LESSON PLAN FOR ENGLISH TEACHERSSPOTTING TOXIC WORKPLACES
LinguaHouse
Jun. 15, 2022
Level: Advanced (C1-C2)
Type of English: Business English
Tags: Business People; Companies and Jobs; Problems at Work; Work; Human Resources (HR); Behavior, Feelings and Emotions; Business Ethics; 18+ Years Old; Article Based
Publication date: 06/15/2022
This lesson looks at the problem of toxic work environments and suggests ways of working out if there are problems in a company before you join it. Exercises focus on reading and listening skills, as well as related vocabulary. Students will also have the opportunity to discuss questions related to the topic (by Joe Wilson).
- CLICK HERE to download the student’s worksheet in American English.
- CLICK HERE to download the student’s worksheet in British English.
- CLICK HERE to download the teacher’s lesson plan in American English.
- CLICK HERE to download the teacher’s lesson plan in British English.
- CLICK HERE to download/listen to the audio in American English.
- CLICK HERE to download/listen to the audio in British English.
AUDIO TRANSCRIPT
Jess: They’ve offered me an interview!
Peter: Who?
Jess: The company I applied to: Awas Marketing!
Peter: Oh really? Well, that’s nice… I suppose.
Jess: What do you mean ‘I suppose’?
Peter: Oh, it’s nothing. I’m sure it’ll be great.
Jess: Well now you HAVE to tell me or I will hurt you! (laughing)
Peter: Well, I don’t want to rain on your parade, but my friend’s brother works for them.
Jess: And?
Peter: Well, I think it’s a pretty… uh, toxic work environment. According to him anyway.
Jess: Meaning?
Peter: Well, I think there’s a lot of… you know… friction between colleagues.
Jess: Maybe it’s just between him and his colleagues. He could be a difficult person.
Peter: Yeah, I’m sure you’re right. It’s probably nothing. If it’s what you want to do, you should go for it.
Jess: Nope. You’re going to have to tell me more now or it’s going to bug me.
Peter: I don’t know that there’s much else to tell. I hear the guy who runs that place is pretty self-regarding and his management style means that everyone’s always at each other’s throats. They’re always trying to outdo each other and impress him.
Jess: Hmmm. I don’t think I’m likely to do that though. I’ve never been one to brown-nose the boss.
Peter: Well, that’s good, but then it might mean that you get ignored. You know what egomaniacs are like. If you don’t tell him the nice things he wants to hear, then you’ll be going nowhere in your career.
Jess: Is there anything else you’ve heard? Have you heard this stuff from anyone else?
Peter: No, and that’s why I say, you might be fine. It could be just him.
Jess: Do you think it would be OK to talk to him first?
Peter: Yeah, you could do that. Maybe ask him if there’s anyone else who works there you could talk to? You could check them out on the Internet too. I’m sure if there’s anything serious, it will come up in a search.
Jess: What do you mean, ‘serious’?
Peter: I don’t know, court cases or whatever. If someone has been really unhappy there, it might have turned into a court case.
Jess: I guess. I could maybe find out which other companies they have worked with and see if I can talk to someone there too.
Peter: Yeah, you could. But be careful with this. There’s a difference between doing your homework on a company and stalking them. If it gets back to them that you’ve been calling their clients… it might seem weird.
Jess: Yeah, you’re right. Maybe that is taking it too far.
Peter: Are you going to their office for the interview?
Jess: Yes, I am.
Peter: Well, you can probably see what the atmosphere is like when you’re there. You’ll be able to see how relaxed people are.
Jess: That’s true. I should think of some good questions to ask in the interview too. Like… erm…
Peter: What was the reason the last person left the company?
Jess: Yes! Good one, and… what is good about working here and what would you change?
Peter: Nice! Yes, you should definitely ask that. It sounds innocent but it’s a pretty tough question. Look, I hope I didn’t worry you.
Jess: No, you’re right to point it out. I’d hate to get stuck working in a place I hated. I was all excited about the interview, but you’re right, I need to do my homework and check it out. So I will.
Peter: Phew! I’m glad you’re happy.
Adapted from: https://www.linguahouse.com/esl-lesson-plans/business-english/spotting-toxic-workplaces. Accessed on June 20, 2022. © 2008–2022 LinguaHouse.com. All rights reserved.
No comments:
Post a Comment