1. Acting Like a Professional
Section 10.2
Acting Like a Professional
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2. Methods used to control anger on the job
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
How to react professionally to workplace pressures, criticism, and gossip
Methods used to control anger on the job

3. WHY IT’S IMPORTANT
To succeed in the workplace, you must be able to handle difficult situations in a professional manner.

4. constructive criticism defensiveness gossip
KEY TERMS
professionalism
constructive criticism
defensiveness
gossip

5. Acting Like a Professional
Professionalism means acting maturely and appropriately on the job.
Instead of reacting prematurely, think things through before taking action.

6. Accepting Criticism
Being able to handle criticism properly is vital to your success in any job.

7. What Makes Criticism Constructive?
Constructive criticism is criticism presented in a way that helps you learn and grow.

8. What Makes Criticism Constructive?
Constructive criticism is often presented during performance reviews or evaluations.
It may also come up in casual conversations or during daily work activities.

9. What Makes Criticism Constructive?
Many supervisors try to offset constructive criticism by offering positive comments.
Many supervisors offer positive comments before criticism.

10. What Makes Criticism Constructive?
If your supervisor is abrupt when making suggestions, remind yourself to focus on using the advice to grow professionally.

11. What Makes Criticism Constructive?
Criticism is easier to handle when you see it as helpful.
Some employees actually welcome criticism, because it teaches them better ways to succeed at their jobs.

12. Responding to Criticism
Defensiveness means guarding yourself emotionally by closing yourself off to negative opinions.

13. Responding to Criticism
When you are defensive, you are closed.
When you’re closed, you can’t listen.
When you can’t listen, you can’t grow.

14. Responding to Criticism
Try to be receptive, not defensive.

15. Responding to Criticism
Here are four steps to help you respond effectively to criticism:
Listen closely to the criticism.
Make sure you understand the criticism. If you don’t, ask.
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16. Responding to Criticism
Identify a solution to the problem that led to the criticism.
Take action to remedy the problem. If the problem is complex, break it down into smaller parts.

17. Responding to Criticism
Even if the rest of the world thinks you’ve made a mistake, you may know inside that you did the right thing.
This is especially true when you stand up for your values.

18. Handling Pressure To handle pressure, use these tips:
Break large tasks into smaller ones.
Ask for help if you are overwhelmed.
Use a daily “to do” list.
Prioritize your duties.
If you have two supervisors, make sure your priorities are clear.

19. Handling Gossip Gossip is idle talk that usually consists of rumors.
Gossip is often untrue and hurtful.

20. Handling Gossip Gossip hurts the gossiper most.
The more an employee gossips, the less coworkers will trust that person.

21. Handling Gossip Before you join in gossip, ask yourself:
What is my motivation for gossiping?
Could my comments unfairly damage someone else’s reputation?

22. Controlling Anger If you get frustrated and angry, follow these tips:
Count to ten.
Consider what you are really angry about.
Channel your energy into solving the problem.

23. Controlling Anger To solve a problem, follow these steps:
Define the problem.
Decide on possible solutions.
Evaluate possible solutions.
Make a decision.
Take action.

24. CAREER CHECKLIST Accept challenges as opportunities.
Developing a Positive Work Attitude…
Accept challenges as opportunities.
Learn to analyze a situation from all angles, even if some of those viewpoints differ from your own.
Always show respect and consideration for other employees, even if you disagree.
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25. CAREER CHECKLIST Take responsibility for your actions.
Developing a Positive Work Attitude…
Take responsibility for your actions.
Never take on more responsibility than you can handle if you cannot get the job done properly.
Avoid negative talk about work, both in and out of the workplace. Your positive attitude will be infectious.

26. Dealing With Criticism
Graphic Organizer
10.2
Dealing With Criticism
Be open to improving yourself.
Admit the mistake or problem to yourself.
Find a way to improve.
Take step-by-step action.
Chapter 10 • Developing a Positive Attitude
Succeeding in the World of Work

27. Key Concept Checkpoint
SECTION 10.2 REVIEW
Key Concept Checkpoint
Comprehension
Sean’s supervisor wants to speak to him about some problems with the project he just completed. Sean feels that he worked hard on the project and did an excellent job.
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28. Key Concept Checkpoint
SECTION 10.2 REVIEW
Key Concept Checkpoint
Comprehension
What should Sean do when he meets with his supervisor?
continued

29. Key Concept Checkpoint
SECTION 10.2 REVIEW
Key Concept Checkpoint
Comprehension
Jake is overwhelmed by the amount of work he must complete every day. What is one step Jake can take to reduce the pressure he feels?
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30. Key Concept Checkpoint
SECTION 10.2 REVIEW
Key Concept Checkpoint
Comprehension
What is the difference between sharing helpful information with your coworkers and gossiping?
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31. Key Concept Checkpoint
SECTION 10.2 REVIEW
Key Concept Checkpoint
Comprehension
List three tips for controlling anger on the job.
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32. Key Concept Checkpoint
SECTION 10.2 REVIEW
Key Concept Checkpoint
Critical Thinking
Have you always acted with professionalism in the past?
What can you do to ensure that you act professionally in the future?

33. Acting Like a Professional
End of Section 10.2
Acting Like a Professional
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