Interpersonal Skills Practicum In Fashion Design

Personal Traits Personal ethics Creativity, initiative & responsibility Attitude Self-control/orderliness Self-awareness & willingness to change Self-esteem Empathy

Personal Ethics Honesty Integrity “Play Fair” ASK: What do these three words have in common? (Ask for student input) Why can’t we just play fair? (students should have some really good comments.)

Creativity, Initiative & Responsibility Find new ways to do your job (cuts boredom) Do what needs to be done without being told Be accountable for your actions SAY: Your job is what you make it. If you are able to devise creative ways to do your job as long as you follow your employer’s guidelines, then often times it will make your tasks more enjoyable. Initiative means doing something without being reminded or told to do it. ASK: When was the last time you took initiative to do something at home or at work?

Attitude Develop a positive attitude View difficult assignments as a challenge A positive attitude flows over into other areas SAY: A positive attitude is an asset to any job. This will help you gain the respect of your fellow employees. It is important to maintain a positive attitude even when your workload is challenged by outside influences.

Self-Control/Orderliness What does it mean to be tactful? It is a must when dealing with difficult customers SAY: Tactfulness means you know what the right thing to say is, and when to say it! Try to put yourself in other peoples’ shoes before you speak. When dealing with difficult customers, it is important to be tactful. It will help you win them over,

Self-Awareness & Willingness to Change Make a list of strengths and weaknesses You may think you know everything The first 100 years are the hardest Adaptable employees are valuable ASK: Ask the students to fold a sheet of notebook paper in half, vertically Tell them to write their strengths on the left side and weaknesses on the right side. Then have them pass their paper to the person behind them and have them write what they think are strengths and weaknesses of that person, then return it to the owner. Have the students share both sides of the paper with the class SAY: Explain that we often see ourselves much differently that others do. They might note some similarities on both sides of the paper. Discuss their findings. SAY: The first 100 years really ARE the hardest! As people get older, they look back and realize they would have done many things differently. Employers value employees who are able to get along well with others.

Self-Esteem The way you see yourself (your value) Demonstrate self-esteem on the job by showing confidence in your work Build customers’ self-esteem Call them by name if possible Smile and greet them SAY: Your friends and co-workers often see qualities you do not realize you have. ASK: What are some ways a person can build his/her self esteem? (answers will vary; allow students to share their thoughts.)

Empathy Understanding another’s situation or frame of mind Putting oneself in another’s place ASK: Why is it important to empathize with others? (Answers will vary) Students’ responses should be similar to: empathy helps build other peoples’ self esteem; empathy shows others you care, etc.

Personal Skills Assertiveness Stand up for yourself, but don’t be pushy Don’t boss others Make sure you know what you’re talking about Time Management Budget your time Don’t over commit yourself or you’ll regret it Sometimes “NO” is okay SAY: It is okay to tell people, “No” so you will not over-extend yourself. Sometimes people try to “guilt” you, but you have to stand your ground.

Goal Setting What do you want out of… Life? Career? Personal Relationships? Where do you plan to be in ____ years?? SAY: What goals have you set for yourself? Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? 25 or even 50 years? ASK: Why are goals important?