At Jigsaw, we help you develop key skills that will set you up for success in the workplace. Two essential skills we focus on are following instructions and building workplace relationships. Employers look for these skills, and practising them at home will help you feel more confident and prepared for any job.
Here’s how you can start working on these skills at home.
Following instructions
Following instructions is essential for doing tasks correctly and efficiently. When you follow instructions well, you show that you can listen, understand, and complete tasks as expected, which helps build trust with your manager and colleagues.
Why it’s important:
– Helps you complete tasks correctly: By following instructions, you ensure the job gets done right the first time, saving time and avoiding mistakes.
– Builds trust: People will see you as reliable and responsible when you follow instructions.
– Increases efficiency: Following instructions correctly the first time saves time and energy, as you won’t need to redo tasks.
– Reduces anxiety: Knowing how to follow instructions gives you confidence and reduces stress.
How you can practise this at home:
- Start simple: Begin with clear, one-step tasks.
- Use visual aids: Some people find it easier to follow instructions when they can see them written down or shown in pictures.
- Practise listening: After you get an instruction, repeat it to ensure you understand.
- Engage in fun activities: Use games, cooking, or projects that involve following steps.
For example, when cooking, you can follow the steps, like, “First, measure the flour. Next, mix it with the sugar.”
- Break down tasks: If the task is big, break it into smaller steps.
- Reward yourself: When you follow instructions well, acknowledge a job well done.
Building Workplace Relationships
Workplace relationships are about getting along with your colleagues, managers, and anyone else you work with. These relationships help make the workplace more enjoyable and productive. You don’t have to be best friends with everyone, but being friendly, respectful, and cooperative will help you build positive connections at work.
Why It’s Important:
– Teamwork: Good relationships make it easier to work as a team and solve problems together.
– Support: When you have good relationships, coworkers are more likely to help you when needed.
– Communication: Clear and respectful communication helps things run smoothly and reduces misunderstandings.
– Job satisfaction: Positive relationships make work more enjoyable and reduce stress.
– Career growth: Good relationships can lead to additional learning and development or even new job opportunities.
How you can practise this at home:
- Practice taking turns: Play board or card games that involve waiting your turn.
- Practice listening and responding: Have conversations where you listen carefully and respond appropriately.
- Work together on tasks: Doing chores or tasks together with your family or friends is a great way to practice teamwork.
- Show appreciation: Say thank you when someone helps you or does something kind.
- Role-play workplace scenarios: Practise situations you might face at work, like greeting a coworker or asking for help.
- Manage disagreements calmly: Learn how to stay calm and solve problems when things don’t go as planned.
- Practise empathy: Try to understand how others might feel in different situations.
By practising these skills at home:
By practising listening, showing appreciation, and working as a team, you can build confidence in social situations and improve your ability to get along with others. You’ll also develop the skills you need for a positive and productive workplace. Small actions like taking turns or saying thank you will help you feel more comfortable and prepared when it’s time to interact with your coworkers.
Remember, practising following instructions and building workplace relationships at home will help you feel more confident and set you up for success when you commence mainstream employment.
Stay tuned for next month’s skills to work on!