Workplace Ready

Active listening is an essential skill used to learn, understand, and communicate. This LAP, Listen Up! (Demonstrating Active Listening Skills), will teach your students how active listening can help them build better relationships, understand others, and succeed in school. Help them discover how to eliminate the distractions that can get in the way of effective listening. This instructional module includes assessments, video links, and activities to develop active listening skills. LAPs are...

Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize and manage emotions in ourselves and others. EQ and You (Emotional Intelligence) includes a detailed explanation of the components of emotional intelligence. It also explains the importance of emotional intelligence in the business world and the benefits that it brings to the workplace. LAPs are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with...

When it comes to personal and professional success, attitude is everything. In this LAP, students will discover the many benefits of fostering and maintaining an optimistic attitude. They will be introduced to effective methods for improving their attitude, from “thought stopping” to gratitude journaling. In an accompanying activity, students will evaluate and analyze their own attitudes using personality questionnaires. LAPs are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements...

Being honest, treating others fairly, and respecting other people’s belongings—these are all behaviors of ethical employees. This LAP explains the importance of behaving ethically, the characteristics of ethical work habits, and the consequences that occur when employees behave unethically. It also details the steps anyone can take to develop ethical work habits. LAPs are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. Each LAP includes a...

Everyone has his/her own unique personality, but some personality traits are more desirable than others. You've Got Personality will teach your students how to develop the personality traits they need to succeed in business. LAPs are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT! permission) that includes information about personality traits in business, a (So What?) discussion of why it's...

Developing self-control requires a lot of self-discipline, patience, and practice, but it can be done! This LAP explains why keeping one’s cool is so important and also shows how to develop and exhibit self-control. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT! permission) that includes information about demonstrating self-control, a (So What?)...

Whether from a boss, a teacher, a family member, or a friend, people face feedback all the time. But some types of feedback are more valuable than others! This LAP explains the different types of criticism and shows how people can effectively receive criticism, even when it’s tough to hear. LAPs are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT! permission) that includes information about...

A leader is an individual with the ability to guide or direct the actions of others in a desired manner to achieve goals. Leadership is very important in the business world. Teach your students about the significance of leadership and what it takes to be a leader. LAPs are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. Each LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT! permission) that includes information about the concept of leadership, a...

Identifying strengths and weaknesses isn’t always easy—in fact, it can be downright scary! But, as this LAP shows, completing a self-assessment is the best way to improve your job prospects, work well in teams, make better decisions, and more! This LAP also explains some tips to make sure each self-assessment is productive and balanced. LAPs are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. Each LAP includes a student handout (with...

Have you ever heard of “win-win” situations? They’re possible—as long as people act assertively! This LAP explains how assertive behavior differs from aggressive or passive behavior. It also explains the benefits of behaving assertively, as well as the steps anyone can take to become more assertive. LAPs are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. Each LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT! permission) that includes...

You’ve probably told your students to “act like responsible young adults” at some time or another, but have you spent time talking with them about what you really mean? If not, here’s your chance! This LAP explains the essential elements of responsible behavior, the importance of acting responsibly, and how to behave responsibly—at home, at school, and on the job. LAPs are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. Each LAP includes a...

Your students regularly experience change, but how well do they deal with it? Go With The Flow explains how being adaptable can help students deal with new situations in positive ways that help them learn, grow, and achieve. They’ll also learn the negative consequences of resisting change. This LAP includes activities and videos explaining how a flexible attitude can help your students achieve success in many areas of life. LAPs are comprehensive instructional packages that include all...

Achievement-oriented people produce high-quality work, demonstrate leadership, and take responsibility. If these sound like skills you’d like your students to learn about, check out High Hopes. This LAP shows students why an achievement orientation is so important—and what they can do to develop their own. This LAP is packed with videos and activities that engage and inspire students to aim higher, accomplish more, and achieve personal goals. LAPs are comprehensive instructional packages that...

Do your students understand the importance of developing empathy? Learning how to listen, speak tactfully, and consider others’ feelings can help your students become aware of how their actions impact the people they come into contact with every day. The ability to understand others’ feelings and life experiences can help your students succeed in their personal lives and in their future careers. The LAP Have a Heart provides a variety of videos and activities that engage students in...

Cultural sensitivity is an essential personal skill for improving relationships and creating a more accurate worldview. Being culturally sensitive is also important in order to succeed academically, professionally, and to compete in today’s global marketplace. With Getting To Know You (Cultural Sensitivity), your students will learn what cultural sensitivity is, why it’s important, and what they can do to become more culturally sensitive. Videos provide examples of cultural differences and...

Most people want to treat others with respect, but that can be difficult if they don’t understand each other’s differences. This LAP outlines the major differences between people, explains why it’s so important to value and accept those differences, and demonstrates the general steps students can take to treat anyone with respect and dignity. LAPs are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with...

Plain and simple, people need other people. This LAP explains interdependence, how to nurture personal and professional relationships, and how different management styles affect the work environment and these relationships. LAPs are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT! permission) that includes information about positive working relationships, a (So What?) discussion of why it's...

Responsibility is fundamental to success at school, at work, and in life. Teach your students about the benefits of being responsible, the consequences of being irresponsible, the traits responsible people possess, and the steps they can take to develop responsibility for their decisions and actions. LAPs are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT! permission) that includes...

In today’s fast-paced society, nearly everyone has experienced the stress of being overcommitted. Learning how to manage commitments in a timely manner is an essential skill for everyone to develop. Commit to It! (Managing Commitments in a Timely Manner) helps students understand the concepts of committing and overcommitting, as well as reasons to manage commitments in a timely manner. LAPs are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson...

What does it mean to behave ethically? It takes a lot more than just following the law—it means doing what’s right, no matter what! This LAP explains how to determine if an issue is an ethical situation and details the consequences of unethical behavior. It also outlines eight important ethical principles that can help anyone make the right decisions. LAPs are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student...

Pressure from others, greed, bad role models…these are all common reasons behind ethical dilemmas. This LAP explains why these reasons and others can place people in difficult ethical dilemmas. It also describes the difference between dilemmas and ethical dilemmas and explains the steps anyone can take to make the right decision, even when it’s tough. LAPs are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student...

You want to make the right decisions when you encounter ethical dilemmas, but how do you know when you’re facing them? This LAP explains the characteristics of ethical dilemmas and shows how ethical principles can help you spot them. It also demonstrates the importance of responding to ethical dilemmas and outlines the steps anyone can take to figure out the best solutions. LAPs are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP...

Assess Yourself guides students to understanding their own personal values and behavior. This LAP explains what values and behaviors are, how they relate to one another, and the importance of assessing one’s personal values and behavior. It also leads students to discovering their personal values and acting in accordance with them. The engaging links and relevant examples demonstrate the importance and impact that values and behavior have on students’ lives, both now and in the future. LAPs...

Fairness is the ability to make decisions and act without favoritism or self-interest. A person who acts with fairness is impartial, which means that s/he is not affected by personal bias or prejudice. Teaching your students how to demonstrate fairness is essential to their long-term success in their careers and personal lives. Use this LAP to guide your students to understanding what fairness is, what personal traits contribute to fairness, and how to treat others fairly. LAPs are...

Whether it’s in the workplace or in your personal life, trust is essential. But trust doesn’t just occur naturally! It needs to be built in each important relationship. This LAP explains the techniques you can use to build trust and the characteristics that all trustworthy people possess. LAPs are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT! permission) that includes information about...

Employers have consistently ranked communication skills as one of the most desirable traits in new employees. In this LAP, students will learn the importance of effective communication skills as well as techniques for overcoming barriers to communication. Students will discover how communication plays a role in their everyday lives, and how their ability to communicate can help them achieve their personal and professional goals. LAPs are comprehensive instructional packages that include all...

Initiative is an extremely important skill in all types of careers. Teach your students about it with Hustle! They’ll learn why initiative is necessary and how they can demonstrate it at work. LAPs are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT! permission) that includes information about taking initiative at work, a (So What?) discussion of why it's important to learn, ideas (Make it...

Every business has goals, and every business needs employees to help it reach those goals. Act Now! teaches your students the general and specific employee actions they can take to help companies work toward their goals. LAPs are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT! permission) that includes information about employee actions and company goals, a (So What?) discussion of why it's...

Help your students understand how their personal appearance impacts their self-confidence, self-concept, self-esteem, and image that they present to others. Brand Me (Personal Appearance) teaches students the importance of a strong personal brand in interviews and in professional success. The provided examples, activities, videos, and more teach students the importance of making good first impressions, dressing appropriately, and developing good grooming and health habits. LAPs are...

Dreams and goals aren’t the same thing—if you want to accomplish something, you need to set a goal! This LAP explains the benefits and basics of goals, from the types of goals to the steps of the goal setting process. It also demonstrates what makes a goal SMART and effective. LAPs are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT! permission) that includes information about goal setting, a...

Decision-making skills are crucial for success in life, so prepare your students with Weigh Your Options. Not only does this LAP explain the benefits of using a decision-making model to make good decisions at home, school, and work, but it also teaches students an organized way to make decisions. The LAP provides student activities that promote critical thinking and include opportunities to make hypothetical personal and business decisions in their daily lives. LAPs are comprehensive...

Careers in business come in many shapes and sizes. The possibilities are endless, but it’s important to know what options are available. Teach your students more about different business careers and what it takes to succeed in the business world. LAPs are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT! permission) that includes information about careers in business, a (So What?) discussion...

There’s more than one way to solve any problem! This LAP explains some common tools used in problem solving, including intuition, the seven-step approach, and brainstorming. It also details three categories of problems, describes the differences between types of problems, and illustrates why problem solving can help people accomplish their personal and professional goals. LAPs are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP...

Innovation. It drives business and economic growth. Businesses create, design, and redesign to compete in today’s changing market. This LAP, Ideas in Action (Innovation Skills), will teach your students the importance of innovation and how companies achieve it. Videos and activities expose students to some inventive products from the past as well as the newer innovations of 4D printing, autonomous driving, and virtual reality. LAPs are comprehensive instructional packages that include all...

Whether we like it or not, rules are a part of life – at home, at school, and at work. Learning how to adhere to organizational guidelines is an integral skill for students of all backgrounds and interests, as well as for current job-seekers and young professionals. In this LAP, students will learn the importance of company protocols, policies, and procedures, as well as the personal and organizational benefits of adhering to them. LAPs are comprehensive instructional packages that include all...

Businesses of all shapes, sizes, and industries implement chains of command to keep their operations flowing smoothly and efficiently. Whatever career path students decide to pursue, they will need to know how to work within a chain of command. In this LAP, students will discover the personal benefits of following the chain of command, as well as concrete steps for working within a hierarchical system. In the Gray Zone, students will be confronted with a situation in which personal...