BUSINESS ENGLISH – PEOPLE AT WORK: MONTHLY CHALLENGE

Working Styles • Workplace Personalities • Giving Credit & Appreciation

Focus: A fun review of this month's Business English through quick games, choices and discussions.

PART 1 – TOGETHER AS A GROUP

1. WHO AM I? – Vocabulary Challenge

How to play: One person explains the word without saying the word itself or translating it into Slovak. Everyone else tries to guess. Once someone guesses correctly, move immediately to the next word.

methodical • proactive • adaptable • detail-oriented • hands-on

easy-going • assertive • reserved • approachable • outspoken

Example: “This person doesn't wait to be told what to do. They take action themselves.” → proactive

3. WHO WOULD YOU HIRE?

How to play: Your company has three job vacancies. For each job, choose the best candidate and explain why. You can choose the same person more than once. As a group, try to agree on one person for each job.

EMMA – methodical • detail-oriented • reliable. But not very adaptable.

LEO – proactive • outspoken • ambitious. But sometimes dominates conversations.

SOPHIE – adaptable • approachable • easy-going. But not very ambitious.

ACCOUNTANT – Accuracy is extremely important.

SALES MANAGER – Needs to win new clients.

PROJECT MANAGER – Priorities change constantly.

PART 2 – PARTNER CHALLENGES

Now split into pairs. Work together, discuss your choices, and try to agree.

4. NIGHTMARE COLLEAGUES

How to play: You have to work with these four people. Together decide: (1) Who would you share an office with? (2) Who would be the WORST to work with? (3) Who would make the best manager? You and your partner must agree on one person for each answer.

MARTIN – Extremely organized and reliable – but reminds you about everything five times.

LUCY – Friendly and approachable – but every “quick chat” lasts 45 minutes.

PETER – Brilliant and proactive – but thinks almost all of your ideas are terrible.

ANNA – Easy-going and friendly – but agrees with absolutely everything.

5. FIX THE TERRIBLE MANAGER

How to play: Work together. For each situation, read what the terrible manager says and create a better, professional version. Try to use: I really appreciate… / I have to give ___ credit for… / I couldn't have done it without… When we return to the main room, each pair can share their best one.

A. A colleague has done excellent work.

Terrible version: “Well, you finally did something right.”

Your version: ______________________________________________

B. The whole team worked hard on a successful project.

Terrible version: “The project went well because of me.”

Your version: ______________________________________________

C. A colleague stayed late to help finish something.

Terrible version: “Thanks, I guess.”

Your version: ______________________________________________

6. BUILD THE PERFECT TEAM

How to play: You need THREE people for an important project. Together: (1) choose three people, (2) choose the team leader, (3) choose who talks to the client, and (4) choose who checks the final work. You must agree with your partner. Then deal with the plot twist below.

ALEX – methodical • reliable • reserved

MIA – proactive • ambitious • outspoken

BEN – easy-going • approachable • adaptable

LAURA – detail-oriented • perfectionist • demanding

JAMES – creative • hands-on • disorganized

NINA – assertive • adaptable • competitive

PLOT TWIST: The deadline is suddenly moved forward by TWO WEEKS. Do you keep your team or replace someone?

Be ready to tell everyone: “We chose ___, ___ and ___ because…”

BACK TOGETHER – FINAL QUESTION

After the breakout rooms, compare the teams you created.

Final question: If you could choose only THREE qualities in your ideal colleague, what would they be?

THIS MONTH IN 60 SECONDS

Working Styles: methodical • proactive • adaptable • detail-oriented • hands-on

I tend to… • I work best when… • I prefer to take a more ___ approach.

Personalities at Work: easy-going • assertive • reserved • approachable • outspoken

He/She can come across as… • He/She tends to be a bit… • Once you get to know him/her,…

Appreciation: contribution • recognition • appreciate • acknowledge • deserve

I have to give ___ credit for… • I really appreciate… • I couldn't have done it without…