0% found this document useful (0 votes)
11 views56 pages

Module 5 - NC II - Contributing to Workplace Innovation

Module 5 of the Work Readiness Modules focuses on contributing to workplace innovation, targeting out-of-school youth in the Philippines. It aims to equip learners with skills to identify improvement opportunities, collaborate on ideas, and implement changes in the workplace. The module includes various activities and assessments to enhance understanding and application of 21st-century skills in a professional setting.

Uploaded by

Liberty Jacla
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
0% found this document useful (0 votes)
11 views56 pages

Module 5 - NC II - Contributing to Workplace Innovation

Module 5 of the Work Readiness Modules focuses on contributing to workplace innovation, targeting out-of-school youth in the Philippines. It aims to equip learners with skills to identify improvement opportunities, collaborate on ideas, and implement changes in the workplace. The module includes various activities and assessments to enhance understanding and application of 21st-century skills in a professional setting.

Uploaded by

Liberty Jacla
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 56

Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook

Acknowledgements
Education Development Center (EDC) would like to thank the staff of the USAID Opportunity 2.0
Program, Philippines local team, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority’s
(TESDA) National Institute for Technical Education and Skills Development (NITESD) through its
Curriculum and Training Aids Division (CTADD), whose invaluable insights guided the adaptation of this
curriculum.

Opportunity 2.0 aims to provide opportunities for second-chance education for vulnerable out-of-school
youth (OSY) by collaboratively working with TESDA in strengthening its technical education and training
systems to develop, deliver and monitor workforce readiness and technical-vocational training programs
that will prepare large numbers of out-of-school youth to transition to further education and training,
immediate jobs and self-employment opportunities. In line with this objective, Opportunity 2.0 has
developed the Work Readiness Modules on 21st Century Skills which are appropriate for self-directed
learning or modular learning delivery.

The Work Readiness Modules on 21st Century Skills is an adaptation of EDC’s globally recognized Work
Ready Now. The curriculum addresses the TESDA Amended Competency Standards for Basic
Competencies Integrating 21st Century Skills which were promulgated on July 9, 2019.

© 2020 Education Development Center, Inc.

This content may not be produced without the permission of Education Development Center or the United States
Agency for International Development.

This curriculum is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States
Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents are the responsibility of Education Development
Center, Inc. and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.

EDC 43 Foundry Avenue Waltham, MA Boston | Chicago | New York | Washington, D.C.
Education Development Center (EDC) is a global nonprofit that advances
02453 Contact: [email protected]
lasting solutions to improve education, promote health, and expand
Phone: 617-969-7100 economic opportunity.
Since 1958, we have been a leader in designing, implementing, and evaluating
powerful and innovative programs in more than 80 countries around the world.
Work Readiness Modules on 21st Century Skills | USAID Opportunity 2.0 Program| Philippines Page 2
Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook

Table of Contents
Summary of Learning Outcomes................................................................................................................ 4
Module Overview....................................................................................................................................... 4
SESSION 1: Identify Opportunities to Do Things Better........................................................................6
Activity 1: Introductory Activity & Pre-Module Learner’s Reflection ...................................................... 7
Activity 2: Identifying Opportunities for Improvement......................................................................... 10
Activity 3: Information Gathering for Innovative Ideas......................................................................... 15
SESSION 2: Discuss and Develop Ideas with Others ...........................................................................21
Activity 4: Getting inputs to Sharpen Innovative Ideas......................................................................... 22
Activity 5: Using Feedback to Further Develop Ideas............................................................................ 29
SESSION 3: Integrate Ideas for Change in the Workplace ...................................................................38
Activity 6: Utilizing a Critical Inquiry Method........................................................................................ 39
Activity 7: Summarizing and Reporting Ideas........................................................................................ 45
Activity 8: Communicating Ideas for Change ........................................................................................ 48
Activity 9: Post-Module Learner’s Reflection: End-of-Module Skills Check........................................... 51
Activity 10: End-of-Module Assessment ............................................................................................... 53
Key to Correction .............................................................................................................................57
Work Readiness Modules on 21st Century Skills | USAID Opportunity 2.0 Program| Philippines Page 3
Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook

Module 5: CONTRIBUTING TO WORKPLACE INNOVATION


(NC II Level)
A Unit of Competency under the Basic Competency on Learning and Innovation

"It takes a lot of people to make a winning team. Everybody’s


contribution is important " – Gary David Goldberg

(“Maraming miyembro ang kailangan upang makabuo ng matagumpay na grupo. Ang


kontribusyon ng lahat ay mahalaga")
Unit of Competency: Contribute to Workplace Innovation
Unit Code: 400311214
Unit Descriptor: This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to make
a pro-active and positive contribution to workplace innovation.

Summary of Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the module, you will be able to:

✓ L.O. 1 - Identify opportunities to do things better


✓ L.O. 2 - Discuss and develop ideas with others
✓ L.O. 3 - Integrate ideas for change in the workplace

Module Overview
✍ Activity 🕒 Time

Session 1: Identify opportunities to do things better (L.O. 1)

1: Introductory Activity & Pre-Module Learners Reflection (10-15 minutes)

2: Identifying Opportunities for Improvement 50-60 minutes

3: Information Gathering for Innovative Ideas 20-30 minutes

Session 2: Discuss and develop ideas with others (L.O. 2)

4. Getting Inputs to Sharpen Innovative Ideas 20-30 minutes

5. Using Feedback to Further Develop Ideas 30-40 minutes


Session 3: Integrate ideas for change in the workplace (L.O. 3)

6. Utilizing a Critical Inquiry Method 50-60 minutes

7. Summarizing and Reporting Ideas 30-40 minutes

8. Communicating Ideas for Change 20-30 minutes

Session 4: Review and Assessment

Work Readiness Modules on 21st Century Skills | USAID Opportunity 2.0 Program| Philippines Page 4
Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
9. Post-Module Learner’s Reflection (10-15 minutes)

10: End of Module Assessment (10-15 minutes)

Total Time 3.40 – 4.50 hours

Written Assignments

This is a checklist of all the written documents for learners to accomplish. The facilitator
will put a tick mark on the submitted outputs and follow-up those without a tick mark.

❑ Let’s Exercise: Elena’s Empathy Map (Activity 2)


❑ Let’s Exercise: Who to Talk To? (Activity 4)
❑ Let’s Exercise: Documentation and Analysis (Activity 5)
❑ Let’s Exercise: Decoding a Critical Inquiry Method (Activity 6)
❑ Let’s Exercise: Summarizing Salient Points (Activity 7)

Skills Demonstration

The following activities will help you develop the knowledge and skills to achieve the
learning outcomes of this module:

❑ Let’s Apply: The Empathy Map (Activity 2)


❑ Let’s Apply: Brainstorming with Friends or Family (Activity 3)
❑ Let’s Apply: Propose Your Solutions (Activity 5)
❑ Let’s Apply: Applying the Critical Inquiry Method (Activity 6)
❑ Let’s Apply: Reporting Ideas (Activity 7)
❑ Let’s Apply: Communicating Ideas for Change through a Small Group
Discussion (Activity 8)
Work Readiness Modules on 21st Century Skills | USAID Opportunity 2.0 Program| Philippines Page 5
Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook SESSION 1: Identify

Opportunities to Do Things Better

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Opportunities for improvement are identified proactively in own area of work

1.2 Information are gathered and reviewed which may be relevant to ideas and
which might assist in gaining support for idea

 Key Topics and Learning Points 


1. The Empathy Map as a tool for identifying opportunities for
improvement 2. Brainstorming as a process to gather information for
innovative ideas

✶ The Empathy Map is a tool that is human-centered in nature and helps identify a
person who encounters a problem, what they say about it, how they think, how they
feel about it, and what they do about the problem.

✶ Brainstorming is a method design teams use to generate ideas to solve clearly


defined design problems.

Work Readiness Modules on 21st Century Skills | USAID Opportunity 2.0 Program| Philippines Page 6
Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook

Activity 1: Introductory Activity & Pre-Module Learner’s Reflection


Objectives:

✓ Complete the Start-of-Module Skills Check

Recommended Time: 10 mins - 15 mins

Welcome to Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation for National Certificate


Level II. In this module you will learn how to identify opportunities to do things better, how
to develop ideas with others and how to use ideas in doing things better in the workplace.
Before we get started, let us think about new ideas in the workplace.

🖉 Read the quote at the beginning of the module. Describe an experience in your work or
personal life related to it.

Read the objectives of the module. How does the quote relate to the objectives? Why
do we want ideas from many people when we want to do things better?

Pre-Module Learner’s Reflection: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC

II) Start-of-Module Skills Check

This is not a test but is a way for you to see what you already know or do not know about the
topics. You will read a skill that is listed in the left column. Think about yourself and your
experience. Then read the statements across the top. Check the column that best represents
your situation. The results will help you and your teacher know which topics may require more
time, effort and guidance.

Ito ay hindi pagsusulit. Ito ay isang paraan upang malaman mo ang iyong kaalaman, kasanayan
o kakayahan tungkol sa paksang ito. Basahin mo ang mga kaalaman, kasanayan o kakayahan
na nakalista sa kaliwang hanay. Magbalik‐tanaw sa iyong sarili at mga karanasan. Basahin ang

Work Readiness Modules on 21st Century Skills | USAID Opportunity 2.0 Program| Philippines Page 7
Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook

lahat ng mga pangungusap at i‐tsek ang sagot na naaangkop sa iyong sitwasyon. Ang iyong
kasagutan ay magiging gabay mo at ng iyong guro sa pagpapalawak ng iyong kaalaman
tungkol sa paksang ito.
My experience 1 2 3 4
Knowledge, skills and abilities I don’t I have I have I have a lot
have any little some of
Kaalaman, kasanayan at kakayahan experien experien experienc experien
ce ce doing e doing ce
doing this this doing
this. this.
Mayroon Mayroon
Wala akong akong Marami
kaunting karanasan akong
akong karanasan sa karanasan
karanasa sa paggawa sa
n paggawa nito paggawa
sa nito nito
paggawa
nito

Have a process for identifying


opportunities for improvement in the
workplace. /
Magkaroon ng proseso sa pagtukoy ng
mga oportunidad para mas mapabuti ang
gawain sa trabaho.

Have a process for gathering information


that may be relevant to gaining support for
new ideas. /
Magkaroon ng proseso sa pagkalap
ng impormasyon na may kabuluhan
sa
pagdagdag ng suporta sa bagong ideya.

Gather input on ideas for improvement


from other people in the workplace. /
Mangalap ng mga mungkahi mula sa
mga katrabaho tungkol sa ideya upang
mas mapaganda ito

Approach others to share ideas. /

Lumapit sa iba upang magbahagi ng ideya.

Meet with relevant people about


new processes or ideas in the
workplace. /
Makipag-usap sa mga angkop na taong
may kaugnayan sa pagbabago sa proseso
at pag iisip ng mga bagong ideya sa lugar
ng trabaho.

Work Readiness Modules on 21st Century Skills | USAID Opportunity 2.0 Program| Philippines Page 8
Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
My experience 1 2 3 4
Knowledge, skills and abilities I don’t I have I have I have a lot
have any little some of
Kaalaman, kasanayan at kakayahan experien experien experienc experien
ce ce doing e doing ce
doing this this doing
this. this.
Mayroon Mayroon
Wala akong akong Marami
akong kaunting karanasan akong
karanasa karanasan sa karanasan
n sa paggawa sa
sa paggawa nito paggawa
paggawa nito nito
nito

Summarize new ideas on processes


and report them to co-workers. /
Magbuod ng mga bagong ideya sa proseso
at ibahagi ito sa mga katrabaho.

Identify current issues with the systems


and procedures in the workplace. /
Tumukoy ng mga makabagong tungkol
sa Sistema at proses sa trabaho.

Identify opportunities for simple


innovations in the workplace. /
Tumukoy ng mga oportunidad para
sa simpleng pagbabago at
inobasyon sa trabaho.

Identify opportunities to do things


better / Matukoy ang mga pagkakataon
upang mas mapaganda ang mga bagay
sa trabaho.

Discuss and develop ideas with others /

Makipag-usap at bumuo ng ideya


kasama ang iba.

Integrate ideas for change in the workplace /

Mapagsama-sama ang mga ideya tungkol


sa pagbabago sa trabaho

Work Readiness Modules on 21st Century Skills | USAID Opportunity 2.0 Program| Philippines Page 9
Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
Activity 2: Identifying Opportunities for Improvement
Objectives:

✓ Identify opportunities for improvement in the workplace.


✓ Describe what an Empathy Map is and its use in problem solving.

Recommended Time: 50 mins - 60 mins

Once we are aware of the problems that exist in our workplace, we are able to start
identifying opportunities for improvement. This activity gives you a tool that you may
use to identify a problem, and in turn find an opportunity in your own area of work. To
get started, let us look at some workplace problems and see if you can see the
opportunities.

Below is a list of workplace problems. On the left side, tick the box if this applies to your
workplace or community. On the right side, answer with either a YES or NO if you think
there is / is not an opportunity for improvement related to the problem.
Examples of Workplace Problems Opportunity
for
Improvement?

My coworkers often complain that they are tired after a day’s work.

I am afraid to ask my supervisor questions.

I sometimes do not know what the goals of the company are.

People in the company usually leave within 3 months of working


there.

Sometimes, my coworkers pretend to be sick so they can be off work.

It takes a long time for me to get updates on projects or tasks.

There are delays during salary payouts.

Only a few people join company-wide engagement activities.

I have seen a supervisor yell at their subordinate.

A manager makes a pass at an employee without being reprimanded.

To see the opportunity for improvement, it is critical to gain as much understanding of the
problem as you can. A tool that can help you do this is called the Empathy Map.
Work Readiness Modules on 21st Century Skills | USAID Opportunity 2.0 Program| Philippines Page 10
Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook

📄 Key Facts 5.1: The Empathy Map as a Tool to Help Identify Opportunities and
Gather Information

First, what is empathy?

Empathy is trying to gain insights into what people may need, what they want, how they behave, feel,
and think, and why they demonstrate such behaviors, feelings and thoughts when they interact with
the problems in a real-world setting.

The Empathy Map is a tool that does not focus on the problem or on the solution but focuses on the
people. We call this a human-centered approach. The Empathy Map helps identify a person who
encounters a problem, what they say about it, how they think, how they feel about it, and what they
do about the problem.

Let us look at an example. Elena’s workplace has a rule that all employees must wear long-sleeve tops.
Below is an example of a filled-out empathy map relating to Elena’s problem.

Study the Empathy Map carefully to find out about Elena’s perspectives, thoughts, feelings, and
actions.

Work
st
Readiness Modules on 21 Century Skills | USAID Opportunity 2.0 Program| Philippines Page 11
Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook

Why do you Empathize?


Each workplace is unique – they all have their own culture, work environment, and
style. All these contribute to the overall well-being and job satisfaction of employees.
When employees are unhappy or feel that they are in a problem-ridden work
environment, this may lead to burnout, unexpected absences, or a decline in
performance.

Using the Empathy Map to analyze a problem in the workplace allows us to:

• Understand people’s overall feeling about work


• Identify problems that we may not be aware of
• Gather information about the problem
• Create an opportunity to look for ways to improve a workplace situation
• Use information gathered to gaining support for solutions or ideas

Let’s Exercise: Elena’s Empathy Map


Based on what is written on Elena’s Empathy Map, answer the questions

below. 1. What is Elena’s problem?

2. How does her problem make her feel, and think?

3. What does she do and say because of her problem?

4. In your opinion, what opportunity for improvement is present in relation to Elena’s


problem?

Work Readiness Modules on 21st Century Skills | USAID Opportunity 2.0 Program| Philippines Page 12
Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
Let’s Apply: The Empathy Map
Now you will interview a friend. You have an option to choose either a colleague or a
community member. Ask the questions over the phone or via a chat, then complete the blank
Empathy Map below.

Step 1: Ask your friend about an existing problem that you friend may have at work or in their
community.

Step 2: Ask for your friend’s thought about the problem. What are your friend’s feelings about
the problem? What does your friend normally say about the problem? and What does your
friend do to avoid the problem?

Step 3: Decide - what opportunity for improvement is there given your friend’s
problem.

_____
__________’s Empathy Map

To know more about empathy maps, you can watch this video1 by Maria Jimenez and Maria
Fernanda Herrera: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4peaTRJu7Y&t=44s

1
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4peaTRJu7Y&t=44s

Work Readiness Modules on 21st Century Skills | USAID Opportunity 2.0 Program| Philippines Page 13
Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
Sharing is Caring
Share your empathy map back to your friend to see what s/he think. Do it face to face,
via text, chat, or whatever means available and comfortable to you. It’s always great to
get feedback. You might get a better a understanding the second time round. During
the sharing session, make sure you discussed the following and note down the
feedback.

1. Your understanding of your friend’s problem?

2. Your understanding of how the problem made your friend feel, and think?

3. Your understanding of what your friend did and said because of her problem? 4.

Your opinion about an opportunity for improvement in relation to the problem?

Work Readiness Modules on 21st Century Skills | USAID Opportunity 2.0 Program| Philippines Page 14
Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
Activity 3: Information Gathering for Innovative Ideas
Objectives:

✓ Identify how to gather information for innovative ideas

Recommended Time: 20 mins - 30 mins

Once you have a clear problem, based on the understanding you gather using a human
centered approach like the Empathy Map, the challenge now is to come up with lots of
ideas to solve the problem. It is time to brainstorm.

What is Brainstorming?

Brainstorming is a method for generate ideas, gearing the power of our collective
thinking towards a variety of potential solutions.

Think about the time when you had to brainstorm with other people on how to solve a
problem and respond to the following questions.

1. What was the problem you were trying to solve?

2. How were the questions asked to get people’s inputs leading to the solutions?

3. How were the different ideas collected?

4. What happen with all the ideas?

Work Readiness Modules on 21st Century Skills | USAID Opportunity 2.0 Program| Philippines Page 15
Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
📄 Key Facts 5.2: Brainstorming in the Workplace

Brainstorming allows you and your workmates to gather information on ideas that
may be relevant to innovation. The more inputs there are, the more ideas you may be
able to put together to create an innovative opportunity. The workplace that
encourages brainstorming also fosters its people to become better questioners and
listeners.

Remember that brainstorming is part of an information gathering process. All team


members must feel safe to ask questions, share new ideas, and go in-depth if
needed. This type of environment can be nurtured with the right leadership and
work culture in place. Ultimately, the goal is to generate as many ideas that can then
be selected and further developed into solutions.

To know more about brainstorming, you may watch this John Spencer video 2:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLpZ6RZHyoM.

2
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLpZ6RZHyoM

Work Readiness Modules on 21st Century Skills | USAID Opportunity 2.0 Program| Philippines Page 16
Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
Brainstorming DOs and DON’Ts

DOs
• Be clear on the goal of the brainstorming session
• Do not judge or criticize
• Encourage weird, wacky, and wild ideas
• Aim for quantity
• Build on each other's ideas
• Be visual
• Set a time limit
• One conversation at a time

DON’Ts
• Let some people dominate the conversation
• Stray off topic and/or address other problems.
• Collectively chasing an impossible solution someone has developed elsewhere

Let’s Apply: Brainstorming with Friends or Family

It would be difficult to brainstorm on your own, so discuss the following sample questions with
your family, friends, or siblings. Remember the Brainstorming DOs and DON’Ts. Write down all
the information you have gathered during the discussions in the table below. Then list the
innovative ideas that can potentially lead to solutions. We start with a simple topic and then go
to a workplace one.
Brainstorm Topic Your Answers Friend’s Family’s Innovative
Answers Answers ideas
leading to
solutions

How to get rid


of household
pests
e.g., cockroaches.

Specify the kind


of pests here
…………………………
…..
…………………………
…..
…………………………
…..
…………………………
…..
Work Readiness Modules on 21st Century Skills | USAID Opportunity 2.0 Program| Philippines Page 17
Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
Brainstorm Topic Your Answers Friend’s Family’s Innovative
Answers Answers ideas
leading to
solutions

How to address
increased cost of
a common
ingredient due to
the
pandemic - e.g.,
eggs or flour.

Specify issue
here
…………………………
…..
…………………………
…..
…………………………
…..
…………………………
…..

How to address
workplace
tardiness - e.g.,
spending too
much time on
mobile phone.

Specify issue
here
…………………………
…..
…………………………
…..
…………………………
…..
…………………………
…..
Think about it!
Discuss the innovative ideas to improve workplace practice from the activity above
with your friends and family. What do they think? Will the people at work think
about these ideas? How do we find out? Write down your initial thoughts in Session
1 - Wring Space below. We will find out more in the next session.

Work Readiness Modules on 21st Century Skills | USAID Opportunity 2.0 Program| Philippines Page 18
Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook

☑ Performance Criteria Checklist


The Performance Criteria Checklist is an opportunity for you to assess your
learning outcomes in the session and know how well you did in doing the
activities in this session. You will speak to your facilitator to:

1. Share your experiences in completing the session


2. Discuss your development and progress towards the intended skills
3. Plan how you will move forward to continue making progress in the module

Conduct a quick self-assessment and answer the table below.


Statements Please check YES if you have shown
or can do the statement, or NO if
Did you… you haven’t shown or cannot do it
yet.

YES NO

1. Have a process for identifying


opportunities for improvement in the
workplace?

2. Have a process for gathering information


that may be relevant to gaining support for
new ideas?

Guide to the Learner and Facilitator’s Discussion:


Topics to discuss during the Learning Check:

1. Parts of the module that were the easiest to answer/do.


2. Parts of the module that were the hardest to answer/do.
3. Parts of the module that need further clarification or explanation.
4. Additional support needed by the learner from the facilitator.
5. Review and check of the learner’s answers and outputs for the session. 6. Feedback on
the learner’s performance in terms of the following: mastery of content, skills
development, and pace in answering the module.
7. Plans for how the learner will move forward with the module.

Work Readiness Modules on 21st Century Skills | USAID Opportunity 2.0 Program| Philippines Page 19
Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook

Session 1 – Writing Space


Use this space to complete any of the written assignments above or write any thoughts
or ideas that have come to mind about identifying opportunities to do things better in
the workplace.
Congratulations! Now that you know how to identify opportunities to do things better
in the workplace, you are now ready to develop ideas with others.

Work Readiness Modules on 21st Century Skills | USAID Opportunity 2.0 Program| Philippines Page 20
Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook SESSION 2: Discuss

and Develop Ideas with Others

Performance Criteria:

2.1 People who could provide input to ideas for improvements are identified

2.2 Ways of approaching people to begin sharing ideas are selected

2.3 Meeting is set with relevant people

2.4 Ideas for follow up are review and selected based on feedback
2.5 Critical inquiry method is used to discuss and develop ideas with others

 Key Topics and Learning Points 


1. Getting inputs to sharpen innovative ideas
2. Using feedback to further develop ideas

✶ Useful input that can lead to idea improvements may come from many people
including: the users, the customers, the management, the implementers, the experts, the
novices. ✶ Good practices for approaching people to get their feedback to new ideas
include: o Be a good listener. When speak, be clear, concise, polite, and respectful. o
Show or demonstrate an example or a prototype of the ideas.
o Use surveys, group discussions, individual interviews appropriately to collect
the required inputs.
o When pitching ideas in a meeting:
✶ Address the users’ pain points, discuss the needs, make it clear why and how
your solutions can solve the problem
✶ Highlight the impact of your solutions, what will be saved, what opportunity will
be created
✶ When selecting ideas to develop further into solutions, the idea should be both
impactful and feasible.

Work Readiness Modules on 21st Century Skills | USAID Opportunity 2.0 Program| Philippines Page 21
Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook

Activity 4: Getting inputs to Sharpen Innovative Ideas


Objectives

✓ Identify people in the workplace who could provide input to ideas for
improvements. ✓ Recognize approaches for obtaining people’s input to improve
innovative ideas, including setting up meetings.

Recommended Time: 20 mins - 30 mins

Welcome to Session 2!

Earlier in this module, you have learned that problems are the bridges to opportunities for
improvement. You have also practiced using the Empathy Map, which is a tool to better
understand the problem. You then brainstorm ideas to solve problems with your family and
friends. You have listed many ideas, some of which can lead to innovative solutions.
In Session 2, you will learn how to get feedbacks from other people about your ideas. 🖉
Write one favorite innovative idea that you, your friend, or your family came up with in the
last session. Explain why you like this idea. How can this idea be developed further into a
solution that will then solve a problem?

A group of sales-assistants are brainstorming ideas about how to provide better


customer care, as the shop has a lot of complaints about inattentive staff lately.

Jane: We should install a CCTV and review it together daily to catch who have been
ignoring the customers.

Ken: We should have Sales Assistant of the Month Award and give cash prize for
one of us who has the highest rating from the customers.

Dan: How about creating a chart to show number of customer complaints each
month? Every month that the number goes down I will ask the manager to
order a pizza and celebrate together.

Work Readiness Modules on 21st Century Skills | USAID Opportunity 2.0 Program| Philippines Page 22
Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
Source: https://unsplash.com/photos/YezSycO8W3U

Which idea do you think can become an effective solution for this problem? If you can
give advice to develop this idea further, what will you say to the team?

The key to improving the ideas is to identify who to talk to and get input. The people in each
organization widely varies. The following list are some possible people that you can talk to if
you want feedback about your solution ideas.

📄 Key Facts 5.3: Who to talk and how to approach them.

You can talk to the following people if you want to sharpen your innovative ideas when
solving workplace problems:
• The users. If your innovative idea gets implemented, these people will be the
ones who use it.

Work Readiness Modules on 21st Century Skills | USAID Opportunity 2.0 Program| Philippines Page 23
Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
• The customers. The people you use the products or services of your
organization. They might not be the users of your solution (if the problem that
you are solving are internal). Nevertheless, if your innovative ideas affect the
customers in any way, their input should be considered.
• The management. These are the managers, directors, and executives in your
organization. They must think about cost-effectiveness and satisfaction of many
stakeholders.
• The implementers. These people are the team that will transform your ideas
into products or service for users.
• The experts. These are the people who understand the background and the
context of the workplace. They can also be the people who has technical
knowledge about the issue.
• The novices. People with no preconceptions about the idea. It is useful to talk to
them because they have fresh insights and less bias or prejudice.

Different groups of people have different interests and priorities. The following are a few
tips for approaching people to get their feedback.
• Be a good listener. When speak, be clear, concise, polite, and respectful.

• Show or demonstrate an example or a prototype of the ideas. A prototype


represents an early sample of a product or service, usually built to
communicate or test an idea. A prototype can be a picture, a sketch of the
idea, or a model. Find ways to re-create the look and feel if you are designing a
new experience. In addition to getting feedback after showing or presenting
the prototype you can also observe as people use it.

• Surveys can be used to gather data from many people while a group discussion
or individual interview can provide in-depth information.

• When pitching your idea in a meeting, address the users’ pain points, discuss
the needs, make it clear why and how your solutions can solve the problem •
When approaching the management and the experts, do your homework.
Highlight the impact of your solutions, what will be saved (who much staff time,
how much materials, how much money)? what opportunity will be created (how
much better customer reach, staff satisfaction, user experience)?

Work Readiness Modules on 21st Century Skills | USAID Opportunity 2.0 Program| Philippines Page 24
Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook Let’s Exercise:

Who to Talk To?

Below are scenarios about new ideas in the


workplace. Based on the key facts above, identify
the people and approaches that the employee in
the scenario should talk to for inputs.

1. Nick, a driver in a transportation


company, thought of an idea to a Company
Fuel Card to make it easier to have their
trucks refilled – instead of requesting a
Cash Advance for Gas that often took
several days to process.

In this case, who should Nick talk to for


inputs about his idea? How should he
approach them?

Source: https://unsplash.com/photos/D8wmd6Sze78

Who should he talk to for feedback? What are the ways that Nick can
get feedback about his idea?

Work Readiness Modules on 21st Century Skills | USAID Opportunity 2.0 Program| Philippines Page 25
Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook

2. Sonya, an HR Assistant, wanted to introduce a specialized software tool for


companywide implementation after she noticed that staff still used Google Sheets to
keep employee personal data.
Source: https://unsplash.com/photos/FVgECvTjlBQ

Who should Sonya talk to for inputs? How should she approach them?
Who should she talk to for feedback? What are the ways that Sonya can
get feedback about her idea?

Work Readiness Modules on 21st Century Skills | USAID Opportunity 2.0 Program| Philippines Page 26
Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook

3. Aileen is a junior accountant in a start-up accounting firm. She noticed that many of
their clients start to do business online and thought that her company should develop
their own specialized accounting software that can better meet the needs of these
online businesses.
Source: https://unsplash.com/photos/j64-40UYDu0

Considering Aileen’s position, who should she talk to for inputs? How should she
approach them?
Who should she talk to for feedback? What are the ways that Aileen can
get feedback about her idea?

Work Readiness Modules on 21st Century Skills | USAID Opportunity 2.0 Program| Philippines Page 27
Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook

Think about it!


Discuss your answers above with a member of family or a friend. Do they agree with
your choice of people to speak to and the approaches that you listed? Make notes of
ideas and realizations in the writing space for this session.

Work Readiness Modules on 21st Century Skills | USAID Opportunity 2.0 Program| Philippines Page 28
Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
Activity 5: Using Feedback to Further Develop Ideas
Objectives

✓ Review and select ideas for follow up based on feedback.


✓ Use the critical inquiry method to discuss and develop ideas with

others. Recommended Time: 30 mins - 40 mins

Working with people and sharing your ideas means collaboration, cooperation, and
following up on projects – this can be done via face-to-face meetings, online meetings and e-
mails. Listed below are the different ways to document feedback, review and select ideas,
and use the critical inquiry method to develop ideas further.

📄 Key Facts 5.4: Documenting and analyzing feedback to innovative ideas

In order to make our innovative ideas happen, we have to consider two significant
things – the impact and feasibility of innovative ideas . When great ideas are brought up, you
have to filter and agree on which of those ideas manifest great impact and capable of success.
The end goal of this process is to create a solution that is achievable, has effect, value and can
influence.

When developing ideas, a number of concepts will have developed and we have to
consider which among has the most potential to lead in a new concept that will satisfy and
meet the demand of our target area.

After you pitch or demonstrate your ideas to different people, hopefully you will end up
with a lot of feedback to analyze. These feedbacks can be useful when you review and select
ideas to develop further.
a

When choosing ideas to develop further into p

solutions,
m

1
When
giving
the ideas should be both impactful and feasible.
The following chart is a simple tool that can be
helpful when making this

feedback to an idea, two decisions are


required. On the scale of 0 to 10, what level of
t

decision.
impact can this idea create? And again, on the
scale of 0 to 10, what is
the feasibility of putting this idea to use? Ideas with
0 Feasibility 10 high
An Impact vs Feasibility chart

Work Readiness Modules on 21st Century Skills | USAID Opportunity 2.0 Program| Philippines Page 29
Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook

impact and high feasibility should be chosen to develop


further.

Consider the following example. The biggest tropical storm is expected to hit your town
in two days. Your company is housed in a two-story building. The document storage on the
second floor, comprising two large cabinets, is at risk of being flooded. Your team has the
following ideas.
Jane’s idea: Let’s find a Ken’s idea: We should Dan’s idea: Maybe we
storage firm that can think about a long-term can make a flood-proof
come collect and solution. We should scan document storage
transfer all all using plastic wrap
documents to a safe place. documents and upload to and water
the cloud. That way they resistant glue to seal
will not get flooded ever the cabinet.
again.

High impact because there Very high impact because Low impact because if
is still some risk if the there is still some risk if the there is flooding it is likely
storm is very destructive. storm is very destructive. that the water can still get
Medium feasibility Low feasibility because the in.
because the cost might time is limited and no High feasibility because
be very high. existing system to organize the solution is low-cost
files. and simple to build.
0
0 0

1
1 1

t
t t

c
c c

a
a a

p
p p

m
m m

I
I I

0 0
Feasibility 10 0 Feasibility 10 Feasibility 10

Different people may have different judgement about the impact and the feasibility of a
solution idea. It is important to get feedback from many people to make a good decision
about which innovation idea to develop further.

Listed below are the different ways to document feedback, review and select ideas, and
use critical inquiry method to develop ideas further.

Work Readiness Modules on 21st Century Skills | USAID Opportunity 2.0 Program| Philippines Page 30
Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
Document Type Description

E-mail summary You may collect feedback via email. This can be internal and external
correspondence for a variety of things, including both formal and
informal exchanges on ideas. If there is not much information, an
email summary can be a good way to share with your team about
the feedback you get and the ideas that should be developed
further.

Reports Reports provide factual information about a topic and often


include recommendations based on what was experienced or
observed.

Reports can cover a wide range of topics, but usually focus on


transmitting information with a clear purpose, to a specific
audience.

If you have a lot of feedback from different sources, a report is a


good way to report the results of your analysis and the basis of
your decisions.

Minutes If a meeting is set to review your solution idea, a meeting agenda


should be prepared before the meeting to make sure the discussion
is not derailed. After the meeting, the meeting minutes should be
written up.

Minutes are written account of what was discussed during the


meeting with an attendee list and action points.

The minutes should be shared among participants of the meeting


and those who are responsible for actions.
Work Readiness Modules on 21st Century Skills | USAID Opportunity 2.0 Program| Philippines Page 31
Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook

Let’s Exercise: Documentation and Analysis

Review the following document and answer the questions that follow.

Submitted to: Human Resources Manager, Company XYZ

Title: Idea to Automate HR Systems and Employee Information

Introduction: Staff information and data are currently stored via Google Sheets – although
this is working, the document can be viewed by multiple staff in the office – a violation of
the Data Privacy Act. This is also tedious as information about staff cannot be easily found
on the Sheet due to the simplistic nature of the app. A more secure and efficient system is
needed by the Company.

Purpose: This report is to present the findings, challenges and recommendations for the HR
system.

Results/findings: • Access to employees’ sensitive private data is widely available • There


are limitations in the use of Google Sheets as it can’t
generate reports
• Data entered are sometimes incorrect as sheets cannot detect
the errors

Recommendations: Choose between existing HR systems as to which one best suit the
company and its needs. It would also be great to have additional
features if available.

In the implementation, create a Staff Manual that details how to


navigate the app and report bugs found to the support team when
needed.

Conclusion: There is a need to update the current HR system of the company and protect
employees’ sensitive data as well as make work more efficient.

Prepared By: Oscar Lemesa


Work Readiness Modules on 21st Century Skills | USAID Opportunity 2.0 Program| Philippines Page 32
Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook

1. Based on the table in Key Facts 5.4, what type of document is this?

2. What idea is being discussed? What is it important?

3. If you were the human resource


1

manager, how would you respond

after reading this document? Plot

t
before making decision?
c

your initial response in the chart on

the right. What additional


information would you like to have 0 Feasibility 10

4. Would you recommend Oscar to speak to more people? Who and how?
Work Readiness Modules on 21st Century Skills | USAID Opportunity 2.0 Program| Philippines Page 33

Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook Let’s Apply:

Propose Your Solutions

Revisit the workplace problem from the empathy map you developed in the last session. You
will then do two things:
1. Pretend you are the employee. Write an email or report to your manager about the problem
and propose possible solutions using the practices you have learned so far.
Work Readiness Modules on 21st Century Skills | USAID Opportunity 2.0 Program| Philippines Page 34
Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook

2. Plot your own analysis on the impact vs feasibility chart.

If you want to, you can use this space to explain


0 m

0 Feasibility 10
your decision.
t

Sharing is Caring
Share your proposed solution with a member of family or a friend. Ask them for
feedback about your idea and the quality of your writing and plot their analysis on the
impact vs feasibility chart. Make notes of learnings and ideas in Session 2 Writing
Space.

Work Readiness Modules on 21st Century Skills | USAID Opportunity 2.0 Program| Philippines Page 35
Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook

☑ Performance Criteria Checklist


The Performance Criteria Checklist is an opportunity for you to assess your learning outcomes
in the session and know how well you did in doing the activities in this session. You will speak
to your facilitator to:
1. Share your experiences in completing the session
2. Discuss your development and progress towards the intended skills
3. Plan how you will move forward to continue making progress in the module
Conduct a quick self-assessment and answer the table below.
Statements Please check YES if you have shown
or can do the statement, or NO if
Did you… you haven’t shown or cannot do it
yet.

YES NO

1. Obtain input to ideas for improvement


from other people in the workplace?

2. Recognize how to approach people to


begin sharing ideas?

3. Recognize how to summarize, report,


and meet with relevant people about new
processes or ideas in the workplace?

Guide to the Learner and Facilitator’s Discussion:

Topics to discuss during the Learning Check:

1. Parts of the module that is the easiest to answer/do.


2. Parts of the module that is the hardest to answer/do.
3. Parts of the module that need further clarification or explanation.
4. Additional support needed by the learner from the facilitator.
5. Review and check the learner’s answers and outputs in the session.
6. Feedback on the learner’s performance in terms of the following: mastery of content,
skills development, and pace in answering the module.
7. Plans on how the learner is expected to move forward with the module.

Work Readiness Modules on 21st Century Skills | USAID Opportunity 2.0 Program| Philippines Page 36
Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook

Session 2 – Writing Space


Use this space to complete any of the written assignments above or write any thoughts
or ideas that have come to mind in relation to developing ideas with others.
Congratulations on finishing Session 2 of Module 5!
You are now ready for Session 3, Integrate Ideas for Change in the Workplace!

Work Readiness Modules on 21st Century Skills | USAID Opportunity 2.0 Program| Philippines Page 37
Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook SESSION 3: Integrate

Ideas for Change in the Workplace

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Critical inquiry method is used to integrate different ideas for change of
key people.

3.2 Summarizing, analyzing and generalizing skills are used to extract


salient points in the pool of ideas.

3.3 Reporting skills are likewise used to communicate results

3.4 Current issues and concerns on the systems, processes and procedures,
as well as the need for simple innovative practices are identified.

 Key Topics and Learning Points 


1. Critical Inquiry Method
2. Summarizing and Reporting Skills
3. Communicating Ideas for Change

✶ Steps in integrating new ideas in the workplace includes: preparation, discussion,


clarification of goals, negotiating towards a win-win outcome, an agreement, and
the implementation.
✶ Includes summarizing the salient points of a problem analyze and stating a problem,
then mentioning the action points to address the problem, and identifying behaviors
that promote change.
✶ Group discussions as way to communicate change – and ways for it to be
effective, knowing the basics, and its purpose.
Work Readiness Modules on 21st Century Skills | USAID Opportunity 2.0 Program| Philippines Page 38
Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook

Activity 6: Utilizing a Critical Inquiry Method


Objectives

✓ Name the steps of one model for the Critical Inquiry Method
✓ Apply the said steps in identifying solutions and integrating new ideas in
the workplace

Recommended Time: 50 mins - 60 mins

Welcome to Session 3!
Now that you get feedbacks from relevant people about your innovative idea, you
select the idea to develop further by considering impact and feasibility. Let’s assume
that your boss has given you the green light to put your idea to use in the workplace.
In this session you will learn about the process for integrating new ideas in the
workplace.

Do you normally follow a process when trying to integrate new ideas into your routine
at work or at home? What are the steps that you follow? List them below.

🖉 What are some concerns that you can think of when introducing an innovative solution
to the workplace?

Making change is a complicated journey. Following a process or a method is similar to having a


map to guide you in your long trip. Also, remember that you might need to try several times
Work Readiness Modules on 21st Century Skills | USAID Opportunity 2.0 Program| Philippines Page 39
Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook

until you can create change. It is also important not to get fixated on the method and forget the
goal.

"Be stubborn with your goals but flexible with your methods."

Pia Wurtzbach, Miss Universe 2015 from the Philippines.

📄 Key Facts 5.5: A Critical Inquiry Method3

Steps in integrating new ideas in the workplace are as follow.

1. Preparation
a. What is the issue at work?
b. Under what category is the issue?
• Policy: The overall guidelines
• Process: The flow of activity (high level)
• Procedure: The detailed instructions of steps (step by step details)
c. Who needs to be involved in discussing the issue?
• Leaders
• Managers
• Specialists
• Staff
• Consultants (external)
2. Discussion
a. What type of workplace data is available as evidence to support the issue?
• Reports
• Attendance
• Performance Review
• Other documents
b. How can the issue be addressed?
• Adjust current policies, processes, and procedures
• Create new policies, processes, and procedures
3. Clarification of goals
a. Why must this issue be addressed?
b. What actions must be taken to address the issue?
c. Who need to implement these actions?
4. Negotiate towards a Win-Win outcome
a. How are the identified actions to solve the issue helpful to all parties concerned?
3
Adapted from Critical Inquiry Method. Retrieved from
https://academyofsingaporeteachers.moe.edu.sg/professional-excellence/professional-learning
communities/developing-effective-plcs/critical-inquiry-methods on November 22, 2020.
Work Readiness Modules on 21st Century Skills | USAID Opportunity 2.0 Program| Philippines Page 40
Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook

5. Agreement
a. Agree on the action points that each of the involved parties must take. b. Track
any changes, if necessary, in the appropriate and corresponding Workplace
document type: handbook, manual, guide
6. Implementation of a course of action
a. Refer to Module 4: Steps to Achieving Goals
b. Make sure to follow the SMART framework: Specific, Measurable, Achievable,
Realistic, and Time Framed

To see how Critical Inquiry Method in action, you can watch this video 4 of John Spencer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlwkerwaV2E

Let’s Exercise: Decoding a Critical Inquiry Method

1. Why is it important to determine if the issue is related to Policy, Process, or

Procedure? 2. Why is it important to determine who will be involved in the discussion of

the issue? 3. Why is it critical that the issue is supported by evidence through workplace

data?
4
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlwkerwaV2E

Work Readiness Modules on 21st Century Skills | USAID Opportunity 2.0 Program| Philippines Page 41
Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook

4. When should agreements be reflected as changes in workplace documents like manuals,


handbooks, and guides?

5. How is the SMART framework helpful in an implementation of a course of action?

Let’s Apply: Applying the Critical Inquiry Method


Using a Critical Inquiry Method in identifying solutions and integrating new ideas in the
workplace. Try to go through each step of the method in solving the problems listed
below.
PROCESS Problem 1 Problem 2 Problem 3

1. Preparation

a. What is the I am afraid to ask New employees Your small


issue at work? my supervisor are overwhelmed restaurant is
questions. I am not because there is extremely busy
sure if, for this so much to learn during lunch and
workplace, about the dinner but
employees who organization at relatively empty
ask questions or the beginning and during other
have a lot of a lot of forms and times.
ideas may be trainings to
thought of as a complete.
nuisance.

b. Under what Policy


category is the
issue? (policy,
process, or
procedure)
c. Who needs to be Everyone in the
involved in organization
discussing the
issue? (Leaders,
Managers,
Specialists, Staff,
external consultant)

Work Readiness Modules on 21st Century Skills | USAID Opportunity 2.0 Program| Philippines Page 42
Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
PROCESS Problem 1 Problem 2 Problem 3

2. Discussion

a. What type of No formal


workplace data is evidence. Need
available as to identify if this
evidence to is an individual
support the issue? problem or
(reports, system problem
attendance, e.g. by
performance doing employee
review) interview and an
anonymous survey.

b. How can the If it turns out


issue be that this is an
addressed? organization
i. Adjust current issue, the
policies, company can
processes, and update their policy
procedures
ii. Create new
policies,
processes, and
procedures

3. Clarification of goals

a. Why must this Culture of trust


issue be addressed? support
organizational
innovations
b. What actions Update policy and
must be taken to organize activities
address the issue? to promote
culture of trust.

c. Who need to Everyone inside


implement these the organization.
actions?

4. Negotiate towards a Win-Win outcome

a. How are the Everyone has


identified actions clear policy to
to solve the issue follow that
helpful to all promote trust.
parties The organization
concerned? becomes a safe
space to innovate.

Work Readiness Modules on 21st Century Skills | USAID Opportunity 2.0 Program| Philippines Page 43
Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
PROCESS Problem 1 Problem 2 Problem 3

5. Agreement

a. What are the Communicate to


agreed action build share
points that each understanding
of the that everyone is
involved parties encouraged to ask
must take? questions and
share ideas.

b. Track any Issue supervisor’s


changes, if guide and follow
necessary, in the up by
appropriate and employee’s
corresponding survey.
Workplace
document type:
handbook,
manual, guide

6. Implementation of a course of action

a. How is the The timeframe is


SMART hard to specify as
framework the culture may
followed? take
time to change.

Think about it!


How do you feel after going through the process above? Was it easy or difficult? What
made it easy or difficult? Is this process helpful or not? Why? Share your thinking with a
member of your family or a friend.

Work Readiness Modules on 21st Century Skills | USAID Opportunity 2.0 Program| Philippines Page 44
Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook

Activity 7: Summarizing and Reporting Ideas


Objectives

✓ Summarize salient points from a pool of ideas


✓ Report ideas

Recommended Time: 30 mins – 40 mins

Remember Jane, Ken and Dan from the last session? Fortunately, the flood did not
cause damage to the documents in the cabinets, but their company decide to scan all
past, present and future documents, and store in the cloud. If you are not family with
cloud storage to an internet search to find out what it is.

In order to successfully implement this new workplace process, can you think of the
action points that needs to be completed? List the steps to be taken in the space
below.

From the action points, identify the behaviors that promote change or solve the
problem:
What you just did is to summarize the salient points of the problem you analyzed. You
stated the problem then mentioned the action points to address the problem and
finally identified the behaviors that promote change.

Work Readiness Modules on 21st Century Skills | USAID Opportunity 2.0 Program| Philippines Page 45
Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook

Let’s Exercise: Summarizing Salient Points


Read the situations below and identify the problem, the action points to address the
problem, and the behaviors that promote change.

Situation 1:

The staff of Glass Bead Game Company has been working from home because of the
COVID-19 crisis. Even though they have been provided tools and equipment to
perform their job, their output has been suffering. It seems they are overworked
because of long hours. Since they are all at home, back-to-back meetings have been
scheduled all day long because there is no need to travel to an office.

Sheila suggested that there must be a maximum number of meetings per day and this
must be respected by all departments. Roy added that no meetings should be set
before 8am and after 5pm. The HR Manager, Melanie, volunteered to host
mindfulness sessions at the start of each week to help lessen everyone’s stress and to
start a new week with focus and calmness. Another manager suggested that staff
should feel empowered to decline meetings that are not critical for them to attend
(and they can check with their supervisor when unsure). After two weeks, productivity
increased and the output was of good quality.

Problem:

Action points to address the problem:

Behaviors that promote change:


Work Readiness Modules on 21st Century Skills | USAID Opportunity 2.0 Program| Philippines Page 46
Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook

Situation 2:

Two interior designers are trying to figure out why they have not been receiving new
clients recently. They both agreed to tap into their personal networks and also reach
out to local businesses and even government agencies to increase their possibilities
for new business. Jan emailed friends and family and searched online for possible
clients then emailed them as well. Marla, on the other hand, tried to set-up a simple
Facebook page and boosted a post featuring their best design from the previous
quarter.

After a couple of weeks, they received several inquiries from new clients - all through
the Facebook page. They immediately called these clients and set-up appointments.
Three clients signed contracts with Jan and Marla at the end of the month pushing
them to post more designs on their page.

Problem:

Action points to address the problem:

Behaviors that promote change:

Let’s Apply: Reporting Ideas

Select one more problem from the previous activities, or the problem in your workplace or
your community. Identify and summarize its salient points following the same procedure as
you did in the exercise before this (state the problem, identify action points to address the
problem, and cite the behaviors that promote change). Do this first on paper and then
present it to a family member as if you were reporting to your boss about a problem at work.
Refer to your previous lesson on Effective Speaking Skills for tips.
Work Readiness Modules on 21st Century Skills | USAID Opportunity 2.0 Program| Philippines Page 47
Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook

Activity 8: Communicating Ideas for Change


Objectives

✓ Communicate ideas for change through small group discussions and

meetings Recommended Time: 30 mins – 40 mins

Have you ever participated in a small group discussion before? What was it like? What
did you like or dislike about it?

When do you think small group discussions are useful to have? Cite example situations.

📄 Key Facts 5.6: Group Discussions When Considering a Change

A group discussion is a type of meeting, but it differs from the formal meetings in a number of
ways:

• It’s less formal, and may have no time constraints, or structured order, or agenda.
• Its leadership is usually less directive than that of a meeting.
• Leading a discussion group is not the same as running a meeting. It is much closer to
acting as a facilitator, but not exactly the same as that either.

An effective group discussion generally has a number of elements:

• All members of the group have a chance to speak, expressing their own ideas and
feelings freely, and to pursue and finish out their thoughts
• All members of the group can hear others’ ideas and feelings stated openly
• Group members can safely test out ideas that are not yet fully formed
Work Readiness Modules on 21st Century Skills | USAID Opportunity 2.0 Program| Philippines Page 48
Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook

• Group members can receive and respond to respectful but honest and constructive
feedback. Feedback could be positive, negative, or merely clarifying or correcting
factual questions or errors, but is in all cases delivered respectfully.
• A variety of points of view are put forward and discussed
• The discussion is not dominated by any one person
• Arguments, while they may be spirited, are based on the content of ideas and opinions,
not on personalities

Let’s Apply: Communicating Ideas for Change through a Small Group


Discussion

Gather your family members and think of an issue you have been having at home. Use the
presented Critical Inquiry Method to analyze the issue. And then, summarize the salient
points following the pattern suggested in the previous activity. Finally, conduct a small group
discussion on how your proposed solutions to the issues can be implemented at home by
every member of the family.
PROCESS Problem

1. Preparation

What is the issue?

Who needs to be
involved in discussing
the issue?

2. Discussion

How can the issue


be addressed?

3. Clarification of goals

Why must this issue


be addressed?

What actions must


be taken to address
the issue?

Who need to
implement these
actions?

Work Readiness Modules on 21st Century Skills | USAID Opportunity 2.0 Program| Philippines Page 49
Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
PROCESS Problem

4. Negotiate towards a Win-Win outcome

How are the identified


actions to solve the
issue helpful to all
parties
concerned?

5. Agreement

What are the agreed


action points that each
of the involved parties
must take?

6. Implementation of a course of action

How is the SMART


framework followed?

Sharing is caring
How did you find Session 3? Are you now better equipped to communicate ideas for
change at work and at home? What are your overall learnings from this session? How
do you feel now? Share your thoughts and feelings with your family or friends!

Work Readiness Modules on 21st Century Skills | USAID Opportunity 2.0 Program| Philippines Page 50
Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook Activity 9: Post-

Module Learner’s Reflection: End-of-Module Skills Check


Objectives

✓ Assess improvements in my learnings

Recommended Time: 10 mins – 15 mins

Post-Module Learner’s Reflection: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC


II) End-of-Module Skills Check

Now that you have reached the end of the module, let us see if you are able to develop the necessary
skills in contributing to workplace innovation. Conduct a self-assessment and answer the table below.
Statements on my experience, knowledge, skills and Encircle Yes if you have shown or can
abilities / Mga pahayag tungkol sa aking kaalaman, do the statement, No if you haven’t
kasanayan at kakayahan shown and cannot do it yet.

I can… / Kaya ko nang… Bilugan ang Oo o Hindi kung


naipakita o nagawa mo na ang mga
pahayag.

Have a process for identifying opportunities Yes No


for improvement in the workplace. / Oo Hindi
Magkaroon ng proseso sa pagtukoy ng mga
oportunidad para mas mapabuti ang gawain sa
trabaho.

Have a process for gathering information that may Yes No


be relevant to gaining support for new ideas. / Oo Hindi
Magkaroon ng proseso sa pagkalap ng impormasyon na
may kabuluhan sa pagdagdag ng suporta sa bagong
ideya.

Gather input on ideas for improvement from other Yes No


people in the workplace. / Oo Hindi
Mangalap ng mga mungkahi mula sa mga
katrabaho tungkol sa ideya upang mas
mapaganda ito

Approach others to share ideas. / Yes No


Lumapit sa iba upang magbahagi ng ideya. Oo Hindi

Meet with relevant people about new processes or ideas Yes No


in the workplace. / Oo Hindi
Makipag-usap sa mga angkop na taong may kaugnayan
sa pagbabago sa proseso at pag-iisip ng mga bagong
ideya sa lugar ng trabaho.

Work Readiness Modules on 21st Century Skills | USAID Opportunity 2.0 Program| Philippines Page 51
Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
Statements on my experience, knowledge, skills and Encircle Yes if you have shown or can
abilities / Mga pahayag tungkol sa aking kaalaman, do the statement, No if you haven’t
kasanayan at kakayahan shown and cannot do it yet.

I can… / Kaya ko nang… Bilugan ang Oo o Hindi kung


naipakita o nagawa mo na ang mga
pahayag.

Summarize new ideas on processes and report them to Yes No


co workers. / Oo Hindi
Magbuod ng mga bagong ideya sa proseso at ibahagi ito
sa mga katrabaho.

Identify current issues with the systems and procedures Yes No


in the workplace. / Oo Hindi
Tumukoy ng mga makabagong tungkol sa Sistema
at proses sa trabaho.

Identify opportunities for simple innovations in Yes No


the workplace. / Oo Hindi
Tumukoy ng mga oportunidad para sa simpleng
pagbabago at inobasyon sa trabaho.

Identify opportunities to do things better / Matukoy ang Yes No


mga pagkakataon upang mas mapaganda ang mga Oo Hindi
bagay sa trabaho.

Discuss and develop ideas with others / Yes No


Makipag-usap at bumuo ng ideya kasama ang iba. Oo Hindi

Integrate ideas for change in the workplace / Yes No


Mapagsama-sama ang mga ideya tungkol sa pagbabago Oo Hindi
sa trabaho

Look at your answers, were there boxes where you encircled No? If there are, go back to the
activities in the module that will help you gain the skill identified in the statement. You can also
reach out to your facilitator/trainer to provide you with guidance on what activities you can do
to master the skill.
Work Readiness Modules on 21st Century Skills | USAID Opportunity 2.0 Program| Philippines Page 52
Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook

Activity 10: End-of-Module Assessment


Objectives

✓ Answer the Module Assessment


✓ Answer the Self-Assessment

Recommended Time: 10 mins - 15 mins

End-of-Module Assessment
Congratulations for finishing Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation for National Certificate
Level II! At the end of every module you will take a short assessment to see how much you have learned.
It will help you and your teacher identify the knowledge and skills you know and what still needs
reinforcing. The results will not affect your ability to continue in the program.

Structure of the Assessment: It has a total of 10 questions. Some questions are multiple choice, and
some questions are true or false. You should choose only ONE answer for each question.

Once you have finished answering the questions, note down any clarifications you want to ask your
instructor.

Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II)


ENGLISH Tagalog

Circle the choice that fits the statement Bilugan ang letra ng tamang sagot.

1. It is a tool that is human-centered in 1. Ito ay isang tool na nakakatulong sa


nature and helps identify a person isang taong may problema, kung ano
who encounters a problem, what ang sinasabi nila tungkol dito, kung ano
they say about it, how they think, ang iniisip nila, kung ano ang kanilang
how they feel about it, and what nararamdaman tungkol dito, at kung
they do about the problem. ano ang ginagawa nila tungkol sa
a. Brainstorming problema
b. Empathy Map a. Brainstorming
c. Workplace Document b. Empathy Map
c. Workplace Document

Work Readiness Modules on 21st Century Skills | USAID Opportunity 2.0 Program| Philippines Page 53
Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
ENGLISH Tagalog
2. It is a method design teams use to 2. Ito ay isang paraan na ginagamit ng
generate ideas to solve clearly defined isang grupo upang makabuo ng mga
design problems. It also involves ideya upang mahanapan ng solusyon
harnessing synergy – we leverage ang malinw na problema. Kasama rin
our collective thinking towards a dito ang paggamit ng synergy - at
variety of potential solutions. paggamit ng kolektibong pag-iisip
a. Brainstorming patungo sa iba't ibang mga
b. Empathy Map potensyal na solusyon
c. Workplace Documents a. Brainstorming
b. Empathy Map
c. Workplace Documents

3. Why is showing a prototype of 3. Bakit magandang paraan ang


your idea a good way to help people pagpapakita ng prototype sa iyong
understand your innovation? kasamahan upang mas
a. Nobody likes reading text or maintindihan nila ang iyong
listening to long talks inobasyon?
b. People can see and interact a. Ayaw ng mga taong magbasa o
with your idea making sa mahabang ulat
c. The prototype attracts people b. Makikita ng tao ang ideya at
who have tendency to like it mas magiging konkreto ito
c. Ang prototype ay maggaganyak
sa mga taong gusto ito

4. Which of the following is a good set 4. Alin sa mga sumusunod ang mainam
of criteria for selecting ideas to na pamantayan sa pagpili ng ideyang
develop further into solutions? sususugin at patuloy na
a. Exciting and high-tech pauunlarin? a. Nakagaganyak at
b. Cheap and Novel gumagamit ng
c. Impactful and feasible makabagong teknolohiya
b. Mura at bago
c. Malaking pagbabago at maaaring
d.
maisakatuparan

5. Which of the following is an 5. Alin sa mga sumusunod ang


appropriate format for pinakaangkop na paraan sa
summarizing feedback to pagbubuod ng mga mungkahi sa
innovative ideas? makabagong
a. Social media posts ideya?
b. Sticky notes a. Pag-post sa Social Media
c. Reports b. Paggamit ng madidikit na papel
c. Pagsulat ng ulat

Work Readiness Modules on 21st Century Skills | USAID Opportunity 2.0 Program| Philippines Page 54
Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
ENGLISH Tagalog

6. Which of the following is a 6. Alin sa mga sumusunod ang mainam


good practice when na gawin kung may malayang
brainstorming? talakayan at nagbrai-brainstorming
a. Set a time limit ang grupo?
b. Offer the best ideas a. Magtakda ng oras
c. Diversify to many topics b. Magbigay ng pinakamahusay na
ideya
c. Paramihin ang mga paksang pag
uusapan

7. Which of the following is a good 7. Alin sa mga sumusunod ang dapat


practice when talking to people to gawin kung nanghihingi ng
get feedback for innovative ideas? mungkahi mula sa ibang tao
a. Showcase the perfection of your tungkol sa
idea b. Be clear, concise, polite and makabagong ideya?
respectful a. Ipakita na maganda ang iyong
c. Interrupt when people give ideya b. Maging malinaw at
feedback for too long magalang sa
pananalita
c. Sumabat kung masyadong
mahaba ang mungkahing
ibinabahagi ng kausap

8. Which of the following is a good 8. Alin sa mga sumusunod ang dapat


practice when pitching your solution gawin kung magbibigay ng
in a meeting? mungkhaing solusyon sa isang
a. Use technical terms to create pagpupulong?
credibility a. Gumamit ng mga teknikal na
b. Prepare a very detailed termmonolohiya upang mapataas
presentation slide ang kredibilidad
c. Make it clear how the solution b. Maghanda ng detalyadong
can solve the problem presentasyon
c. Linawin kung paano malulutas
ng mungkhang solusyon ang
problema

9. Which of the following is a good 9. Alin sa mga sumunod ang dapat


practice when conducting a gawin kung nangangasiwa ng
group talakayan ng isang grupo?
discussion? a. Sundin ang balakin ng
a. Stick to the agenda pagpupulong b. Gumamit ng
b. Use formal language pormal na pananalita c. Maaaring
c. Everyone can speak magsalita ang kahit sino, sa kahit
anong pagkakataon sa
pagpupulong
Work Readiness Modules on 21st Century Skills | USAID Opportunity 2.0 Program| Philippines Page 55
Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
ENGLISH Tagalog

10. Which of the following lists the steps 10. Alin sa mga sumusunod ang
in integrating new ideas in the nagpapakita ng tamang pagkasunod
workplace in the correct order? sunod ng hakbang upang maisama
a. Preparation, Discussion, ang bagong ideya sa lugar ng
Clarification of Goals, Negotiating trabaho?
Towards a Win Win Outcome, a. Preparation, Discussion, Clarification
Agreement, and of Goals, Negotiating Towards a
Implementation. Win-Win Outcome, Agreement, and
b. Preparation, Agreement, Implementation.
Clarification of Goals, Negotiating b. Preparation, Agreement,
Towards a Win-Win Outcome, Clarification of Goals, Negotiating
Discussion, and Implementation. Towards a Win Win Outcome,
c. Discussion, Negotiating Towards Discussion, and
a Win-Win Outcome, Agreement, Implementation.
Clarification of Goals, Preparation, c. Discussion, Negotiating Towards
and the Implementation a Win-Win Outcome, Agreement,
Clarification of Goals, Preparation,
and the Implementation

Work Readiness Modules on 21st Century Skills | USAID Opportunity 2.0 Program| Philippines Page 56
Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook

 Key to Correction
Activity 1 – My Workplace Problems and Opportunities
All problems in this list have opportunities for improvement.

End-of-Module Assessment

1. B - Empathy Map
2. A - Brainstorming
3. B - Prototype
4. C - Impactful and Feasible
5. C - Reports
6. A - Set a time limit
7. B - Be clear, concise, polite, and respectful
8. C - Make it clear how the solution can solve the problem
9. C - Everyone can speak
10. A - Preparation, Discussion, Clarification of Goals, Negotiating Towards a Win-Win
Outcome, Agreement, and Implementation.

Congratulations! You have successfully completed

NC II Module 5: Contributing Innovation to Workplace Innovation!

Work Readiness Modules on 21st Century Skills | USAID Opportunity 2.0 Program| Philippines Page 57

You might also like