Topic 1.1.1 Change
CHANGE
1.Discussion
- What are/ would be the risks and the benefits of cycling to your place of work?
- If your company/organisation changed location, where would you like to be? Think of a realistic location and give reasons for your answer.
- How would this change in location affect members of staff and customers/visitors?
2.Video
Look at the photo. Why do you think Brompton bikes might be unusual?
Watch the rest of the video on managing change at Brompton and answer the questions.
- Why did the company need to move location?
- How successful was the move from the company’s point of view?
- How happy are the staff with the change?
3. Watch the video again from 0:00-0:26
4.Watch the rest of the video again and decide if these sentences are true (T) or false (F). Correct the incorrect sentences.
5.Work in pairs. How easily would you adapt to a change in location of your usual place of work or study?
6.Vocabulary
7.Look at the words associated with change management. One vowel for each box.
8.Why change?
9.Tell your partner about a time when you, or someone you know, resisted change. What happened? What should you/they have done differently?
10.Do the quiz ‘How adaptable are you?’. Ask and answer the questions in pairs and discuss what you think your answers say about you.
HOW ADAPTABLE ARE YOU?
- How do you usually adapt to change?
- You prefer to go along with what other people decide.
- You persuade others that your way of doing things is best?
- You are pretty good at adapting to different people and circumstances
2. Your organisation/company is moving its main office. How do you feel about it?
- It’s convenient but it’s a management decision.
- It’s really inconvenient and you’re very worried about the move – it’s unnecessary.
- You’re worried about your journey time but you help your team plan the transition.
3. A colleague asks to change the date and time of a project meeting.
- Ask him/her to propose a new date and time that suits him/her best.
- Say you’re sorry but it isn’t possible; the meeting needs to go ahead as planned.
- Suggest some new dates and send an email to all participants.
4. Your boss has asked you to take a position in a different department. What do you do?
- You feel obligated to accept, although the new position is not in your field.
- Decline politely. You enjoy doing what you know best.
- Accept the position. You need a change and like learning new things.
5. A new product designed by your department has been recalled. What do you do?
- Ask your team to brainstorm a new model.
- Argue against the recall: the problem lies with manufacturing.
- Work with the team to improve any faults and defects.
What do you think your answers say about you?
HOMEWORK
Practice exercise 1
Practice exercise 2
Practice exercise 3
