Objective:
The student will give examples of how to cope with making mistakes on the job and provide an appropriate way of handling the situation.
Comment:
Everybody makes mistakes! We're all human, and sometimes things just don't go right—even on the job. However, there is a right and a wrong way to handle our mistakes, to notify those in charge, and to deal with the frustrations we may feel. Making mistakes can actually be a very helpful way of learning how to do your job better and a chance to make you a more careful worker. It's all in how you respond to the mistake.
Introductory Activity:
Play a game of Simon Says with the students, in which Simon tells them to perform activities that would be normal in the work environment ("Simon says to type on a computer," "Simon says to mop the floor," "Simon says to wipe off a table," and so on). When a student "messes up" and performs the task without Simon saying to do so, have the student sit out until all players are done. Then discuss with the group how it felt to make a mistake.
Activity:
Have students complete the "Making a Mistake on the Job" worksheet. They should identify what mistake was made, give a suggestion of a positive way to handle or correct the mistake, and suggest what can be learned from the mistake. Answers: 1. Mistake: Broke glass. How to handle: Notify boss, ask for assistance if needed, sweep up all pieces of glass. What to learn: Be careful when working with glass. 2. Mistake: Spilt drink on customer. How to handle: Apologize, get towels for customer, clean up spill, notify manager, offer to give customer a free drink. What to learn: Be careful not to spill when working with beverages. 3. Mistake: Filled the bag too full of heavy items. How to handle: Apologize, pick up items, replace any damaged foods, repack in careful manner. What to learn: Be careful not to pack too full or too heavy. 4. Mistake: Put items in wrong section. How to handle: Put items in right place. What to learn: Be aware of particular places for particular items.
Discussion:
1. Is it okay to make mistakes? What can you learn from making them? 2. Should you notify your boss if you make a mistake? 3. Why should you not be afraid to tell your boss if you've made a mistake?
Extension Activity:
Create scenarios for the students to act out, where they can make a mistake. Have them respond in a bad way and then in a good way.
Evaluation:
1. Give an example of making a mistake on the job. 2. Give an example of how to correct that mistake