Workplace Wisdom Slides Professional Presence
Building Career Success Skills
Dress Code
Task Flow
Self-Regulation
Professional Attire
Appropriate
Clean, wrinkle-free clothes
Proper footwear for safety
Well-groomed appearance
Company name tag or ID
Inappropriate
Dirty or stained clothing
Distracting headwear
Loungewear or pajamas
Unsafe or open-toe shoes
Staying on Task
Device Policy
Smartphones create a barrier between you and your work. Save them for breaks.
Proactive Action
No active tasks? Look for ways to clean, organize, or prepare for the next rush.
Team Support
When your tasks are done, ask a teammate how you can assist with theirs.
"If you're not working, you're looking for work to do."
Handling Overstimulation
Know the Signs:
Irritability or "snappiness"
Difficulty focusing on instructions
Hypersensitivity to noise/light
Strategic Resets:
Step into a quiet stockroom or hallway
Use a sensory grounding technique
Wash hands with cool water
Script: The Sensory Reset
When you feel overwhelmed:
"I'm feeling a bit overstimulated by the noise right now. May I take a 60-second reset in the back to clear my head so I can stay focused?"
This shows you are aware of your needs and committed to doing good work.
Use a calm, neutral voice . Do not sound angry or demanding.
Script: Proactive Habits
When tasks are done:
"I've completed my assigned tasks for the hour. Is there anything specific you'd like me to focus on next, or should I start with organizing?"
When instructions are unclear:
"I want to make sure I do this correctly. Could you please show me one more time how to do this so I don't miss any steps?"
Script: Conflict & Errors
Difficult Customers:
"I understand you're frustrated, and I want to help. Let me get my manager so we can find a solution for you right away."
Owning a Mistake:
"I'm sorry, I made a mistake with this. I've already started to clean it up. How can I fix this, or is there a better way you'd like me to handle it?"
Sentence Starter Toolbox
Asking for Clarification
• "Could you clarify what you mean by..."
• "Just to make sure I'm on the right track..."
• "Can you walk me through the first step again?"
Offering Assistance
• "I have a few minutes; how can I help?"
• "Would you like me to take care of..."
• "Is there a specific task you'd like me to tackle?"
Requesting a Reset
• "I'm starting to feel a bit overwhelmed; may I..."
• "I need a quick 2-minute reset to refocus."
• "Would it be okay if I stepped away for a moment?"
Receiving Feedback
• "Thank you for the feedback. I'll make sure to..."
• "I appreciate you pointing that out. How can I..."
• "I see what you mean. I'll adjust my approach."
Scenario Practice
"A customer is complaining loudly that their order is wrong. You are starting to feel very anxious and overwhelmed."
Avoid This
Argue back or walk away without saying anything to the customer.
Try This Script
"I understand you're frustrated. Let me get my manager so we can fix this for you right away."
Scenario Practice
"It's a very slow Tuesday night at the store. There are zero customers and your coworker is playing on their phone."
Avoid This
Pull out your own phone and join them while you wait for customers.
Try This Script
"I've completed my tasks. Is there anything specific you'd like me to focus on, or should I start cleaning?"
Pro Choice Challenge Worksheet Pro Choice Quiz
Navigating Professional Situations
Name:
Date:
Instructions
Select the best answer for each of the following professional scenarios. Think about maintaining a positive workplace image and managing your personal well-being.
1 You arrive at work and realize you forgot to iron your shirt, and it is visibly wrinkled. What is the most professional action to take?
A) Ignore it; focus only on your work tasks.
B) Inform your supervisor, apologize, and ensure it's fixed for the next shift.
C) Go home immediately to change without telling anyone.
D) Cover it up with a heavy jacket even if it's hot inside.
2 It is a slow period at your workstation and you have finished your tasks. What should you do with your smartphone?
A) Use it discreetly under the counter to check social media.
B) Keep it out to show coworkers a funny video.
C) Keep it put away and ask your supervisor for a secondary task.
D) Call a friend to pass the time until more work arrives.
3 A customer is speaking loudly and using an aggressive tone. You feel yourself starting to get teary and overwhelmed. What is the best strategy?
A) Use a script to call for a supervisor and take a brief sensory reset.
B) Raise your voice back at them to show you aren't intimidated.
C) Simply walk away without saying anything to anyone.
D) Argue with the customer about why they are being unfair.
4 A supervisor gives you feedback that you are working too slowly. What is the professional way to respond?
A) Explain all the reasons why the task is too hard.
B) Ask: "Can you show me a tip to help me get faster?"
C) Stop working entirely to show you are frustrated.
D) Tell them that you are doing your best and they should back off.
5 The workplace is extremely noisy today with machines and many people talking. You feel a "sensory overload" coming on. What should you do?
A) Put on your personal noise-canceling headphones immediately.
B) Ask for a 2-minute "reset" in a quieter area or the restroom.
C) Shout over the noise so people know you are struggling.
D) Hide in a storage closet for the rest of the shift.
6 You accidentally made a mistake on a task that will take 15 minutes to fix. What is the most responsible action?
A) Try to hide the mistake so no one notices.
B) Blame the equipment for not working properly.
C) Own the mistake, tell your supervisor, and fix it correctly.
Professional Presence Worksheet Professional Presence
Foundations of Workplace Success
Name:
Date:
Section 1: Attire Analysis
Identify which items are generally Appropriate for a professional environment. Circle the correct choices and cross out (X) the Inappropriate ones.
Safe/Proper Shoes
Company Name Tag
Large Headphones
Clean Uniform
Beach Sandals
Ripped Clothing
Wrinkled Garments
Tied-back Hair
Section 2: Professional Scenarios
Scenario 1: Customer Interaction
Communication
A customer at your station is snapping their fingers at you while you're busy with another task. You feel your frustration rising.
Professional Response
Unprofessional Reaction
Scenario 2: High-Volume Pressure
Regulation
Your department is extremely busy. You encounter a technical issue with your equipment, and there is a long queue. You feel a sensory shutdown or panic coming on.
The Professional Ask
Quick Reset Strategy
Scenario 3: Downtime Management
Proactive Habit
You finished your primary tasks early. Your coworkers are still working, but you have 15 minutes left on your shift. Your phone is in your pocket.
Two Productive Tasks
Why avoid distractions?
Scenario 4: Managing Errors
Accountability
You accidentally caused a minor disruption or spilled something near a customer. They look angry and you're starting to feel stressed and teary.
Immediate Professional Step
Self-Regulation Method
Section 3: Regulation Toolkit
Match the Feeling to the appropriate Workplace Reset .
If you feel...
A. Overwhelmed by excessive noise or multiple requests.
B. Angry/Frustrated following a public mistake.
C. Physically exhausted and losing patience.
Try...
Using cool water on face/wrists in the restroom.
30 seconds in a quiet, low-traffic area or hallway.
Controlled breathing while organizing your station.
Pro Choice Challenge Answer Key Answer Key
Pro Choice Challenge Quiz
1
B) Inform your supervisor, apologize, and ensure it's fixed for the next shift.
Professionalism includes honesty and proactive communication when appearance standards aren't met.
2
C) Keep it put away and ask your supervisor for a secondary task.
Downtime is an opportunity to show initiative rather than checking personal devices.
3
A) Use a script to call for a supervisor and take a brief sensory reset.
Managing high-stress interactions requires knowing when to seek support and self-regulate.
4
B) Ask: "Can you show me a tip to help me get faster?"
Viewing feedback as a coaching opportunity shows a growth mindset.
5
B) Ask for a 2-minute "reset" in a quieter area or the restroom.
Advocating for your sensory needs professionally prevents total shutdown or burnout.
6
C) Own the mistake, tell your supervisor, and fix it correctly.
Accountability is the foundation of trust in any workplace relationship.
7
B) If your own work is done, ask: "How can I help you with that?"
Teamwork means supporting colleagues once your own responsibilities are met.
8
A) Call or text your supervisor immediately to let them know.
Communication about lateness allows managers to adjust coverage and shows respect for their time.
Instructor Resource • Professional Presence
Pro Choice Challenge Google Doc Version Pro Choice Quiz (Google Doc Version)
Copy and paste the text below directly into a Google Doc for easy editing.
NAME: __________________________
PRO CHOICE QUIZ: NAVIGATING PROFESSIONAL SITUATIONS
Instructions: Select the best answer for each of the following professional scenarios. Think about maintaining a positive workplace image and managing your personal well-being.
1. You arrive at work and realize you forgot to iron your shirt, and it is visibly wrinkled. What is the most professional action to take?
2. It is a slow period at your workstation and you have finished your tasks. What should you do with your smartphone?
3. A customer is speaking loudly and using an aggressive tone. You feel yourself starting to get teary and overwhelmed. What is the best strategy?
4. A supervisor gives you feedback that you are working too slowly. What is the professional way to respond?
5. The workplace is extremely noisy today with machines and many people talking. You feel a "sensory overload" coming on. What should you do?
6. You accidentally made a mistake on a task that will take 15 minutes to fix. What is the most responsible action?
Professional Presence Teacher Guide Teacher Guide
Foundations of Professional Presence
Facilitation Resource
Objectives
Differentiate between appropriate and inappropriate professional attire and hygiene.
Apply proactive task management strategies during workplace downtime.
Identify overstimulation triggers and utilize professional communication to request resets.
Context
This lesson focuses on "soft skills" that translate across all industries. The goal is to help students move from a reactive student mindset to a proactive employee mindset.
Pacing
Introduction 10 min
Skills Slides 15 min
Worksheet Task 20 min
Debrief & Roleplay 15 min
Discussion Framework
Professional Standards
"Why does a company care about how you dress or groom? How does it affect the customer's trust?"
Teaching Point: Appearance is often the first "service" a worker provides. It signals competence, cleanliness, and respect for the environment. Emphasize that different jobs have different "safety" requirements (e.g., hair nets vs. suits).
The Value of Proactivity
"When your main job is finished, why isn't it okay to just wait at your station or check your phone?"
Teaching Point: Professionalism means being a "full-time contributor." If you're being paid for an hour of work, you are expected to provide value for the whole hour. Searching for work shows leadership potential.
Managing Under Pressure
"Is it professional to feel overwhelmed? How do you ask for a reset without sounding like you're quitting?"
Teaching Point: Everyone gets overwhelmed. The difference between a professional and an unprofessional response is *communication*. Teach students to communicate their needs *before* they boil over.
Transferable Skill Exercises
The Shift Hand-off
Practice telling a coworker everything they need to know about what's left to do before you clock out. Professionalism is about making the next person's job easier.
The Feedback Loop
A manager tells you that your folding or organizing isn't quite right. Practice saying "Thank you for the feedback, can you show me how to improve?" instead of becoming defensive.
Professional Presence Answer Key Answer Key
Worksheet: Professional Presence
Teacher Reference Only
Attire Analysis
Appropriate (Circle):
Safe/Proper Shoes
Company Name Tag
Clean Uniform
Tied-back Hair
Inappropriate (Cross Out):
Large Headphones
Beach Sandals
Ripped Clothing
Wrinkled Garments
Professional Scenarios
1. Communication / Snapping
Professional Action: Briefly acknowledge them with a nod/gesture and say: "I'll be right with you!" Avoid: Arguing, snapping back, or ignoring them.
2. Pressure / Shutdown
The Ask: Communicate clearly with a lead/manager: "I'm encountering an issue and need backup." Reset: Use a controlled breathing technique to stay present and calm.
3. Downtime / Phone
Tasks: Organizing workspace, restocking supplies, checking with teammates. Why: Personal devices signal to management that you are not prioritizing company time.
4. Error / Spill
Action: Apologize, take ownership, clean up quickly, and inform a supervisor if necessary. Reset: Take a moment in a quiet area to recalibrate after the cleanup.
Regulation Matching
<table class="w-full text-sm font-bold"><tbody><tr class="border-b border-slate-200"><td class="py-3">A. Overwhelmed by noise/requests</td><td class="py-3 text-rose-600 text-right italic">→ 30 seconds in quiet area/hallway</td></tr><tr class="border-b border-slate-200"><td class="py-3">B. Angry after public mistake</td><td class="py-3 text-rose-600 text-right italic">→ Cool water on face/wrists in restroom</td></tr><tr><td class="py-3">C. Tired / Losing patience</td><td class="py-3 text-rose-600 text-right italic">→ Controlled breathing while organizing</td></tr></tbody></table>Professional Presence Google Doc Version Professional Presence Worksheet
Student Worksheet - General Workplace Success
Name: ________________________________________
Date: ________________________________________
Section 1: Attire Analysis
Circle the items that are Appropriate for a professional environment and cross out (X) those that are Inappropriate .
[ ] Safe/Proper Shoes
[ ] Company Name Tag
[ ] Large Headphones
[ ] Clean Uniform/Apparel
[ ] Beach Sandals
[ ] Ripped Clothing
[ ] Wrinkled Garments
[ ] Tied-back Hair (where required)
Section 2: Professional Scenarios
Scenario 1: Customer Interaction
A customer is snapping their fingers at you while you're busy with another task. You feel your frustration rising.
Professional Response:
______________________________________________________________________
Unprofessional Reaction:
______________________________________________________________________
Scenario 2: High-Volume Pressure
Your department is extremely busy. You encounter a technical issue with your equipment, and there is a long queue. You feel a sensory shutdown or panic coming on.
The Professional Ask (Requesting Help):
______________________________________________________________________
Quick Reset Strategy:
______________________________________________________________________
Scenario 3: Downtime Management
You finished your primary tasks early. Your coworkers are still working, but you have 15 minutes left on your shift. Your phone is in your pocket.
Two Productive Tasks (Instead of phone):
1. __________________________________________________________________
2. __________________________________________________________________
Why avoid distractions?
______________________________________________________________________
Scenario 4: Managing Errors
You accidentally caused a minor disruption or spilled something near a customer. They look angry and you're starting to feel stressed and teary.
Immediate Professional Step:
______________________________________________________________________
Word Weapons Scripts Handout Word Weapons
Professional Scripts & Sentence Starters
Reference Guide
Knowing exactly what to say in stressful or quiet moments is a key professional skill. Use these scripts and starters to communicate with confidence and clarity.
The Sensory Reset
If you feel overstimulated:
"I'm feeling a bit overstimulated by the [noise/lights] right now. May I take a 60-second reset in the back to clear my head so I can stay focused?"
Proactive Communication
When tasks are finished:
"I've completed my assigned tasks. Is there anything specific you'd like me to focus on next, or should I start with [cleaning/organizing]?"
Difficult Customers
When someone is frustrated:
"I understand you're frustrated, and I want to help. Let me get my manager so we can find a solution for you right away."
Managing Mistakes
When a mistake happens:
"I'm sorry, I made a mistake with [task]. I've started cleaning it up. How can I fix this, or is there a different way you'd like me to handle it?"
Sentence Starter Toolbox
Asking for Clarification
• "Could you clarify what you mean by..."
• "Just to make sure I'm on the right track..."
• "Can you walk me through the first step again?"
Offering Assistance
• "I have a few minutes; how can I help?"
• "Would you like me to take care of..."
• "Is there a specific task you'd like me to tackle?"
Requesting a Reset
• "I'm starting to feel a bit overwhelmed; may I..."
• "I need a quick 2-minute reset to refocus."
• "Would it be okay if I stepped away for a moment?"
Receiving Feedback
• "Thank you for the feedback. I'll make sure to..."
• "I appreciate you pointing that out. How can I..."
• "I see what you mean. I'll adjust my approach."
Script Practice: Your Turn
Use the scripts and starters from the front page to write a professional response for these two situations.
Practice 1: The Coworker Conflict
A coworker keeps talking to you about their weekend while you are trying to finish a count or organize a shelf. You are losing track of your work.
Write your professional script:
Practice 2: Requesting Feedback
You've been at your job for a month. You want to check in with your supervisor to see if there is anything you should improve on.
