Topic 1.11.1 Creating Stronger Connections
CREATING STRONGER CONNECTIONS
1. Warm up
In pairs, discuss the following questions. Makes notes about your answers.
- How would you describe your relationships with people in your team, or people who you work with directly?
- How would you describe your relationships with other people in the company who you don’t work with as closely, but you see regularly?
- How do you feel when meeting new people in a business situation for the first time? What do you usually do or talk about?
2. Vocabulary Idioms
- Who or what sets the tone of your work environment? How?
- What would you have to do to realise your dreams?
- Do you find connecting with people difficult or not?
- In your everyday life, do you find it difficult to be present? Why/Why not?
- When was the last time you showed someone that you really care?
- Do you find it easy to open up with people who you meet? Or not? Why?
- What can you do in your job to go above and beyond what is asked of you?
- What have you done in your life that has really made a difference?
Now, ask and answer the questions.
3A. Vocabulary from listening
3B. Practice exercise
3C. Discussion
Discuss the following questions.
- Do you enjoy getting feedback from people in your job? Or do you prefer to give feedback? Why?
- Does your company have transparent rules for hiring and promotion? Why/Why not?
- What is your underlying motivation in your career?
- What event or person had the most impact on your work life?
- Are you attracted to a fast-paced work environment? Or a steady and gentle one? Why?
- How do you know if someone is being genuine when they talk to you? What signs do you look for?
4A. Video
Look at the following pieces of advice. Watch the video and say the ones that are given.
- Answer questions with honesty
- Buy a gift
- Write a letter
- Give them advice
- Pick up the phone
- Turn the video on
- Ask interesting questions
4B. True or False
5. Talking point
Discuss the following questions.
- When was the last time you wrote a handwritten note to someone? Or received one? What was the reason for writing it? What was the effect of it?
- Do you prefer to call someone personally, or are you more likely to communicate with them in another way? Why?
- When you’re talking to people in business relationships outside the office, what do you usually discuss?
- If someone at work asked you right now, “How was your weekend?”, what could you say that would be more meaningful than, “Fine, thanks.”?
- Do you prefer video calls or phone calls? Why?
- Look back at the answers you gave in section 1 of this lesson. How could you improve the answers with the tips from this lesson?
6. Extension activity/homework
Write a note to someone you have a professional relationship with thanking them for helping you. Remember to be specific about how their help or advice had an impact on you.