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Your People Power

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Lesson Plan

Your People Power Lesson Plan

Students will define key people skills and recognize their impact on academic, professional, and personal success. Students will practice active listening and empathetic communication strategies.

Developing strong people skills is essential for building effective relationships, succeeding in diverse environments, and fostering personal well-being. This lesson provides practical tools for navigating social interactions confidently.

Audience

12th Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion and practical application.

Materials

Whiteboard or Projector, Your People Power Slide Deck, and People Power Reflection Exit Ticket

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up: What are 'People Skills'?

5 minutes

  • Begin by asking students: "When you hear the phrase 'people skills,' what comes to mind?" Allow for a brief brainstorm and discussion.
    - Connect their ideas to the concept of social intelligence and interpersonal effectiveness. (See Your People Power Slide Deck - Slide 2)

Step 2

Introduction to Key People Skills

10 minutes

  • Use the Your People Power Slide Deck (Slides 3-6) to introduce core people skills:
    - Active Listening: Emphasize fully concentrating on what is being said, rather than just passively hearing the message.
    - Empathy: Discuss understanding and sharing the feelings of another.
    - Clear Communication: Focus on expressing thoughts and ideas effectively and respectfully.
    - Collaboration: Highlight working effectively with others to achieve a common goal.
    - For each skill, provide a brief example or ask students for real-world scenarios where these skills are important.

Step 3

Skill Application: Mini-Scenarios

10 minutes

  • Present 2-3 short, relatable scenarios (e.g., group project disagreement, talking to a new person, resolving a conflict with a friend). (See Your People Power Slide Deck - Slide 7)
    - In pairs or small groups, have students discuss how they would use one of the key people skills learned to navigate the scenario effectively.
    - Bring the class back together for a quick share-out of strategies.

Step 4

Cool-Down: Reflection Exit Ticket

5 minutes

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Slide Deck

Your People Power

Building Essential Connection Skills for Life and Work

Why are people skills so important?
How do they impact your daily life?
Let's explore together!

Welcome students and introduce the topic of people skills. Explain that these are crucial for success in all areas of life. Set a positive tone for learning about communication and interaction.

Warm-Up: What are 'People Skills' to you?

Think about your interactions at school, with friends, family, or even in part-time jobs.

What does this phrase mean?
Give an example of when you've seen 'people skills' in action.

Initiate the warm-up discussion as outlined in the lesson plan. Encourage students to share their initial thoughts and experiences related to 'people skills.' Write down key ideas on the board if possible.

Skill 1: Active Listening

Definition: Fully concentrating on what is being said, rather than just passively hearing the message.

Why it matters:

  • Builds trust and rapport.
  • Prevents misunderstandings.
  • Helps you learn more.

Introduce Active Listening. Emphasize that it's more than just hearing; it's about truly understanding. Ask for examples of how people show they are actively listening (e.g., nodding, eye contact, asking clarifying questions).

Skill 2: Empathy

Definition: Understanding and sharing the feelings of another.

Why it matters:

  • Strengthens relationships.
  • Helps resolve conflicts.
  • Fosters a supportive environment.

Introduce Empathy. Explain it's about putting yourself in someone else's shoes. Discuss the difference between sympathy and empathy. Ask how empathy can improve interactions.

Skill 3: Clear Communication

Definition: Expressing thoughts, ideas, and feelings effectively and respectfully.

Why it matters:

  • Ensures your message is understood.
  • Reduces frustration.
  • Empowers you to advocate for yourself.

Introduce Clear Communication. Highlight the importance of being direct yet respectful. Discuss both verbal and non-verbal aspects. Ask students for tips on how to communicate clearly.

Skill 4: Collaboration

Definition: Working effectively with others to achieve a common goal.

Why it matters:

  • Achieves better results.
  • Leverages diverse strengths.
  • Prepares you for future teamwork.

Introduce Collaboration. Discuss the benefits of working together and how different skills contribute to a team's success. Ask students to share experiences of good collaboration.

Scenario Time: Putting Skills into Practice

In small groups, discuss how you would use your people skills in these situations:

  1. Group Project Pressure: Your team members have different ideas about how to approach a major assignment, and tensions are rising.
  2. New Job Nerves: It's your first day at a new job, and you need to quickly learn the ropes and connect with your new colleagues.

Present the scenarios for the activity. Give clear instructions for students to work in pairs/small groups and discuss how they would apply the learned skills. Circulate and provide support.

Cool-Down: Your People Power Reflection

Complete the People Power Reflection Exit Ticket.

What's one people skill you want to focus on improving?
How will you practice it this week?

Explain the exit ticket and its purpose. Remind students this is a personal reflection. Collect the tickets as students leave to gauge their understanding and areas for growth.

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Cool Down

People Power Reflection Exit Ticket

Name: ___________________________

Date: ___________________________

Reflect on today's lesson about people skills. Choose ONE skill that you feel is most important for you to develop further.

1. Which people skill do you want to focus on improving?







2. Why is this skill important for you personally or professionally?










3. Describe one specific way you plan to practice or apply this skill in the coming week.










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Your People Power • Lenny Learning