Communication Skills and Life Skills

(21 HU 310)
Contents
Module-I: Listening Skills-I
Module-II: Life Skills-I
1. Introduction of Life Skills
2. Attitude
3. Adaptability
Module-III: Listening Skills-II
Module-IV: Life Skills-II
4. Goal Setting
5. Motivation
6. Time Management
Module-V: Life Skills-III
7. Creativity
8. Critical Thinking
9. Problems Solving and Decision Making
Module-VI: Life Skills-IV
10. Leadership Qualities and Teamwork
11. Stress Management/ Managing Emotions
12. Core Human Values/ Forming Values
 Listening Skills-I
Importance of Listening Skills

Listening is a fundamental communication skill that often gets overlooked in favour of

speaking or writing. However, the ability to listen effectively is crucial in both personal and
professional settings. Listening is more than just hearing words; it involves understanding the
meaning behind the message, processing information, and responding appropriately. Strong
listening skills help individuals build better relationships, solve problems, and improve their
knowledge.

1. Building Strong Relationships: Listening is the key to understanding others. In

personal relationships, active listening fosters trust, empathy, and mutual respect. By
truly listening to someone, you show that you value their thoughts and emotions, which
strengthens the bond between you.
2. Professional Success: In the workplace, effective listening ensures that you understand
instructions, goals, and expectations. It also helps in resolving conflicts, facilitating
teamwork, and enhancing productivity. Good listeners are often viewed as more
competent and approachable by colleagues, clients, and supervisors.
3. Problem Solving: Listening helps in accurately identifying problems and gathering all
the necessary information before making decisions. It allows for a more comprehensive
understanding of the situation, leading to better solutions.
4. Improved Learning: Whether in academic settings or personal development, listening
enhances learning. By actively listening to lectures, podcasts, or conversations,
individuals can grasp new concepts and ideas, increasing their knowledge and skills.

Listening for the Main Idea

Listening for the main idea is an essential skill when trying to understand the core message of
what someone is saying. In conversations, meetings, or lectures, it’s easy to get lost in details
or become distracted by irrelevant information. However, focusing on the main idea helps
listeners stay engaged and retain the most important points.

1. Why It’s Important:

o Grasping the main idea allows you to summarize what you have heard quickly and
effectively. This skill is particularly important in situations where time is limited, such
as during meetings or when receiving instructions.
o It also helps with memory retention. When you understand the core message, you're
more likely to remember it later.
2. How to Listen for the Main Idea:
o Focus on key themes: During a conversation or presentation, speakers often emphasize
certain themes or ideas. Listen for repetition or the speaker’s tone, which can signal
what is most important.
o Ask yourself questions: Continuously ask yourself, "What is the speaker trying to
communicate?" This helps you stay focused on the central point.
o Take notes: Summarizing the main idea in your own words reinforces your
understanding and ensures that you have grasped the speaker’s intent.

Listening for the main idea allows you to quickly distill the essence of any message, ensuring
you stay on track and retain crucial information.

Listening for Specific Details

While understanding the main idea is critical, listening for specific details is equally important,
especially in situations where accuracy is necessary. Details provide the evidence, context, and
precision needed to fully comprehend a message.
 1. Why It’s Important:
o Precision and accuracy: In professional and academic contexts, listening for specific
details can mean the difference between success and failure. Missing critical details
can lead to misunderstandings or mistakes.
o Effective decision-making: Decisions are often based on specific data points,
numbers, or instructions. Listening for these details helps ensure that decisions are
well-informed and accurate.
o Improving personal interactions: In conversations, listening for details—such as
names, dates, or personal preferences—demonstrates care and attention. This deepens
relationships and shows the speaker that you are fully engaged.
2. How to Listen for Specific Details:
o Pay attention to emphasis: Speakers often signal important details through changes
in their tone or by repeating key points. Listen closely for these verbal cues.
o Take detailed notes: Write down specific figures, dates, or facts. This helps in
retaining and accurately recalling the information later.
o Ask clarifying questions: If you are unsure about a detail, don’t hesitate to ask the
speaker to repeat or clarify it. This ensures you fully understand the information being
conveyed.

Listening for specific details is especially critical when you need to recall accurate information,
such as in business meetings, academic environments, or personal discussions where precision
is valued.

Assignments:

1. What is better in your view: a digital camera, a mobile phone camera or a film camera?
2. How will you react, if you see wild animals in your Polytechnic?
 Life Skills-I
1. Introduction to Life Skills
What are Life Skills?

Life skills are the abilities and competencies that individuals need to navigate daily life
effectively. They are a set of practical and interpersonal skills that help individuals make
informed decisions, solve problems, think critically, and communicate efficiently. These skills
are not necessarily linked to academic or technical knowledge, but rather to personal
development and everyday functionality. Life skills empower people to adapt to various life
challenges, manage stress, build healthy relationships, and achieve their personal and
professional goals.

Importance of Life Skills

1. Enhancing Decision-Making: Life skills enable individuals to make thoughtful

decisions, considering the potential consequences of their actions. This is crucial in both
personal and professional settings, where sound decision-making can lead to better
outcomes.
2. Coping with Stress and Emotions: In the fast-paced world we live in, managing stress
and controlling emotions is essential. Life skills such as emotional regulation and stress
management help individuals maintain their mental well-being, allowing them to stay
focused and productive.
3. Fostering Healthy Relationships: Strong interpersonal skills are vital for building and
maintaining relationships. Communication, empathy, and conflict resolution are
essential life skills that enable individuals to connect with others, fostering mutual
respect and understanding.
4. Adaptability and Problem-Solving: Life is full of unexpected challenges. Problem-
solving and adaptability skills help individuals tackle difficulties, think creatively, and
find solutions even under pressure.
5. Improved Self-Awareness and Confidence: Developing life skills leads to a better
understanding of oneself—strengths, weaknesses, desires, and goals. This self-
awareness builds confidence and allows individuals to live more intentionally, taking
ownership of their actions.
6. Boosting Employability: In the professional world, life skills such as teamwork, time
management, and communication are highly valued by employers. These competencies
complement technical expertise, making individuals more versatile and adaptable to
different work environments.

Practicing Life Skills

Practicing life skills involves consistent effort and real-life application. It is not enough to
understand them theoretically; they must be used regularly in day-to-day life to become
effective. This can be done through:

• Self-reflection and mindfulness: Regularly reflecting on your actions, decisions, and

their outcomes helps in honing critical thinking and decision-making skills.
• Engaging in problem-solving activities: Whether through games, simulations, or real-
life situations, regularly solving problems strengthens the ability to think creatively and
logically.
• Active listening and communication: Making a conscious effort to listen to others and
express oneself clearly fosters better relationships and communication skills.
• Setting goals: Practicing time management and goal-setting by breaking larger tasks
into smaller, manageable steps is essential for success in both personal and professional
life.
 • Conflict resolution: Learning to handle disagreements constructively, rather than
avoiding or escalating them, helps in developing conflict resolution skills.

Examples of Life Skills

1. Self-awareness
2. Self-esteem
3. Communication Skills
4. Listening Skills
5. Having a positive attitude
6. Adaptability
7. Goal Setting
8. Motivation
9. Managing Time
10. Problem Solving
11. Decision Making
12. Critical Thinking
13. Creativity
14. Leadership qualities
15. Teamwork
16. Managing emotions
17. Stress Management
18. Forming values
19. Emotional Intelligence
20. Financial Literacy
21. Conflict Resolution
22. Empathy
23. Lifelong learning

Conclusion

Life skills are the foundation for personal and professional success. They not only help
individuals cope with the complexities of everyday life but also enhance their ability to thrive
in a constantly changing world. By developing and practicing these skills, people can improve
their overall well-being, achieve their goals, and build meaningful relationships. Whether it’s
communication, problem-solving, or emotional intelligence, life skills are indispensable tools
that empower individuals to lead more fulfilling and productive lives.

Assignment:
1. Write a paragraph on the importance of life skills and mention at least ten life skills you
practice every day.
 2. Attitude
Our views about a person, a thing, a place or an event, and the way we react to them, represent
our attitude. In simple words, attitude means ‘the way we see the world.’
Our attitudes, or judgements, consists of a combination of our emotions and thought processes,
which may be either positive or negative. To be successful and happy in life, we may sometimes
have to change our attitude. This is called ‘life response’.
The foundation of success, regardless of your chosen field, is attitude.
Positive attitude
Positive attitude is a state of mind that involves beliefs and feelings that influences our
behaviour. It makes people optimistic that good things will happen in their life. Positive
thinkers learn from their mistakes and are able to write off negative incidents. They train their
minds to see the good in every situation.
Having a positive attitude is good. But know that change takes time. As you take baby steps
towards developing a positive attitude, you have to differentiate between positive and negative
language. To promote positive thinking, it is important to cut out negative self-talk. For
example, always say “I will do it’ instead of “I will try it”. Then all reactive language can be
changed to proactive language.
We cannot change the situation but we can change our reaction to it. We can make a start with
changing our mind set or moving away from negative self-talk to positive affirmations. We
must make it a habit. Practice is the key. Anytime you feel a negative emotion, stop and say:
something is important here, otherwise I would not be feeling this negative emotion. What is
it that I want? Now simply turn your attention to what you want.
The benefits of a positive attitude
There are many advantages to having a positive attitude. The advantages are easy to see.
Benefits for you:
• Reduced stress
• Increased self-esteem / confidence
• Success
• Makes for a pleasant personality
• Is energizing
• Increase your enjoyment of life
• Inspires others around you
• Helps you become a contributing member of society and an asset to your country.
Benefits for the organization:
• Increases productivity
• Fosters teamwork
• Solves problems
• Improves quality
• Makes for a congenial atmosphere
• Breeds loyalty
• Increases profits
• Fosters better relationship with employers, employees and customers
• Reduces stress
Negative attitude
A negative attitude affects our life and prevents us from realizing our full potential. It makes
us depress, pessimistic and unable to cope with the challenges of life. People with a positive
attitude are happy and successful. They are optimistic and have a better outlook on life.
Steps to build positive attitude
i. Change focus, look for the positive
ii. Make a habit of doing it now
iii. Develop an attitude of gratitude
iv. Get into a Continuous Education Programme
v. Build a positive self-esteem
vi. Stay away from negative influences
vii. Learn to like the things that need to be done
viii. Start your day with something positive

Assignment:
1. List your positive and negative qualities.
 3. Adaptability

Adaptability is the ability and willingness to adjust ourselves to changed circumstances

or environments so that we can fit into new situations. It is an essential survival skill.
Adaptability helps us to respond positively to changed and new ways of working.

The Importance of Adaptability

Adaptability, the ability to adjust to new conditions, is a critical skill for individuals
and organizations alike. It reflects the capacity to learn, evolve, and thrive in changing
environments. In an increasingly dynamic and uncertain world, adaptability has become
essential for success across various domains, from personal growth to professional
development, and even societal progress. It is a necessary trait in the 21st century.

Key to personal growth

Adaptability is essential for personal growth, professional success, and societal
progress. On a personal level, it fosters flexibility, resilience, and emotional
intelligence, helping individuals navigate life’s challenges and improve relationships.
Critical skill professional success

In the professional realm, adaptability is increasingly viewed as one of the most critical
skills for success. The rapid pace of technological advancement, globalization, and
market shifts demand that employees and leaders be flexible and agile. Those who can
adapt to new tools, methods, and workplace environments tend to be more innovative
and productive. In contrast, rigidity or resistance to change can hinder growth and lead
to obsolescence.

Survival skill

For organizations, adaptability is essential for survival and competitiveness. Companies

that fail to adjust to market changes, consumer preferences, or technological
advancements often fall behind. The most successful businesses, such as Amazon,
Google, or Tesla, have thrived because they are built on a foundation of adaptability.
They constantly evolve their strategies, products, and services to meet the changing
demands of the market.

Vital skill in deal with challenges

On a global scale, adaptability is vital in tackling major challenges like climate change
and pandemics, enabling societies to evolve and thrive in uncertain times. For example,
the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of adaptability in public health
systems, governments, and economies. Countries and businesses that were quick to
implement remote work, digital solutions, and flexible policies fared better in
navigating the crisis. The ability to adapt to rapidly changing circumstances was crucial
for minimizing the pandemic's impact and ensuring the well-being of populations.
It also plays a key role in leadership, where adaptable leaders respond effectively to
crises and foster dynamic, inclusive environments.

Conclusion

Adaptability is a fundamental trait that enables individuals, organizations, and

societies to thrive in an ever-changing world. It fosters personal growth by
encouraging flexibility, resilience, and open-mindedness. In the professional domain,
adaptability is essential for innovation, productivity, and long-term success. Adaptive
leaders inspire change and guide their teams through uncertainty, while adaptability
on a global scale is critical for addressing the most pressing challenges of our time. As
the world continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, the importance of
adaptability cannot be overstated. Ultimately, adaptability is the key to success in a
constantly changing world.

Assignment:
1. Imagine that you have moved to another state. You are unfamiliar with the
place, the weather, the local people, the language and the food. How will you make
yourself comfortable?

.
 Listening Skills-II

Assignment:
1. Is there gender discrimination in our society? If so, what can we do to eradicate gender
discrimination from our society?
2. How should one’s childhood be? Present your views.
 Life Skills-II

4. Goal Setting
A ‘goal’ is something that we want to do, achieve or get within a few minutes, hours, days or
years. ‘Goal setting’ is trying to achieve our goal and making our dream a reality. Every
individual will have a goal in his or her life; it may be a small one or a big one.
All of us are born to achieve something. We must find out what we are made for, what our
abilities and skills are and try to reach our goal. If we do not have a goal, we have to invent or
set a goal and achieve it. Without any aim or goal, our lives become miserable and meaningless.
Everything in this world has a purpose.
People often confuse goals with dreams and wishes. Dreams and wishes are nothing more than
desires. Desires are weak. Desires become strong when they are supported by: Direction,
Dedication, Determination, Discipline, and Deadlines. These are what differentiate a desire
from a goal. Goals are dreams with deadline and an action plan.
Why don’t more people set goals?
There are many reasons why people don’t set goals, including:
i. A pessimistic attitude
ii. Fear of failure
iii. Fear of success
iv. A lack of ambition
v. A fear of rejection
vi. Procrastination
vii. Low self-esteem
viii. Ignorance
ix. A lack of knowledge about goal-setting
Types: Based on Time
Depending upon the time it takes to reach a goal, goals can be ‘short-term goals’, ‘mid-term
goals’ and ‘long-term goals’. What we want to achieve immediately or by the end of the day
or in a month or so may be called a short term goal. What we want to achieve in up to three
years may be called a mid-term goal. What we want to achieve after few years or a decade or
so may be called a long term goal.
Based on Purpose
Goals can also be identified based on their purpose. They are personal goals and professional
goals. For example, your personal goal may be to buy a house or a car, or to be happy in life.
Your professional goal may be to become a Civil Engineer or to become a manager of a
particular company or to become an IAS officer, and so on.
Characteristics of a goal
Goals – whatever it may be personal or professional – must be SMART.
S – Specific
M – Measurable
A – Attainable or Achievable
R – Relevant
T – Time-bound
Ex: I want to become a civil engineer in the Department of Irrigation, Telangana by 2033.
Before setting a goal you must have a clear understanding about your priorities, that is, what is
important and what is not. And after considering everything you must set your goal. If the goal
is big one, you can split it into to smaller chunks and then achieve your goal step by step. Any
goal appears huge until you begin approaching it.
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. That one step can change your life.
Perseverance, hard work, belief in yourself, self-motivation, etc., are very important in making
a dream a reality. If you think you can, you will. With this positive attitude, and by internalizing
inspirational and success stories, you can always attain your goal.
Strategies to achieve goals
i. Set a goal which has SMART features.
ii. Be clear about your goal.
iii. Be focused.
iv. Have a positive attitude, be confidant and believe that you can.
v. Behave as if you have already reached your goal.
vi. Be motivated.
vii. Be a creator, not a victim.
viii. Keep checking at regular intervals how far you have travelled towards your goal.
ix. Organise your time doing the most important and the toughest thing first.
x. Avoid unimportant things and time wasters.
xi. Jump into action, do not procrastinate – it is now or never.

Assignment:
1. Write at least three personal and three professional goals you would like to set.
2. Write down your one long term goal which should have SMART features. Write in
detail how you are going to achieve it.
 5. Motivation
Motivation is a drive that encourages action or feeling. To motivate means to encourage and
inspire. Motivation also mean igniting the spark for action.
Motivation is powerful. It can persuade, convince and propel you into action. In other words,
motivation can be defined as motive for action. It is a force that can literally change your life.
Why do we need to get motivated?
Motivation is the driving force in our lives. It comes from a desire to succeed. Without success
there is little pride in life; no enjoyment or excitement at work and at home. Life become like
a lopsided wheel giving bumpy ride.
The greatest enemy of motivation is complacency. Complacency leads to lack of effort, and
when people are complacent they don’t grow because they cannot identify what is needed in
their lives.
Once you understand what causes motivation, you can motivate yourself and achieve yours
goals – and you can motivate others also.
Motivation – types
Motivation is classified into two types: external and internal.
External Motivation
External motivation comes from outside. Examples of external motivators are like parents,
teachers, friends, relatives and other factors including money, societal approval, fame or fear,
appreciation, admiration, recognition, family’s happiness.
Internal Motivation
Internal motivation or self-motivation is the force within us that makes us want to do something
and continue doing it until we complete it. It also makes us move forward to reach higher goals.
All of us have innate urge to periodically ask ourselves some basic questions such as:
• Do I want to be better?
• What will make me better than my present self?
• Where do I want to be in a year, two years, five years etc., from now?
• Why do I want to be there?
• What will help me get there?
• Who can help me reach there?
• What can inspire me to achieve my goal?
If can be rather disturbing to learn that we do not know the answers to these questions. It
we do, we are truly and clearly moving towards our goals. That is what motivation is.
Demotivating Factors
Why do people move from initially motivated stage to demotivated? Some of the demotivating
factors are:
• Unfair criticism
• Negative criticism
• Public humiliation
• Rewarding the non-performers.
 • Failure of fear of failure
• Success (which leads to complacence)
• Lack of direction
• Lack of measurable objectives
• Low self-esteem
• Lack of priorities
• Office politics
• Unfair treatment
• Hypocrisy
• Poor standards
• Frequent change
• Responsibility without authority.
Motivators
What we really want to accomplish is self-motivation, when people do things for their own
reasons and not yours. That is lasting motivation.
Remember the greatest motivator is belief. We have to inculcate in ourselves the belief that
we are responsible for our actions and behavior. When people accept responsibility,
everything improves: quality, productivity, relationships and teamwork.
A few steps to motivate others:
• Give recognition
• Give respect
• Make work interesting
• Be a good listener
• Encourage goal setting
• Provide opportunities for growth
• Provide training
• Throw a challenge
• Help, but don’t do for others what they should do for themselves.

Assignment:
1. Imagine that one of your classmates has been getting low marks in a subject in spite of
working very hard. As a result he/she has lost interest in studies and extra-curricular
activities as well. Write on how you can motivate him/her.
 6. Time Management
Using the time available to us efficiently is briefly what time management is about. Managing
our time well will make us successful in our personal and professional lives.
Every day has 86,400 seconds. Every second is precious. One should have a proper plan to
spend every moment. In modern days, time is more precious than money. Let us not squander
time.
Effective Time Management Strategies
• Planning: Set your goals clearly. Monitor their progress at regular intervals.
• Organizing: It is the ability to organize one’s tasks according to priorities.
• Multi-tasking: You can do many things at the same time.
• Prioritising: Complete urgent and important tasks first. Do not start with the easier
ones. Do not focus on unimportant tasks first.
• Taking pauses: Breaks at regular intervals give you the time to monitor your progress.
When you resume work, you will do it with more enthusiasm.
• Keep a time log: Prepare a schedule for the whole day. Write down what you do every
hour of the day.
• Avoid distractions and interruptions to your work: When you are disturbed, find a
solution to the problem quickly and resume your work. Don’t get distracted.
• Avoid procrastination: Never postpone your work. The best time to do any work is
usually now.
• Create habits: Practice doing several tasks at the same time.

Assignment:
1. Mention any ten common time wasting activities. Write the best method of overcoming
each activity.
2. You have only a couple of days before the final examinations begin. Arrange the
following activities in the time quadrant below.

Collecting material for the examinations spending time with parents

Playing video games going to library
Shopping cleaning the house
Pressing clothes watching TV programmes
Reading a novel entertaining guests
Making and receiving phone calls going for walk
Reading a newspaper seeing a doctor
Forwarding an interesting SMS collecting hall ticket
Playing games chatting with childhood friends
Cooking food reading notes
Attending a birthday party revising the syllabus
Getting a haircut getting doubts clarified
Visiting friends picnic
 Urgent Not urgent
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 7. Creativity
Creativity is the ability to generate new ideas, forms, methods, interpretations, etc. It is
creativity that makes man’s life different from any other creature’s life. Creative people
perceive that world in new ways, display curiosity about many things and ask themselves
several questions about everything. They find solutions to unsolved problems in a different
way. They are versatile, adaptable and divergent thinkers.
Anyone can be creative. Everyone has to be creative to become successful in different fields
of life. Creativity distinguishes a person from others. Several scientists, authors, leaders,
designers and artists are successful due to their ability to think outside the box.
Creativity helps students find good jobs or become entrepreneurs. Creativity is one of the
most essential skills every employer expects from his employees.

Assignments:
1. Mention at least five uses of the following objects apart from their real purpose.
i. Newspaper
ii. Tooth brush
iii. Cotton saree
iv. Tyre
v. Empty pet bottle
2. Design a logo for your polytechnic.
3. Design a logo for your branch.
4. Your polytechnic is going to organize the Inter Polytechnic Sports and Games Meet-
2024 in the month of December, 2024. Design a logo for the event.
 8. Critical Thinking
Critical thinking is a skill that allows us to think clearly, rationally and without
making subjective judgements that may be wrong. Critical thinking skills help us
think for ourselves, understand the relevance of ideas and connect them logically,
solve problems in a creative way, and use valid arguments to reason or justify our
beliefs. It enables us use the information we got to understand that world around us
better and thus improve our knowledge. The use of critical thinking skills is therefore
very important in all that we do.

Factors of Critical Thinking

Critical thinking involves several factors that enable effective analysis, evaluation,
and decision-making. Here some essential factors of critical thinking:
i. Clear goals
ii. Logical reasoning
iii. Based on fact, not on opinion
iv. Objectivity
v. Open-mindedness
vi. Empathy
vii. Critical self-reflection
viii. Identification of bias
ix. Consideration of Alternatives
x. Evaluation of evidence

Assignment:
1. Think about the question below and write a paragraph explaining it.
Famous scientist Albert Einstien says: “The important thing is not to stop
questioning.”
 9. Problem Solving and Decision Making
A problem is difficult situation in our lives. We may face it boldly, evade it or pretend
that there is no problem at all. But as long as we are alive we will face problems in
every walk of life, be it a small one or big one. We may be able to wink at some
problems but there are certain problems in out life which we cannot avoid facing. We
can avoid some problems sometimes but not all problems all the time. One we are
ready to face problems, they excite and challenge us and bring out the best in us. We
can become better persons after solving each problem.
Steps in the Problem-Solving process
Every individual has his own problems, and every problem has at least one solution. If
you face a problem, follow these steps to solve it.
i. Identify the cause of the problem – If you identify your problem, you can
begin solving it.
ii. Define the problem – To solve a problem, first you have to define it. If you
know what your problem is, you have half solved it.
iii. Find alternative solutions – You can use creativity, critical thinking,
previous experience to find alternative solutions.
iv. Rank possible solutions.
v. Select a solution to deal with the problem.
vi. Plan how you implement the decision.
vii. Monitor to see if your action is going well.
viii. Check if your problem is solved.
ix. If not, use the next alternative solution.
Decision Making
Decision making and problem solving go hand in hand. To solve a problem, we have
to take the right decision after considering a problem from all directions. That
includes thinking critically, creatively and laterally. To think critically is to think
logically, clearly and objectively – to approach an issue from all directions. There
should be only valid arguments but not beliefs. Belief is subjective and can blind us
reality. To do this we need to know our strengths and weaknesses. That means, logical
step by step reasoning with clarity without any prejudice towards a person or thing
directs us towards the right solution to a problem. Coming to lateral thinking, in
simple terms, it is nothing out of the box. It means thinking in an unusual way, in a
way nobody has ever thought of.
When you think of a solution or solutions for a problem, you must keep in your mind
its practical, legal and ethical implications and if it would be acceptable to society.
Assignment:
1. Imagine that you have been quarrelling a lot recently with a friend and want to
make your relationship with him\her better. Write a paragraph on how you will
handle the problem.
 10. Leadership Qualities and Teamwork

A leader is not necessarily someone who is a manager or a boss. It need not be

someone who is the head of a company or an organization. Anyone who has
leadership traits is a leader cutting across boundaries, race, gender and education. The
art of communication is the language of leadership.
A leader is a person who
• Motivates his or her team.
• Wins the trust of his or her team.
• Makes the team members realise their potential.
• Works in collaboration with his or her team.
• Leads and exemplary life.
• Takes responsibility for failure.
• Gives credit for success to his or her team.
• Shows concern for the team.
Types of leadership
Leaders come in all shapes, sizes and styles. You have Gandhi on one hand and Hitler
on the other. They have their own distinct style of functioning. Six leadership styles
are generally recognized. Each style has its own advantages and limitations.
i. Authoritarian – The leader has full control over the team and give limited
autonomy to the group. The leader makes decisions without any real
participation or input from subordinates. For example, senior officers in the
armed forces.
ii. Paternalistic – the leader is parental figure to each and every subordinates.
Though there is a concern for each employee, the workers are expected to
commit to the vision of the leader but rarely work independently. For example,
the senior management of family-owned organizations.
iii. Democratic/Participative – The leader encourages discussions and debates of
ideas to ensure that the people feel involved. For example, Gandhi and Nehru.
iv. Laissez-Faire – All the rights and powers to make decisions is with workers.
The leader delegates tasks while providing them little or no direction. For
example, John F.Kennedy and Martin Luther King. Jr.
v. Transactional – This style is about increasing the efficiency of established
routines and procedures. Transactional style managers reward good
performance and effort and initiate corrective action when workers do not
meet acceptable performance levels. For example, Bill Gates.
vi. Transformational – Leaders want to change their followers’ needs and
redirect thinking. They inspire subordinates with a sense of purpose and
excitement. For example, Steve Jobs.

Teamwork
Teamwork is often part of a business, as it is often necessary for colleagues to work
well together, trying their best in any circumstance. It can be defined as the combined
efforts, or actions of a group of individuals working together to achieve a common
goal. In a team people will cooperate, using their individual skills and providing
constructive feedback, despite any personal conflict between individuals.
Teamwork is a very positive concept. Though it is very rewarding to work with
others, it can also be very challenging and frustrating. Teamwork has many
advantages but it has its own disadvantages too.
Some quotations that highlight the advantages of teamwork
• Thers is no ‘I’ in teamwork.
• Many hands make work light.
• Individually, we one drop; together, we are an ocean.
• Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.
• In strength there is union.
• Teamwork divides the task and doubles the success.

Assignment:
1. Write a paragraph about your favourite leader and his/her style of leadership.
 11. Stress Management / Managing Emotions

Stress is a part of all our lives and we cannot wish it away. It is caused when the demands on
us – physical, mental or emotional – are more than what we can comfortably handle.
Stress management involves using different techniques to handle it and prevent it from
harming us. Managing stress starts with identifying the source of stress in our lives. We also
need to think carefully about out attitudes, habits and way of working in order to reduce the
level of stress we experience. We must remember never to turn to unhealthy ways of handling
stress, such as smoking, overeating, sleeping too much, behaving rudely with others or losing
our temper without reason and taking dangerous medicines.
Physical exercise and relaxation activities, such as yoga, music, reading and spending time
with relatives and friends, are positive and effective ways of managing stress.
Managing Emotions
Emotions are feelings that affect our behaviour and our relationship with others. If there are
no emotions, we are as good as dead. Some basic emotions are – love, hatred, fear, anxiety,
apprehension, acceptances, optimism, pessimism, interest, boredom, trust, annoyance,
surprise, anger, and so on. If negative emotions like fear, anxiety, hatred, boredom, irritation
and anger are not managed, they ultimately lead to stress. If emotions are balanced and
maintained, we can be successful and happy; if not, we will be stressed. This leads to lack of
self-confidence, and life seems meaningless and purposeless. Ultimately that may lead to
madness or suicide.
We cannot avoid emotions, but we can learn how manage them. Sometimes, stress is
necessary; for example, the stress of having a deadline to complete a task. Deadlines trigger
our creativity and boost our energy, thus helping us perform better. This kind of positive
stress is called ‘eustress’.
Things that can help you de-stress
i. Think positive.
ii. Understand your strengths and weaknesses.
iii. Know that you cannot control everything.
iv. Be grateful for what you have.
v. Take responsibility and never blame others.
vi. Priorities.
vii. Don’t jump to conclusions.
viii. Don’t over strain yourself.
ix. Learn to say ‘no’.
x. Exercise regularly.
xi. Meditate.
xii. Listen to music.
xiii. Sleep well, eat well, and live well.
xiv. Look from the other side of the fence.

Assignment:
1. Write two short paragraphs describing a stressful situation you faced in your life and
how you handle it.
 12. Core Human Values / Forming Values

Values are the principles that guide our thoughts, words, and actions. They shape our
character, influence our decisions, and determine our destiny. Forming values is a crucial
process that helps individuals develop a moral compass, make informed choices, and lead a
purposeful life.
Moral values are the foundation of a virtuous life. They encompass principles such as:
1. Honesty: Truthfulness and integrity in all interactions.
2. Respect: Valuing the dignity and worth of every individual.
3. Empathy: Understanding and compassion for others' experiences.
4. Fairness: Justice and equality in all dealings.
5. Responsibility: Accountability for one's actions and their consequences.
Professional values, on the other hand, govern our behavior in the workplace and beyond.
Key professional values include:
1. Excellence: Striving for quality and continuous improvement.
2. Accountability: Taking ownership of one's work and actions.
3. Communication: Effective and respectful exchange of ideas.
4. Teamwork: Collaborating to achieve common goals.
5. Integrity: Upholding ethical standards and principles.
Forming values begins with self-reflection, self-awareness, and a willingness to learn. By
forming strong moral and professional values, individuals reap numerous benefits:
1. Inner peace and confidence.
2. Respect and trust from others.
3. Effective decision-making and problem-solving.
4. Successful relationships and collaborations.
5. A positive impact on society.
In conclusion, forming values is a vital process that shapes our character, guides our
decisions, and determines our legacy. Moral values such as honesty, respect, and empathy
provide a foundation for virtuous living, while professional values like excellence,
accountability, and integrity ensure success and credibility. By cultivating these values, we
become better individuals, professionals, and citizens, leading to a more harmonious and
prosperous world.

Assignment:
1. Suppose you went to a shopping mall and bought three pairs of dresses and the store
keeper gave you a bill for only two dresses. What do you do? Write a paragraph on your
response.