Importance of Literacy in the Work Place September, 2011 Jacoline Beann HR Manager

Literacy as the Basis of Education In the “old” days, the basis of education was firmly rooted in the three “R’s” –Reading, ‘riting and ‘rithmetic Even though the world and education has changed, the three R’s still apply –Because they are the keys to opening doors to almost all other disciplines Two of the three “R’s” define literacy –Reading and Writing The third, arithmetic, is very important –Basis of the whole STEM concept. Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics All the disciplines of STEM start with good number skills 2

Literacy Goes Hand-in-Hand with Technology Literacy goes hand-in-hand with STEM –Mathematical ideas are eventually communicated in words Companies like Northrop Grumman are technically oriented –But reading and writing very important Most communication in the workplace takes place in meetings, presentations, and –These communication skills require literacy The higher the literacy, the more effective the communication The more effective and promotable is the literate employee 3

Proposals as a Way to Win Business Proposals are the basic way companies like ours win business –Proposals are written and must be written well Besides technical content, literacy skills are important –Tell a good story –Provide a coherent solution –Generate interest and excitement in that story and solution –Use metaphor –Create a compelling argument –Clearly explain a complex technical problem 4

Literacy in Management Skills and Intellectual Property Management skills require literacy –Writing reports –Performance appraisals –Written training –Presentations Intellectual Property –The greatest asset of a modern organization –Company’s success depends on it –Intellectual property is made of ideas but created through literacy Coherent Well thought out Accurate Written down 5

Presentations Intellectual property is stored and communicated in several ways –Reports, schematics, plans, white papers, s –Training manuals – Presentations, slides and charts Presentations are key to the way companies communicate –Ability to express thoughts coherently and logically Words are tools for thinking and decision making –Reading and writing create and refine thought as well as express it –Good decision making requires ability to express ideas in words Words and the ability to use words help us formulate, refine and communicate good thoughts. Language affects how people think Language affects what they see and how they see it 6

Literacy creates culture and values Reading and writing, along with mathematics are the basic tools of civilization –Key to nurturing intelligent, innovative and resourceful citizens and employees –Future of our country – the world -- depends on it We’re all responsible for the culture we create Best gift we can give to future generations –A culture where all people have the ability to read and write and think Greater literacy is a way to build a better world 7