Joanne Gail Johnson
OnlineEnglish Coach
Joanne has over 30 years of experience working as a writer, producer and teacher. She helps Edutainment Professionals have a greater impact by advancing their English Writing, Presentation...
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Tricky Workplace Situation Handled
- Divergent thinking allows a 360 view, it may include future thinking. The ability to see what does not yet exist, to make connections that may seem random, and have been previously overlooked can identify new opportunities that may even have been there all along but everyone had missed. Convergent thinking helps hone in on specific problems - identify and solve them. This too can be a way of spotting new niches and new opportunities.
- Impact on English is a necessary language but this may mean second language and bilingual speakers do ish their authority and defer to native speakers, reducing their impact. While there’s a shift from emulating US and UK accents to accent reduction there’s little attention paid to the heavily accented native speakers whose communication is hindered. Teaching English as a second language in native speaking English (former colonies) developing and third world countries. While there’s an emphasis on literacy, I think honoring dialect as a first language while treating English as a second language may enhance results. Teaching English through creative writing to young learners - there are few really good platforms. Many are prescriptive and have kids follow template formulas Using film in literacy and developing a platform that really connects ESL kids in common language eg film, games etc
- Creative Writing program and safe sharing flex community for interacting; using film to teach young ESL students so they can create, collaborate and compete with confidence alongside their native speaking peers. A Creative English Program- (traditional business English courses just aren’t going to cut it ) for ESL creatives to bloom where their planted and to increase their impact in the world by touching those around them. Being culturally specific and universally appealing these days has a lot to do with English speaking confidence. A program for Edutainment Professionals that gets English out the way- Creative obstacles can be challenging as it is! When communication confidence is clear, creative breakthroughs become possible.
- How many seeds in a tomato? VS How many tomatoes in a single seed?
- Give a scenario and ask them how they would deal with it. Identify a hypothetical company problem and ask them if they can relate and if they have any past experiences they would draw on to help solve the problem. Observe their presentation, posture and body language throughout
- Their responses seem to miss the mark. They seem to be groping for something to say, repeating themselves or padding answers ; but nothing substantial. They are self-centered I, I , I type arrogance, or they may be too humble and come across as insecure and uncertain. They don’t seem self aware eg style of dress and personal expression is a jarring misfit for the company’s culture and they don’t seem to notice. They are defensive when questioned or can’t elaborate when asked a follow up question.
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- Excellent: LISTEN first!Get clear and be sincere! a) Apologize sincerely restating specifically the issue or complaint as I understand it. b)Ask client to Clarify the problem if I didn’t get to quite right from their point of view. c) State clear action, and time frame and ask if that would serve as a resolution. d) apologize again, restate outcomes and ask if there’s anything else you can be of help with . Good: apologize sincerely and politely, suggest resolution and if it isn’t satisfactory and offer to report it to supervisor for resolution. Poor: Don’t listen properly and don’t understand the actual issue. Forget to be customer centered and feel defensive. Blame someone else in the company. Offer to pass it up the chain.
- It’s a personal experience. When I was at the height of a conflicting situation with my son’s Dad I had zero desire to interact with him and zero tolerance for the ongoing itensity of our communications. One day he came to see our son who was still a toddler and full of the joyful innocence and love of a child. As he ran joyfully to the door “ Daddy! Daddy!” I felt myself get entirely behind him. This melted all my own baggage and shifted my mindset entirely! I have used that teaching moment time and again since then. It’s such a bad habit to lean into separation when things are uncomfortable. The real growth is when we can lean in despite our personal discomfort, for the greater good of all involved.
- The relationship is the long term marriage, getting the job in an interview is just the wedding! The hiring manager is representative of an entire culture within his/ her organization. He/ She knows if you’re going to fit in over the long term. So in addition to resume and skills, soft skills and ability to connect, engage and relate would be a key part of how you’re being assessed.
- Arrive on time. Be genuinely friendly; have good manners. Be humble. Dress appropriately. Use positive body language (e.g., maintain good eye contact, give a firm handshake, don’t slouch, etc.) Be respectful. Talk about salary and benefits. Ask intelligent questions. Do your homework about the company. Find appropriate moments to have a casual conversation.
- Find out about the company and if possible about the interviewers backed and interests. Be prepared and punctual. Ask myself some WHat If questions to stress test my presentation- what if I’m asked about this or that - and prepare some answers. Take time to set up and test tech, prepare background and ensure no interruptions or distractions. Think of clothing - what’s being seen from the shoulders up and organize to represent myself professionally.
- I would ask them about their strengths and weaknesses and how they can amplify the former and dimish the latter. Rather than being cookie cutter help them to identify the uniquess they have that adds value and can contribute to the interview’s company. Plan to highlight this uniqueness in relevant and authentic ways. Encourage them to be sincerely themselves so that they are being recruited from on a genuine basis otherwise they will never sustain the relationship and any falseness will probably be detected and off putting anyways.
- Steady eye contact and facial expressions, whole body responding is always important but maybe more so virtually -Otherwise, the flat screen experience doesn’t engage as authenticcally Attention to tech, connectivity - secure and fast, lighting, quiet , clear audio are wholly more important virtually . They may be obvious but need to be sated because these elements literally are what we use to show up and connect. Listening actively, not interrupting- these are always true but really help a virtual interaction especially if there’s a delay- any overalap chat can feel disconnecting.
- Anywhere Anytime Connect / recruit around the world without travel costs Digital features immediate sharing without additional set up projector etc Sharing content Collaborative in real time of helpful Links, forms etc demonstrated / shared
- How long will the interview be? Do I need to install anything on my computer before the online interview? Does my background look distracting? Which web-based technology will we be using?
- Send a reminder for the candidate that you have a meeting. Give the candidate a guideline on how he can use the web-based technology. Be in a quiet and free room from distraction. Dress professionally. Create a comfortable environment to unnerve a candidate by smiling, nodding, and actively listening, etc. Look into the camera when speaking (making eye contact through the camera.) Listen actively. Make small talk When customers, co-workers, etc. call you or enter your office, deal with them. Be strict on the candidate Be too concerned about how you look. Get coffee.
- Send Jasmine an email with a Loom video with a prep introduction about how to use the conferring too and inviting her to reach out if she had any questions or problems. Book a quiet, contained room where he would be undisturbed.
- Get the tech right, sort out the obvious details - quiet space, make sure candidates know how to use conferencing tools, confirm with them beforehand… Then get yourself right. Ensure you’re comfortable, appropriately dressed and prepared for the interview. Be sure you know who the candidate is ahead of time and determine what would be most helpful for you to learn. Get your questions organized and ready but also once you begin, be present. Listen and pay attention. Don’t just go to script. Really show up so that you can ably discern if this candidate is the right one for our company.
- Divergent thinking allows a 360 view, it may include future thinking. The ability to see what does not yet exist, to make connections that may seem random, and have been previously overlooked can identify new opportunities that may even have been there all along but everyone had missed. Convergent thinking helps hone in on specific problems - identify and solve them. This too can be a way of spotting new niches and new opportunities.
- Impact on English is a necessary language but this may mean second language and bilingual speakers do ish their authority and defer to native speakers, reducing their impact. While there’s a shift from emulating US and UK accents to accent reduction there’s little attention paid to the heavily accented native speakers whose communication is hindered. Teaching English as a second language in native speaking English (former colonies) developing and third world countries. While there’s an emphasis on literacy, I think honoring dialect as a first language while treating English as a second language may enhance results. Teaching English through creative writing to young learners - there are few really good platforms. Many are prescriptive and have kids follow template formulas Using film in literacy and developing a platform that really connects ESL kids in common language eg film, games etc
- Creative Writing program and safe sharing flex community for interacting; using film to teach young ESL students so they can create, collaborate and compete with confidence alongside their native speaking peers. A Creative English Program- (traditional business English courses just aren’t going to cut it ) for ESL creatives to bloom where their planted and to increase their impact in the world by touching those around them. Being culturally specific and universally appealing these days has a lot to do with English speaking confidence. A program for Edutainment Professionals that gets English out the way- Creative obstacles can be challenging as it is! When communication confidence is clear, creative breakthroughs become possible.
- How many seeds in a tomato? VS How many tomatoes in a single seed?
- If we don’t have a deeper sense of purpose it can impact our natural ability to self-motivate. Enthusiasm is something we are responsible for bringing to our work. It naturally informs our self-discipline and willingness to go the extra mile. There’s a lack of integrity in us when we work only out of a sense of “ having no choice”. A lack of meaningful Motivation may cause us to cut corners and only show up with minimal effort. This mindset won’t help our company to grow, even if we’re able to get the job done.
- 1. They lack a sense of personal purpose that is directly connected to their work. 2. They struggle to feel good about themselves while having to speak to irate customers and solve problems 3. They may start to resent any flaws or weaknesses in the company and feel they have no voice or impact to identify problem and offer solutions in ways that matter. 4. They don’t manage their personal time effectively so that their work space is comfortable and they are reenergized for work
- My self motivation is high. I’ve always been a self-starter and excel when having the freedom to manage my tasks independently. Integrity is a part of my own wellbeing, as much as it is a work ethic. I’m uncomfortable with myself and my life when I don’t do what I’m committed to do to the best of my ability. These days, I’m improving what I do in my own work developing marketing leads by keeping a spreadsheet of my daily activity. I’m not required by anyone to do this but choose to do it because staying organized helps productivity and gives me a clear vision of what’s been accomplished at the end of the week. The other thing I do I habit stacking. E.g. when I get up for a break I also drink some water. Self care rejuvenates our motivation and by extension our commitment to work ethics.
- In order to create my feature Children’s film I was responsible in a 360 way. I was the creative writer and director but also as co-producer managed 80 individuals/ service providers, as well as managed our USD$100k budget accounting for everything and every detail to submit a tax rebate application. As “ chief cook and bottle washer” I had to self- motivate! I used my organization skills, documenting for my future self so when I switched roles from creative to business I could easily grasp information and make clear decisions. Self care during this time of intense work is mandatory and essential for restoration on a daily basis. When we feel good inside ourselves we are far less likely to cut corners and settle for mediocrity. This kind of project leadership really tests the theories of self care and work ethic and I am grateful for the practical and effective tools I used.
- Barry seems to have a bent towards perfectionism and anxiety performance. This is affecting his flow and productivity -Time and energy that he could put to better use.
- Melinda is coping better because she is able to re-energize herself and continues to perform exceptionally well.
- I’m not sure there’s such a thing to be honest or that’s it’s necessary. Trying to hold onto an illusory idea of balance may even generate Stress! Don’t get me wrong, It’s imported to have down time, social and family and friends time but the nature of some work, projects and seasons in our career may mean the idea of balance just sets up self judgment and inner conflict. Being able to have practices to rest while we work eg The Pause, and mindfulness can offer work life balance in a more authentic way than divvying time and the calendar.
- As I said before, with meditation practice we come to feel More grounded and present while engaging in activity, mental clarity increases and we naturally feel Re-energized. Practical exercises like The Pause, breath awareness and listening intentionally can release stress throughout the day. Scheduling time off and prioritizing personal wellbeing, our loved ones is important. We often allow work to infringe on personal and family time but not the other way around . We may feel guilty . But this is a mindset and a culture that we can change intentionally!
- I don’t fuss over stopping thinking about work. I engage in whatever I need to by being present. And placing my attention on one thing at a time. if a work idea comes to me I’m happy to pause and make note of it - inspiration often comes when we’ve relaxing. being with family and friends and asking about their lives and listening; serving others takes my mind off of me! Walking , meditating reboots and refreshes; so many ways to not let the thoughts of work plague us .
- When I Pause I feel my feet on the ground and open my listening wide to the furthest sound my ears can detect. This expansion followed by intentional alignment with (rather than changing ) my breath has an immediate effect on my mind-body. Everything slows down. The beauty is that acuity and accuracy may even speed up once I resume my activity. I have been faced with very intense situations and people and when I am aware and mindful in this practice I can listen , look and remind observant. This ongoing practice present moment awareness Makes us available for problem solving with more heart-centered , inclusive interactions. It is elevated and easier when we are around others also practicing mindfulness but it is never about seeking or enforcing perfection or judgment when there are conflicts and intense situations. So it’s really about being able and willing to practice not perfecting ourselves or others.
- Achieving goals depends on inner clarity. We should spend a deliberate time and effort turning within twice a day. Writing a list and executing action may not be very effective. We may not be taking the right action for optimal outcomes and yet we may feel so busy that we have a false notion that we’re working hard, only to wonder why things aren’t working. Taking time to pause and reflect. Achievement also depends on our ability and willingness self-assess and reconnect with not only our TO DO type goals, but more essentially, our deeper purpose, our “why” . Clarifying our intentions with ongoing assessment and tweaking is a vital skill. When I’m sailing my dinghy ⛵️ I am clear in my destination but I’m always trimming the sail and adjusting the tiller based on the conditions - the wind, the waves and currents. The weather inside me also matters! If I panic or lose attention it can be disastrous! The ability to regain composure , reset the sails and continue towards the goal I’ve set is the only way, quite literally, to get there. No one wants to be stranded at sea with no clear destination. And in sailing it’s impossibly to just point to landing and head there. We have to consider the conditions around us and work with them to achieve the direction. This sometimes means deliberately not heading towards the mark just yet, but planning a path of “ tacks” a strategy to get us there.
- If we’re not interested in something we don’t set a clear intention to plan and take action.
- They may lose attention and ability to focus on the task at hand.
- A negative judgmental attitude will cloud concentration and a lack of interest will increase distractions.
- No. I meditate so I understand the mind and just practice returning to the intention and reviving attention. Even the judgment can fall away.
- Nothing external, my own thoughts questioning the exercise, thinking ahead but then simply resetting the intention and focusing attention again on the orange horse
- Yes as above. The mind has the ability to pay attention or not. We can learn to train our attention.
- Mostly
