Workplace Skills Group

1. Autism & Asperger Connections 1/4/14 Workplace Skills Group

2. 1:00-1:05 – Welcome & Agenda Review 1:05-1:25 – Check-In on Job Search or Employment 1:25-1:45 – Tips for Effective Workplace Communication 1:45-1:50 – Break 1:50-2:10 – Workplace Communication Issues 2:10-2:25 – Review of September-December Topics 2:25-2:30 – Break 2:30-2:50 – Discussion: What Are Your Goals for 2014? 2:50-2:55 – Assignment 2:55-3:00 – Q&A / Wrap-Up Today’s Agenda 2

3. If you’re currently looking for a job, how is your job search going?  If you're currently employed, how are things going at work? What do you need support/help with right now? Check-In 3

4. Tips for Effective Workplace Communication 4

5. Gather your thoughts before speaking Include specifics Edit yourself Keep your speech short Example Scenario: You need some information from your manager in order to complete a task. Before approaching your manager, think about what you want to say (“gather your thoughts”) and make a mental or written note about the exact information you need (“include specifics”). When you speak to your manager, stay focused on the topic of your request (“edit yourself”) and only say what needs to be said to make the request (“keep your speech short”). #1 - Be crisp, clear, and concise 5

6. Make your most important point first Remember that people don't need to know everything you know Look for cues that your listener is losing interest (facial expressions, looking elsewhere, turning or walking away, etc.) #2 - Hit the headline first 6

7. Pay attention to your listener Try to identify what they care about Talk about their concerns first Example Scenario: You are talking to a coworker about a task you’ve been asked to complete together. To figure out how to best work with this person on this task, you ask your coworker how he would like to complete the task (“pay attention to your listener” and “try to identify what they care about”). Your coworker describes how he thinks you might work together. He brings up a potential concern, so you spend some time talking about that before you share your ideas with your coworker (“talk about their concerns first”). #3 - Make it about them 7

8. Sit or stand up straight Put away gadgets (phone, etc.) Make eye contact Stay focused on the person speaking Ask for a break if you get too distracted #4 - Project a positive image 8

9. Ask questions that start with who, what, where, when, or why Ask questions that start with "could you clarify..." or "tell me more about..." Use open-ended questions to encourage dialogue with your co-workers and managers Example Scenario: You’ve run into a problem on a project. To get ideas on how to deal with it, you ask your more experienced coworker “How would you handle this situation?” #5 - Ask open-ended questions 9

10. Avoid office gossip Don't talk about people behind their backs Protect confidential information #6 - Be trustworthy 10

11. Be honest and direct Address problems politely but clearly Don't be vague or expect people to read your mind #7 - Speak up 11

12. When you disagree with your boss or a co-worker, frame your disagreement as a question Use open-ended questions like "What about..." or "Could you tell me more..." to address your concerns in a respectful way Seek to understand where the other person is coming from #8 - Don't be a naysayer 12

13. Share an example of a time you used one of these tips to communicate effectively Which of these tips was most helpful to you? Discussion 13

14. BreakPlease be back in 5 minutes 14

15. Workplace Communication Issues 15

16. The following workplace challenges can lead to communication issues: Interacting with co-workers, supervisors, and customers Understanding unspoken rules for communication and behavior Working on assignments that are not clearly defined Dealing with changes to assignments, plans, or routines Managing sensory sensitivities (office noise, fluorescent lighting, cafeteria or break room smells, etc.) Handling situations that require rapid decision making Learning new tasks or transferring skills to a new context Starting and completing projects on time Managing stress and conflict Working on team projects Typical Workplace Challenges 16

17. #1 - Communicate Clearly In addition to the communication tips we've already covered: Ask your manager or co-workers to clarify things you don't understand Take the time to process before responding Ask for instructions, processes, etc. in writing Respond in writing (via email) when doing so will allow you to express yourself more clearly How to Address Challenges 17

18. #2 - Define Expectations & Outcomes Ask your manager for clear expectations regarding your job duties, tasks, deadlines, etc. Ask your manager to describe desired outcomes - for example: what should the product look like when it's done? what format should the report be in? Don't be afraid to ask for help How to Address Challenges 18

19. #3 - Be Proactive Ask for guidelines about "workplace norms" (the often unspoken rules of the workplace) Request notice or extra time to adapt to changes to assignments, plans, or routines Inquire about meeting topics ahead of time so you can prepare Anticipate that starting or completing projects may cause you to "feel stuck" and take steps to address that (e.g. build coping skills with the help of AAC, your ally, etc.) How to Address Challenges 19

20. #4 - Set yourself up for success Check in with your manager regularly - ask for feedback! Take breaks from frustrating or stressful situations Seek out (or ask for) a mentor in your workplace Ask for support from Human Resources when appropriate How to Address Challenges 20

21. Review of September-December Topics 21

22. Topics covered: Attire and appearance Punctuality Interaction with manager and coworkers Interaction with customers Breaks Job duties/responsibilities Company hierarchy September - Understanding the Rules of the Workplace 22

23. Topics covered: Taking and interpreting career tests Identifying jobs/careers that would be a good fit for you Exploring the job market Developing your job search strategy Finding a job search mentor/advisor October - Job Search 101 23

24. Topics covered: Overview of job application process Types of information asked for on applications Tips for filling out applications How to make a good impression when turning in an application November - Applying for Jobs 24

25. Topics covered: Interviewing tips and strategies How to dress for interview success Preparing for the interview Common interview questions Things to keep in mind during the interview Following up after the interview Knowing your rights December - Interviewing Skills 25

26. Topics covered: Holiday Social Do's & Don'ts Appropriate dress for holiday parties Tips for socializing and small talk Topics to avoid How to make the most of the event December - Holiday Social 26

27. BreakPlease be back in 5 minutes 27

28. Goals Discussion 28

29. What would you like to accomplish? What is your plan? What resources are available to you? What additional resources/support do you need? What are your job-related goals for 2014? 29

30. Feb WS Group Topic: “How & When to Disclose Your Diagnosis" - with guest presenter from Rocky Mountain ADA Assignment for next meeting If you’re currently looking for a job: Complete several job applications and turn them in to the employers. If you’re currently employed: Sign up for free training and career development workshops at http://www.ppwfc.org/. Assignment for Next Meeting 30

31. Q&A 31

32. Thank you for coming today! 32