Module 1: The Contributor Work Ideal

1. Shekar has just finished his post-graduation and has started working on his first job. Here is a
list of advice he gets from various friends and relatives. Pick which will be most useful for
him to “contribute” to his company.
a] You should work hard and show your commitment.
b] You should be willing to work in different work environments.
c] You should make sure that your team is dependent on you for completing any work.
d] You should be willing to upgrade your skills.
e] You should not wait for orders but try to take on responsibilities on your own.
Answer: Statements [b], [d] and [e]
Explanation: Contributors adapt, continuously improve and take responsibilities on their own

2. Sneha, a housewife, creates a mini forest of young trees, shrubs and creepers in her
neighborhood using the "Miyawake method" by involving teenagers and other community
members. What is the maximum value added by her to the community?
a] She has successfully involved local community members to plant trees.
b] She has been able to build unity amongst the people in her neighborhood.
c] She has made people believe that they too can create a mini forest in a residential area.
Answer: Statement [c]
Explanation: Contributors focus on making deeper and sustainable contributions that can be
replicated

3. Taranath has been playing the sitar and tabla for many years and is considered an expert. He
performs at various national and international concerts. He runs an institute to further his
father's vision of making Indian classical music reach every household. Explain 2 reasons
why you would consider him a contributor.
Answer key: Look for answers that talk about deep engagement e.g. achieving excellence, long-term
impacts e.g. empowering others, working towards achieving larger purpose e.g. reshaping their field etc.

4. During the global pandemic, many people have adapted as well as contributed in this
challenging situation. Share an example of someone you know/ have heard of, who has
contributed in a particular role. Explain what has the person done and why you think it is a
contribution.
Answer key: Look for answers that talk about (a) adapting as an important quality of Contributors and
(b) Strong link between contribution and adaptability

5. In the given context of COVID-19 pandemic, give TWO WAYS in which students like you
can contribute?
Answer key: Look for answers that talk about taking new initiatives, ways to meet goals, solutions to
solve problems within their role.

6. Saksham wants to pursue his higher studies in a world class university. The first University on
his list sends him a rejection letter. He can respond in different ways. Sort the following
responses into contributor and non-contributor responses.
a] Accepting rejection and understanding what needs to improve in the next application.
 b] Writing a review about the University warning other students like him to be careful and
if possible, avoid applying there.
c] Writing about his experience in a blog so that others like him learn from it.
d] Accepting rejection and believing that others are more capable than him.
Answer: Contributor response: statements [a] and [c]. Non-contributor response: statements[b] and
[d]
Explanation: Contributors make an effort to learn from their failures and improve themselves

7. Classify the descriptions of people given below as 'Contributor' or 'not yet a Contributor'.
a] Ulhas makes sure that he learns enough about current affairs to speak intelligently and
confidently in front of people.
b] Harprit is trying out a new way of studying for exams that her classmate says worked
well, even though she gets good marks in the exams with the way she studied earlier.
c] Sadar has not been able to get the 'dream job' he wanted but constantly looks for ways to
create meaning in his current job.
d] Surina has decided that from now on she will stand by her own decisions rather than
always depending on people around her, like her family, seniors, friends, etc. to take
decisions on her behalf.
Answer: Contributor: Statements [b], [c] and [d]. Not yet a Contributor: Statements [a]
Explanation: Contributors always focus on the positive aspect of situations

8. As a contributor, what will be the MOST IMPORTANT attribute to work in a dynamic,

collaborative work environment?
a] Having the ability to stay focused on the teams' goals so that you can be flexible and
quickly adjust your way of working.
b] Having strong capabilities as well as relevant work experience so that you can discharge
your duties well.
c] Having friendly relationships with all co-workers so that they support you and work takes
place in a smooth and easy manner.
Answer: Statement [a]
Explanation: Contributors are adaptable to work in an ever-changing environment

9. Drivers often drive very carelessly on Indian roads. Which message to drivers could be most
effective to make our roads safer?
a] Let us take responsibility to follow traffic rules and regulations.
b] Let us have concern for everyone who uses the road.
c] Let us avoid getting caught by traffic police and paying fines.
Answer: Statement [b]
Explanation: Contributors fundamentally do the right thing because they have concern for others, not
because they are following rules

10. Which of these is true about Contributors?

a] Contributors create value in anything they do/ any role they play.
b] Contributors donate money and provide charity for people in need.
Answer- Statement [a]
Explanation: Contributors seek to create value rather than do charity.
 Module 2: Identity & Self-esteem

1. Identify whether in the below statements, individuals exhibit Growth Identity or Fixed
Identity.
a] Murali was passionate about being an entrepreneur and was running a self-owned
business. He had to shut it because it made losses. He feels that he should not run any
business in the future and find a Government or Private job.
b] Naina loves to sing. A popular music festival is taking place in her college and
spontaneously asks for some volunteers to sing in front of the audience. Naina goes ahead
and sings.
c] Ramesh has always dreamed of owning a restaurant. After completing his engineering, he
tells his parents of this dream, but they discourage him because it is too risky. He listens
to them and instead starts finding a job.
d] Sneha has been working in the same company for 10 years and is ever ready to take on
any assignment or role even if it’s in a new area.
Answer: Growth identity: Statements [b] and [d]. Fixed identity: Statements [a] and [c]
Explanation: Contributors show willingness to try out opportunities and new skills in an unfamiliar or
new environment

2. Which of these professionals is likely to be prepared for handling any future uncertainty?
a] Raisa is preparing for a teaching job. She prepares for this mainly by reading the subject
she will teach and does not actively practice her teaching skills.
b] In her first job, Rashi works as a cashier in a departmental store. Lately, she's been
feeling bored at work. Therefore, her manager asks her to manage the inventory in the
store. She takes it up but believes there is nothing much to learn in managing store
inventory.
c] Sapna is a doctor. She keeps herself updated with the latest trends in the medical field.
d] Jamun has joined a new organization and is given responsibility to handle a large project.
He tells his manager that since he is new, he won't be able to do it right now but perhaps
take it up later.
Answer: Statement [c]
Explanation: Contributors keep up with the changing world of work by constantly updating their
knowledge of the field and learning new things

3. Karuna has joined a new organization. There is a meeting scheduled with senior stakeholders
and her boss requests her to lead the meeting. She is nervous about this and does not know
what to do as it could make or break her image in the organization. What should Karuna
AVOID doing while preparing?
a] Spend a lot of time to prepare thoroughly for the presentation.
b] Do research to learn quick ways to impress the audience using this opportunity.
c] Ask other colleagues on tips and incorporate them to make her presentation more
effective.
Answer: Statement [b]
Explanation: Contributors address barriers of growth and figure out ways to enable their I-
can growth
4. Ratna is a shy person by nature and rarely talks to new people. She is scared to attend the
college fresher's party. What will NOT help her to overcome her shyness?
a] Attending the party even if she is uncomfortable doing so.
b] Cultivating more hobbies and attending other interactive activities.
c] Asking her friend on how she makes friends easily.
Answer: Statement [c]
Explanation: Contributors take initiatives to develop their growth identity instead of depending on
others

5. After learning about fixed and growth identity, students are talking about themselves. Which
of the students have understood the topic? Mark 'Yes' if they have understood and 'No' if they
have not.
a] Sanker: I demonstrate growth identity if I have been learning a few languages in a short
span even though I am not fluent in them.
b] Poosa: I am a back-end engineer and I get an opportunity to learn front-end skills. I
demonstrate a growth identity if I accept this opportunity.
c] Manna: Instead of feeling stuck or bored at work, I try to find out other areas I can work
in so that my knowledge increases. Therefore, I have a growth identity.
d] Perci: I have a growth identity. I know a lot on many subjects, so that there is not much
that others can teach me.
Answer: ‘Yes’ Statements: [b] and [c]. ‘No’ Statements: [a] and [d]
Explanation: Contributors show willingness to learn new skills and expand their capabilities

6. Shamran aspires to become a successful writer. In order to help him make this journey, rank
the below statements in a logical sequence that will help him to reach his ultimate goal. (Rank
1 indicates the 1st step and Rank 5 indicates the last step in becoming an author / writer.)
a] Cultivate skills and develop a network by writing formally for newspapers, magazines,
own collection of short stories.
b] Practice writing at home every day and read various kinds of literature and books.
c] Develop expertise and perspective by taking courses on creative writing.
d] Build excellence by being eligible for national and international level book prizes.
e] Build confidence by regularly participating in competitive writing contests.
Answer: b-c-e-a-d
Explanation: Contributors go deeper in a specific area by developing their capabilities and skills

7. Below are some answers of different sport coaches to interview questions. Based on what
they are saying, identify who exhibits a growth identity or fixed identity.
a] "Interviewer: What are the different ways to train a sports team?
Spandan: I believe that some sports related skills are internal to us and can't be changed.
So, I will focus more on individuals who are very talented and not those who are
average."
b] "Interviewer: What's your view on providing feedback to your team?
Rashi: I believe honest feedback is the best way to help players improve."
c] "Interviewer: How do you view failure?
Ravindra: The team is here to win. When they win, it is a win for me. I put in effort to
ensure that I never fail."
d] "Interviewer: What are the highlights of being a sports coach?
 Rahim: It is a job where you get paid to do your job well. All that matters is that the team
wins so that I keep the job."
Answer: Growth identity: Statement [b]. Fixed identity: Statements [a], [c] and [d]
Explanation: Contributors show openness to sharing and accepting feedback for growth

8. Suresh is an enthusiastic and passionate software testing engineer. He has some spare time
every evening after work. How do you think Suresh can use this time well? Give 2 responses.
Answer key: Look for answers that talk about stepping out of comfort zone, taking up new courses/
hobbies that would help them in future work places, diving deep into their area of interest, finding new
opportunities to enhance and use their skills.

9. Akash wanted to get into the top MBA colleges in India. However, he did not get a good
score for it. He thinks of taking up admission wherever his scores get him in. If Akash has a
dynamic identity, how would he think?
Answer key: Look for answers that talk about concrete ways by which one can step out of ‘failure
mind-set’ and use the opportunity to learn and improve

10. Rita comes home from college and finds that food hasn’t been prepared and kept for her. She
calls up her mother complaining about this. If Rita has a dynamic identity, how would she
respond?
Answer key: Look for answers that show shift from ‘being dependent on others’ to ‘taking
responsibilities for making things happen’ e.g. taking proactive action to try something new, learn in
the process, etc.
 Module 3: Become a Creator of one’s destiny

1. Identify whether the following statements demonstrate a 'creator of destiny' response or a

'caged response' to their situation.
a] A medical worker: Covid-19 is widespread and working in a Government hospital will
need me to go to work every day. This puts my family in danger, but I have no choice but
to go.
b] A student: I have been irresponsible and failed in some exams. I must now clear these
backlogs and complete my course.
c] An IT professional: I lost my job due to recession. The best thing for me now would be to
wait, because there are no jobs available in my field.
d] An MBA student: I did not get my dream job that had come on campus. However, I must
make the most of the other opportunities available and focus on getting a job.
e] A working professional: I am unable to be productive while working from home. I have
too much to manage and can't be expected to do well in such a situation.
Answer: Creator of destiny: Statements [b] and [d]. Caged Response: Statements [a], [c] and [e]
Explanation: Contributors take responsibility for positive action and change the situation for
themselves

2. Below is a response to a situation. Identify whether it is a 'caged response' or a 'creator of

destiny response'. If it is a 'caged response, then re-articulate the response to make it a 'creator
response'.
– Situation: Elections are coming up and it is the first time Sambhaji is eligible to vote.
– Sambhaji’s response: I will vote for Party A in the upcoming elections because my
family always votes for them.
Answer: Caged response
Answer key: Look for answers that talk about developing one’s own point of view, conducting research
etc. before taking any decision

3. Below is a response to a situation. Identify whether it is a 'caged response' or a 'creator of

destiny response'. If it is a 'caged response, then re-articulate the response to make it a 'creator
response'.
– Situation: Shahrukh is now in Class 10. It is time to make tough choices about careers.
– Shahrukh's response: No matter what decisions I take on my own, I will never be able to
meet family's and society's expectations. It is better that I just relax and let them make
decisions for me.
Answer: Caged response
Answer key: Look for answers that talk about making a decision by including the interests/ concerns of
all stakeholders e.g. doing a thorough research, proper thinking through etc.

4. Below is a response to a situation. Identify whether it is a 'caged response' or a 'creator of

destiny response'. If it is a 'caged response, then re-articulate the response to make it a 'creator
response'.
– Situation: Preetika is working to manage her physical health, work, and housework.
– Preetika's response: I am unable to manage my diet because of my stressful work
environment. I can't help it; I have to compromise one thing or the other.
 Answer: Caged response
Answer key: Look for answers that talk about the shift from ‘seeing the constraints or problems of the
situation’ to ‘finding a solution’

5. Identify whether the following statements demonstrate a 'creator of destiny' response or a

'caged response' to their situation.
a] A student: It is summer time and the electricity will get cut frequently at home. I should
try to find a public library where I can study uninterrupted.
b] A sweeper: It is so difficult to maintain a clean street. I do my work well but people just
come and dirty it. I can't keep it 100% clean!
c] A researcher: This vaccine is proving to be very tricky to develop. However, if I persist
through this challenging phase and find a way out, the benefits will be worth the effort
and can impact so many lives!
d] A young adult who lives in a foreign country: I have to return to India as I am not getting
any job here. But I am not looking forward to going back because in India, it is
impossible to get the kind of amenities, facilities and standard of living one can get in a
foreign country.
e] A businessman: My family forced me to join the family business and now it's not doing
well. I was better off finding a corporate job. Now I am left stranded - without a business
or a job!
Answer: Creator of destiny response: Statements [a] and [c]. Caged Response: Statements [b], [d]
and [e]
Explanation: Contributors try to find a solution instead of focusing on the constraints or blaming
others

6. As individuals witnessing the Covid-19 pandemic, which of the following are ‘caged
responses’ to the challenges faced by the healthcare industry?
a] Highlight the difficulties people are facing due to the healthcare system in your blogs/
discussions.
b] Raise financial donations for NGOs, charities, crisis funds.
c] Volunteer your time to help individuals/ organizations/ groups in their efforts at
containing the pandemic.
Answer: Caged Response: Statement [a]
Explanation: Contributors try to find a solution instead of focusing on the constraints

7. Resham’s boss has suddenly fallen sick. She needs to manage work in his absence. Which of
this shows that she is a Creator of her destiny?
a] Resham should be in direct touch with her boss and readily follow her instructions to
continue the work in the best possible way.
b] Resham should go ahead and continue with work as she thinks best while keeping her
team as well as boss's superior informed.
c] Resham should postpone any major work so that it can be addressed correctly once her
boss resumes work.
Answer: Statement [b]
Explanation: Contributors do not get deterred by problems and continue working in the
same capacity
8. Rajen participated in an arts competition but failed to win any prize in it. He feels dejected
and does not pursue any art in the future. If Rajen continues to respond similarly to other
challenges, what are the long-term consequences for him?
a] Rajen will become scared of failure.
b] Rajen will not improve his skills in art.
c] Rajen will give up easily in the face of challenges.
d] Rajen will feel bad about losing such a competition.
Answer: Statements [a] and [c]
Explanation: Contributors understand the consequences of caged responses to situations and act
accordingly

9. Rishi has just finished his MBA course and has joined a private bank. He is not particularly
happy with it. While discussing it with his elder sister, he tells her that she should help him
find a new job since she has been working for 5 years now and would have well-placed
contacts.
a] Is Rishi's response a creator or caged one?
b] What are the short, mid-term and long-term consequences of Rishi's response pattern, if it
were to continue in other situations as well?
Answer: Caged response
Answer key: Look for answers that talk clearly about short-term consequences e.g. getting upset,
angry etc., mid-term consequences e.g. dependency on others etc., long-term consequences e.g. impact
on character, low confidence/ self-esteem, fear etc.

10. In this digital age, we find that students know more than the teacher these days. What can be
done about this situation? Give 3 points.
Answer key: Look for answers that talk about redefining the role of teachers and students to empower/
enable others around. E.g. ways to enhance learning, ways to upgrade capabilities etc. at both
individual and collective level