Worksheet: Imperatives vs Polite Requests in the Workplace
“You cannot be really first-rate at your work if your work is all you are.” —Anna Quindlen (1953-), American Pulitzer Prize-winning author and journalist Style matters – especially when we talk with our co-workers, consumers, patients, and supervisors. English language learners, immigrants, a… The post Worksheet: Imperatives vs Polite Requests in the...
Read MoreTeaching Matters: Avoiding Good Mistakes in Using Infographics
Correlation is not causation but it sure is a hint – Edward Tufte (1942-), American Statistician and Professor We live in an age of big data, powerful algorithms and infographics. Significant decisions are being made daily based on data input, and adults – including our students – have to analyze an… The post Teaching Matters: Avoiding Good Mistakes in Using Infographics...
Read MoreTeaching Matters: Introducing Informational Interviews to Your Advanced ESL Class
“You have to know how to accept rejection and reject acceptance.” – Ray Bradbury (1920-2012), American author Speaking skills – in particular interview skills – matter. Job interviews – a perennial topic on this blog – are often stressful, especially for English language learners. A broad consensus … The post Teaching Matters: Introducing...
Read MoreJob Interviews: How to Answer Authentically to the Toughest Questions
“Strong waves make strong sailors.” – English proverb Why do so many hiring managers ask open-ended questions in job interviews? What possibilities – and perils – do these questions present? How can job-seekers prepare for ten tough, yet common, interview questions? When answering seemingly broad interview questions, it’s often difficult to know where to...
Read MoreJob Interviews: Why Authentic Conversation is Key to Success
“Hiring is a manager’s most important job.” – Peter F. Drucker (1909-2005), American management consultant and author How do many job seekers self-sabotage during interviews? What qualities often make a successful job interview? Liz Ryan, founder and CEO of Human Workplace, has conducted many an interview. In ‘The Startling Truth About Hiring Decisions’, she...
Read MoreJob Interviews: Asking Better Questions – from the Hiring Seat
“Hiring is a manager’s most important job.” –Peter F. Drucker (1909-2005), American management consultant Can you put yourself in the shoes of a manager looking to hire two new staff members? What qualities are employers looking for in a new hire? What kinds of interview questions encourage real reflection and promote compelling workplace conversations? How can a manager...
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