board
Student activity:
Purpose: To define soft skills
Brief instructions: Answer the question on the slide
Output: Discussion
Groupings: Whole class
Timing: 5 minutes
Materials: none, or chalk/marker if you will make a list on the black/whiteboard
Detailed instructions: none
Debrief questions: none
Instructor notes:
Key points:
Definition: Soft skills are the personal attributes that allow us to effectively relate to others
They enhance personal interactions and lead to greater job performance and satisfaction
They are interpersonal and can be applied in a broad array of situations
They encompass both personality traits, such as optimism, and abilities which can be practiced, such as empathy
Most important, soft skills can be learned!
Student activity:
Purpose: To discuss the benefits of soft skills
Brief instructions: Answer the following question
Input: What are some benefits of soft skills?
Output: Group discussion
Groupings: Whole class
Timing: 5 minutes
Materials: none
Detailed instructions: none
Debrief questions: none. Benefits discussed on next slide.
Instructor notes:
Key points:
We often focus on developing hard skills, such as technology skills, knowledge, and other skills that related to getting work-related tasks done. We neglect to develop our soft skills
However, they are directly transferrable to any job, organization or industry. So it is worth investing in their development
Student activity:
Purpose: To generate examples of soft skills
Brief instructions: Answer the following question
Input: What are some examples of soft skills (other than the ones we will be discussing today)?
Output: Group discussion. You may wish to make a list of students’ answers on the board
Groupings: Whole class
Timing: 5 minutes
Materials: none, unless you want to make a list on the board: markers /chalk (white/blackboard)
Detailed instructions: none
Debrief questions: none
Some examples of soft skills include:
Communication
Listening
Showing empathy
Networking
Self-confidence
Giving feedback
Move on to next topic: problem-solving
(approximate time into workshop: 30 minutes)
Instructor notes:
Key points:
You solve problems every day, big or small
Learning how to apply problem solving skills helps to enhance productivity and to cultivate relationships by focusing on shared goals and solutions
4 steps to problem solving
Student activity: none
(approximate time on slide: 2 mins)
Instructor notes:
Key points:
You can’t solve a problem if you don’t know what it is
First step in solving a problem is to define it exactly
Allows you to solve the problem rather than a symptom of a larger issue
Especially important when emotions are running high or interactions are heated – it puts the focus back on shared goals and allows everyone to be heard
Student activity: none
(approximate time on slide: 2 mins)
Instructor notes:
Key points:
Important not to choose the first solution that presents itself. Nor should you push your own solution to the exclusion of others
Instead take time to generate alternative solutions
Ask others for their ideas for solving the problem
Discuss ways the alternative solutions might play out, problems they might encounter, and how to overcome any obstacles
When many solutions have been generated, discuss as a group which ones you would all like to move forward with
Apply active listening and clear communications throughout the process
Student activity: none
(approximate time on slide: 2 mins)
Instructor notes:
After generating list of alternative solutions, time to make plans and evaluate them
Key points:
Give all solutions fair treatment
As a group, brainstorm potential benefits to each plan
Anticipate obstacles or problems
Consider the resources available for each proposed plan – people, time, materials, funding
As plans are evaluated, it quickly becomes clear which are unworkable
Narrow the list until the most workable plans are found
Student activity: none
(approximate time on slide: 2 mins)
Instructor notes:
After the most workable plan is chosen, it’s time to implement it
Key points
communicate clearly how the plan will be implemented, what each persons role will be, the goals and expected outcomes
also provide a timeline for the plan, including when the plan will be re-evaluated
Student activity:
Purpose:
To briefly discuss soft skills and how they are useful in problem solving
To examine why it’s important to re-evaluate plans
Brief instructions: Answer the following questions
Input: Two questions
Other soft skills you are developing are vital here. What might they be?
Re-evaluation is often missed. Why is it important to re-evaluate?
Output: group discussion
Groupings: Whole class
Timing: 10 minutes (2 questions, 5 minutes each)
Materials: none
Detailed instructions: none
Debrief questions: none
Potential Answers:
Communication and teamwork are vital here. People must feel that they are part of the solution if you want buy-in
2) Sometimes what appears to be the most workable plan on paper doesn't play out when put into action. It’s important to re-evaluate so you can gauge how well the pan is working
Depending on the results, you may need to make some changes or implement a new plan
Re-evaluation helps determine whether the original problem has been solved
Instructor notes:
Ask questions to class
Can suggest to students to list one “take away” they have from the lesson; take a few spontaneous answers, select students if necessary
Can ask students to share personal stories related to problem solving, or share one of your own
Student activity:
Purpose: To summarize what we’ve learned about problem solving
Brief instruction: Answer the questions on the slide
Output: Discussion
Groupings: whole class
Timing: 10 minutes
Materials: none
Detailed instructions: none
Debrief questions: none
After the activity it might be a good time to check in and see how people are doing, if they have questions before moving on
Move on to next topic: Time management
(approximate time into workshop: 60 minutes)
Instructor note:
We’ll discuss 4 topics under time management
Scheduling
Prioritizing
Managing distractions
Multi-tasking
Student activity: none
(approximate time on slide: 2 mins)
Instructor note:
Key points:
Scheduling tasks makes them a priority
Acts as a reminder
Some tasks take more or less time than scheduled
Student activity:
Purpose: To discuss techniques and tools for self-management and reflect on its usefulness
Brief instructions: Answer the following questions
Input:
Do you schedule your tasks?
Do you schedule breaks?
What types of tools do you use to schedule your time? (apps, Outlook, day planner)
Do you find scheduling useful?
What are other benefits of scheduling?
Output: Discussion
Groupings: whole class
Timing: 10 minutes
Materials: none
Detailed instructions: none
Debrief questions: none
Instructor note:
Key points:
Scheduling tasks makes them a priority
Acts as a reminder
Some tasks take more or less time than scheduled
Student activity:
Purpose: To discuss techniques and tools for self-management and reflect on its usefulness
Brief instructions: Answer the following questions
Input:
Do you schedule your tasks?
Do you schedule breaks?
What types of tools do you use to schedule your time? (apps, Outlook, day planner)
Do you find scheduling useful?
What are other benefits of scheduling?
Output: Discussion
Groupings: whole class
Timing: 10 minutes
Materials: none
Detailed instructions: none
Debrief questions: none
Instructor note:
Key points:
Prioritizing ensures most important tasks are dealt with
Especially important when working with others
Student activity:
Purpose: To discuss the importance of prioritization when working with others and the consequences of not prioritizing
Brief instructions: Answer the following questions
Input:
Why do you think prioritizing is so important when working with others?
What are consequences of not prioritizing?
Output: Discussion
Groupings: whole class
Timing: 10 minutes (5 minutes per question)
Materials: none
Detailed instructions: none
Debrief questions: none
Possible answers to why it’s important to prioritize when working with others:
prevents miscommunication
reduces conflict
increases productivity
This would be a good time to take a 15 minute break
(approximate time into workshop: 1 hr 20 minutes)
(Next slide: 30 minute prioritization scenario)
Instructor note:
Key points:
Prioritizing ensures most important tasks are dealt with
Especially important when working with others
Student activity:
Purpose: To discuss the importance of prioritization when working with others and the consequences of not prioritizing
Brief instructions: Answer the following questions
Input:
Why do you think prioritizing is so important when working with others?
What are consequences of not prioritizing?
Output: Discussion
Groupings: whole class
Timing: 10 minutes (5 minutes per question)
Materials: none
Detailed instructions: none
Debrief questions: none
Possible answers to why it’s important to prioritize when working with others:
prevents miscommunication
reduces conflict
increases productivity
This would be a good time to take a 15 minute break
(approximate time into workshop: 1 hr 20 minutes)
(Next slide: 30 minute prioritization scenario)
Instructor note:
Key points:
Prioritizing ensures most important tasks are dealt with
Especially important when working with others
Student activity:
Purpose: To discuss the importance of prioritization when working with others and the consequences of not prioritizing
Brief instructions: Answer the following questions
Input:
Why do you think prioritizing is so important when working with others?
What are consequences of not prioritizing?
Output: Discussion
Groupings: whole class
Timing: 10 minutes (5 minutes per question)
Materials: none
Detailed instructions: none
Debrief questions: none
Possible answers to why it’s important to prioritize when working with others:
prevents miscommunication
reduces conflict
increases productivity
This would be a good time to take a 15 minute break
(approximate time into workshop: 1 hr 20 minutes)
(Next slide: 30 minute prioritization scenario)
Instructor note:
Walk around to see how students are doing, if any group needs help
Have students post and read answers one group at a time. Then ask questions
Provide positive feedback for answers
After discussion, reinforce that there is no right answer. Everyone prioritizes differently
Student activity :
Purpose: To gain skills in prioritizing a workday schedule
Groupings: Divide students into small groups (3-4)
Timing: 10 minutes activity, 10 minutes presentations, 10 minutes debrief
Materials: chart paper, markers, tape to post on board
Detailed instructions: In groups, write out a schedule for the day. Be prepared to share with class, including your rationale for decisions
Debrief questions:
How did you find this exercise, was it hard? Easy?
What did you think of the answers provided by your groups? Is there one schedule that would work better? Why or why not?
Are there any issues you might not have considered?
Possible answers:
other tasks that may be due tomorrow
delegating tasks to others
interruptions or distractions!
(approximate time into workshop: 2 hrs 5 minutes)
Instructor note:
Key points:
Distractions can’t be eliminated
They can be minimized or managed
Student activity:
Purpose: To discuss common types of distraction and how they can be eliminated
Brief instructions: Answer the following questions
Input:
What are some common types of distraction?
How can distractions be minimized?
Output: Discussion
Groupings: whole class
Timing: 5 minutes
Materials: none
Detailed instructions: none
Debrief questions: none
Possible answers (types of distraction):
Checking email/voicemail
Colleagues
Noise
Clutter
Spending too much time on one task (boredom)
Possible answers (how to minimize distractions):
Establishing “open door” hours
Close door/ DND sign - when might this not work? (shared office space)
Noise cancelling headphones
Check email/voicemail at set times
Let calls go to voicemail
De-clutter workspace
Schedule breaks
Instructor note:
Key points:
Distractions can’t be eliminated
They can be minimized or managed
Student activity:
Purpose: To discuss common types of distraction and how they can be eliminated
Brief instructions: Answer the following questions
Input:
What are some common types of distraction?
How can distractions be minimized?
Output: Discussion
Groupings: whole class
Timing: 5 minutes
Materials: none
Detailed instructions: none
Debrief questions: none
Possible answers (types of distraction):
Checking email/voicemail
Colleagues
Noise
Clutter
Spending too much time on one task (boredom)
Possible answers (how to minimize distractions):
Establishing “open door” hours
Close door/ DND sign - when might this not work? (shared office space)
Noise cancelling headphones
Check email/voicemail at set times
Let calls go to voicemail
De-clutter workspace
Schedule breaks
Instructor note:
Key points:
Distractions can’t be eliminated
They can be minimized or managed
Student activity:
Purpose: To discuss common types of distraction and how they can be eliminated
Brief instructions: Answer the following questions
Input:
What are some common types of distraction?
How can distractions be minimized?
Output: Discussion
Groupings: whole class
Timing: 5 minutes
Materials: none
Detailed instructions: none
Debrief questions: none
Possible answers (types of distraction):
Checking email/voicemail
Colleagues
Noise
Clutter
Spending too much time on one task (boredom)
Possible answers (how to minimize distractions):
Establishing “open door” hours
Close door/ DND sign - when might this not work? (shared office space)
Noise cancelling headphones
Check email/voicemail at set times
Let calls go to voicemail
De-clutter workspace
Schedule breaks
Instructor note:
Key points:
Distractions can’t be eliminated
They can be minimized or managed
Student activity:
Purpose: To discuss common types of distraction and how they can be eliminated
Brief instructions: Answer the following questions
Input:
What are some common types of distraction?
How can distractions be minimized?
Output: Discussion
Groupings: whole class
Timing: 5 minutes
Materials: none
Detailed instructions: none
Debrief questions: none
Possible answers (types of distraction):
Checking email/voicemail
Colleagues
Noise
Clutter
Spending too much time on one task (boredom)
Possible answers (how to minimize distractions):
Establishing “open door” hours
Close door/ DND sign - when might this not work? (shared office space)
Noise cancelling headphones
Check email/voicemail at set times
Let calls go to voicemail
De-clutter workspace
Schedule breaks
Instructor note:
Encourage participation in the discussion
Wait for spontaneous answers, then pick a few students by name to give answers if there is no or little participation
Student activity:
Purpose: To discuss whether students believe multi-tasking is a myth and why
Brief instructions: Answer the following questions
Input:
Is multi-tasking a myth?
Do you agree/disagree? Why?
Output: Discussion
Groupings: whole class
Timing: 5 minutes
Materials: none
Detailed instructions: none
Instructor note:
Key points:
Multi-tasking – trying to do more than one thing at a time
Studies show 30-40% more time spent on tasks when multi-tasking
Can convey we’re not interested
Student activity:
None
(approximate time on slide: 2 mins)
Instructor notes:
Ask questions to class
Can suggest to students to list one “take away” they have from the lesson
Can ask students to share personal stories
Student activity:
Purpose: To summarize what we’ve learned about time-management
Brief instructions: Answer the questions on the slide
Input: Questions
Output: Discussion
Groupings: whole class
Timing: 5 minutes
Materials: none
Detailed instructions: none
Debrief questions: none
Move on to final topic: self-confidence
Instructor notes:
The greatest thing you can do for your own success is to build and learn to show self-confidence
Key points:
self-confidence is not egotistic or acting like you are better than others
self-confidence is the belief that you know what to do and how to do it, that you are good at what you do, that you can handle any situation that comes your way
studies show that confident people share many of the same traits, even across cultures and industries
Student activity:
Purpose: To list traits common to confident people
Brief instructions: answer the question
Input: what are some of the traits common to confident people?
Output: Discussion
Groupings: Whole class
Timing: 5 minutes
Materials: none
Detailed instructions: none
Debrief questions: none
Possible answers:
They are not afraid to be wrong
They are willing to take a stand, even if they end up being wrong
They value what is right more than they value being right
They listen more than they speak
They do not seek the spotlight, they share it with others
They ask for help
They think in possibilities, not in obstacles – they ask “why not?”
They don’t put others down
They aren’t afraid to look silly or foolish
They acknowledge their mistakes
They seek feedback from only those who matter
They accept compliments
They walk their talk
Instructor notes:
The greatest thing you can do for your own success is to build and learn to show self-confidence
Key points:
self-confidence is not egotistic or acting like you are better than others
self-confidence is the belief that you know what to do and how to do it, that you are good at what you do, that you can handle any situation that comes your way
studies show that confident people share many of the same traits, even across cultures and industries
Student activity:
Purpose: To list traits common to confident people
Brief instructions: answer the question
Input: what are some of the traits common to confident people?
Output: Discussion
Groupings: Whole class
Timing: 5 minutes
Materials: none
Detailed instructions: none
Debrief questions: none
Possible answers:
They are not afraid to be wrong
They are willing to take a stand, even if they end up being wrong
They value what is right more than they value being right
They listen more than they speak
They do not seek the spotlight, they share it with others
They ask for help
They think in possibilities, not in obstacles – they ask “why not?”
They don’t put others down
They aren’t afraid to look silly or foolish
They acknowledge their mistakes
They seek feedback from only those who matter
They accept compliments
They walk their talk
Instructor notes:
The greatest thing you can do for your own success is to build and learn to show self-confidence
Key points:
self-confidence is not egotistic or acting like you are better than others
self-confidence is the belief that you know what to do and how to do it, that you are good at what you do, that you can handle any situation that comes your way
studies show that confident people share many of the same traits, even across cultures and industries
Student activity:
Purpose: To list traits common to confident people
Brief instructions: answer the question
Input: what are some of the traits common to confident people?
Output: Discussion
Groupings: Whole class
Timing: 5 minutes
Materials: none
Detailed instructions: none
Debrief questions: none
Possible answers:
They are not afraid to be wrong
They are willing to take a stand, even if they end up being wrong
They value what is right more than they value being right
They listen more than they speak
They do not seek the spotlight, they share it with others
They ask for help
They think in possibilities, not in obstacles – they ask “why not?”
They don’t put others down
They aren’t afraid to look silly or foolish
They acknowledge their mistakes
They seek feedback from only those who matter
They accept compliments
They walk their talk
Instructor notes:
Introduction to student activity:
It can be hard to assess your own self-confidence
Taking the time to ask a few questions and answer them honestly can help you gauge areas where your confidence is high and areas where you can develop grater confidence
Ask yourself if you agree with the following statements:
Student activity:
Purpose: To reflect on a list of statements about self-confidence
Brief instructions: reflect on the following questions
Input:
I intuitively know what’s right for me
I walk my talk
I am honest with others
I am honest with myself
I feel comfortable being wrong
I am more interested in finding out what is right than being right
It is not important to me that I be right all the time
I feel like I can meet any challenge
I operate well under pressure
I do not put others down
I like to share the spotlight with others
I have a clear vision for my life
Output: individual reflection (not shared)
Groupings: individual
Timing: 5 minutes
Materials: none
Detailed instructions: Instructor reads out the list of questions below while students reflect privately on their answers
Debrief questions:
Now that you’ve reflected on those statements, what do you think are some ways of building self-confidence? Does anyone have any stories to share on what’s worked for them? (5 minutes, whole class discussion)
Transition to final slide on confidence
(approximate time into workshop: 2 hrs 40 minutes)
Instructor notes:
Introduction to student activity:
It can be hard to assess your own self-confidence
Taking the time to ask a few questions and answer them honestly can help you gauge areas where your confidence is high and areas where you can develop grater confidence
Ask yourself if you agree with the following statements:
Student activity:
Purpose: To reflect on a list of statements about self-confidence
Brief instructions: reflect on the following questions
Input:
I intuitively know what’s right for me
I walk my talk
I am honest with others
I am honest with myself
I feel comfortable being wrong
I am more interested in finding out what is right than being right
It is not important to me that I be right all the time
I feel like I can meet any challenge
I operate well under pressure
I do not put others down
I like to share the spotlight with others
I have a clear vision for my life
Output: individual reflection (not shared)
Groupings: individual
Timing: 5 minutes
Materials: none
Detailed instructions: Instructor reads out the list of questions below while students reflect privately on their answers
Debrief questions:
Now that you’ve reflected on those statements, what do you think are some ways of building self-confidence? Does anyone have any stories to share on what’s worked for them? (5 minutes, whole class discussion)
Transition to final slide on confidence
(approximate time into workshop: 2 hrs 40 minutes)
Instructor notes:
Key points:
Dress your best
Knowing you look good is key to feeling good
When you feel good you project confidence
Choose clothes that fit well and you feel good wearing
Choose a haircut easy to style
Stand up straight
Good posture is a quick free way to build confidence
Stand up straight and keep shoulders back. Don’t be afraid to take up space
A bonus of good posture is that you breath more deeply and get more oxygen, which may mean you have more focus
Practice gratitude
Practicing gratitude helps you see all the blessings you have in your life
It builds confidence and appreciation for your life
Compliment others
Shows you have concern and appreciation for others
A key trait of people who have high self-confidence is they build up others
The success of others does not take away from your own
Being a mentor can help build up others’ self-confidence
Accept compliments
Too often we say “yes, but…” Instead just accept the compliment, say “thank you”
Spend time with people who build you up
It helps to keep your positive
Student activity: none
(Approximate time on slide: 5 minutes)
Transition to summary slide on self-confidence
Instructor notes:
Key points:
Dress your best
Knowing you look good is key to feeling good
When you feel good you project confidence
Choose clothes that fit well and you feel good wearing
Choose a haircut easy to style
Stand up straight
Good posture is a quick free way to build confidence
Stand up straight and keep shoulders back. Don’t be afraid to take up space
A bonus of good posture is that you breath more deeply and get more oxygen, which may mean you have more focus
Practice gratitude
Practicing gratitude helps you see all the blessings you have in your life
It builds confidence and appreciation for your life
Compliment others
Shows you have concern and appreciation for others
A key trait of people who have high self-confidence is they build up others
The success of others does not take away from your own
Being a mentor can help build up others’ self-confidence
Accept compliments
Too often we say “yes, but…” Instead just accept the compliment, say “thank you”
Spend time with people who build you up
It helps to keep your positive
Student activity: none
(Approximate time on slide: 5 minutes)
Transition to summary slide on self-confidence
Instructor notes:
Ask questions to class
Can suggest to students to list one “take away” they have from the lesson
Can ask students to share personal stories
Student activity:
Purpose: To summarize what we’ve learned about self-confidence
Brief instructions: Answer the questions on the slide
Input: Questions
Output: Discussion
Groupings: whole class
Timing: 5 minutes
Materials: none
Detailed instructions: none
Debrief questions: none
(Transition to final slide of workshop)
Instructor note:
Summarize - have students summarize points of the lesson; of all the things you’ve learned, what’s one thing you’ll take away from this course?
Application – have students explain how they will use what they’ve learned in
Transition – Additional resources (handout)
Parking lot – review any parking lot items
Student activity:
Purpose: To summarize what students have learned in class and how they will use it in the future
Brief instructions: Answer the questions on the slide
Input: Questions on slide
Output: Discussion
Groupings: Whole class
Timing: 5 minutes
Materials: none
Detailed instructions: none
Debrief questions: none. Thank students for their participation. Hand out workshop evaluation (5 minutes to complete)