Module 5 - NC II - Contributing to Workplace Innovation
Module 5 - NC II - Contributing to Workplace Innovation
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.
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.
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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
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Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
Module Overview
✍ Activity 🕒 Time
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9. Post-Module Learner’s Reflection (10-15 minutes)
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.
Skills Demonstration
The following activities will help you develop the knowledge and skills to achieve the
learning outcomes of this module:
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
✶ 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.
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Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
🖉 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?
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
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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
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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
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Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
Activity 2: Identifying Opportunities for Improvement
Objectives:
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.
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.
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📄 Key Facts 5.1: The Empathy Map as a Tool to Help Identify Opportunities and
Gather Information
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
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Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
Using the Empathy Map to analyze a problem in the workplace allows us to:
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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
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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.
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.
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Activity 3: Information Gathering for Innovative Ideas
Objectives:
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.
2. How were the questions asked to get people’s inputs leading to the solutions?
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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.
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
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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
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 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.
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Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
YES NO
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Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook SESSION 2: Discuss
Performance Criteria:
2.1 People who could provide input to ideas for improvements are identified
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
✶ 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.
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Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
✓ 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.
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?
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
• 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)?
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Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook Let’s Exercise:
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?
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Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
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?
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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?
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Activity 5: Using Feedback to Further Develop Ideas
Objectives
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.
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
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
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
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Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
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.
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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.
Review the following document and answer the questions that follow.
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.
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.
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.
1. Based on the table in Key Facts 5.4, what type of document is this?
t
before making decision?
c
4. Would you recommend Oscar to speak to more people? Who and how?
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Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook Let’s Apply:
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.
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Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
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.
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YES NO
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Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook SESSION 3: Integrate
Performance Criteria:
3.1 Critical inquiry method is used to integrate different ideas for change of
key people.
3.4 Current issues and concerns on the systems, processes and procedures,
as well as the need for simple innovative practices are identified.
✓ 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
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?
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."
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.
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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
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
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Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
1. Preparation
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Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
PROCESS Problem 1 Problem 2 Problem 3
2. Discussion
3. Clarification of goals
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Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
PROCESS Problem 1 Problem 2 Problem 3
5. Agreement
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Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
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.
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Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
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:
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:
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.
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Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
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.
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.
• 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
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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
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
Who needs to be
involved in discussing
the issue?
2. Discussion
3. Clarification of goals
Who need to
implement these
actions?
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Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
PROCESS Problem
5. Agreement
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!
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Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook Activity 9: Post-
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.
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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.
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.
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Module 5: Contributing to Workplace Innovation (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
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.
Circle the choice that fits the statement Bilugan ang letra ng tamang sagot.
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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
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
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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
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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.
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