Professional Protocol Presentation Professional Protocol
Boundaries in Work & Community
System Update: Workplace Mode
Quick Recap
What is a Boundary?
An invisible line that keeps you and your space safe and comfortable.
What is Consent?
Asking for permission and waiting for a clear "YES."
Different Place,
Different Rules
The boundaries we have at home or with friends are different from the boundaries we have at work or in the community.
The Professional Filter
At work, we use a "filter" for our words and actions.
SOCIAL MODE (Home/Friends)
Hugs & high-fives
Jokes & nicknames
Casual clothes
PROFESSIONAL MODE (Work)
Handshakes or waves
Polite "Small Talk"
Work uniform / Neat clothes
Scenario #1
Greeting a Co-worker
"You see your co-worker, Sam, arriving for their shift. You really like Sam and are happy to see them."
Option A
Run up and give Sam a big hug.
Option B
Wave and say, "Hi Sam! Good to see you today."
Why is Option B Better?
Space: Many people don't like to be hugged at work. It can feel too personal.
Focus: Work is a place for tasks. A wave keeps things friendly but professional.
Workplace Touch Protocol
Always Okay
Waves, Smiles, Head Nods
Ask First
Handshakes, Fist Bumps, High-Fives
Avoid at Work
Hugging, Patting on Back, Touching Hair
Conversations at Work
Professional Topics
"How's your day going?"
"Nice weather today."
"What are our goals for today?"
Too Personal for Work
"Who are you dating?"
"How much money do you make?"
(Questions about body or health)
Keep it "Light"
If you aren't sure, talk about the weather or the job!
Space in Common Areas
Rule: The One Seat Buffer
If there are many empty chairs, leave a seat between you and your co-worker.
Rule: Eating Space
Don't reach across someone's plate. Ask: "Excuse me, could you please pass the napkins?"
In the Community
Public Help
When you need help from a stranger (like a store clerk), keep 2 arm-lengths of space.
Only ask questions related to the store or your needs.
Avoid staring or standing too close to people in line.
On the Bus or Train
The "Bystander" Rule
Volume Control
Keep phone calls quiet and use headphones. Loud noise invades other people's space.
Personal Bubble
Try not to touch the people sitting next to you. Keep your bags on your lap or floor.
"Most people on the bus want to stay in their own bubble!"
Scenario #2
Asking for Help in a Store
"You are looking for the restroom in a grocery store. You see an employee stocking shelves."
Choice 1: Tap them on the shoulder and say "Bathroom?"
The Pro Move: Stand 4 feet away, wave slightly, and say "Excuse me, where is the restroom?"
When Someone Says "No"
!
At work, if someone says "No" to a high-five or doesn't want to talk, STOP immediately.
DO
Say "Okay" and walk away.
DON'T
Ask "Why?" or get angry.
DON'T
Try to convince them.
Permission for Tools
Consent isn't just for bodies!
Before you borrow a co-worker's pen, stapler, or cleaning supplies, you MUST get consent.
The Script:
"Excuse me, Name, may I use your tool for a second?"
Wait for "Yes" before touching.
The 3 Golden Rules
1
Ask First,
2
Keep Your
3
Space is
Any Questions?
"Professionalism is about making everyone feel comfortable and safe at work."
End of Protocol Training
Professional Filter Worksheet Professional Filter
Boundary Masters: Workplace Edition
Protocol ID: 22-WORK
Name
Date
Instructions
At work, we use a Professional Filter. This means we choose words and actions that are polite and helpful. Read each choice below and check the box for the Professional Choice.
1
You see a co-worker in the hallway.
Wave and say, "Good morning."
Run and give them a big hug.
2
You need to borrow a stapler from your boss's desk.
Take it quickly without asking.
Wait and ask, "May I use this?"
3
Your co-worker is talking on the phone.
Give them space until they finish.
Stand very close and wait.
4
You want to make small talk during lunch.
Ask, "How is your lunch today?"
Ask, "How much money do you have?"
5
A customer asks you where the eggs are.
Point to Aisle 4 and say, "Right there."
Pat them on the arm and say, "Follow me."
Writing Practice
Write one professional thing you can say to greet a co-worker in the morning:
Write one thing you can ask before you borrow a tool at work:
Professional Protocol Training Series
Practice respecting workplace boundaries.
Professional Protocol Teacher Guide Facilitator Guide
Professional Protocol
Lesson Overview
This lesson builds on foundational boundary concepts by applying them to professional and public environments. For young adults (18-22) in transition programs, distinguishing between "Social Mode" and "Professional Mode" is critical for workplace success and community safety.
Key Objectives
Define the "Professional Filter."
Identify workplace-appropriate greetings.
Navigate community space (strangers).
Vocabulary
Professionalism: Making others feel safe and respected.
Buffer Zone: Extra physical space between people.
Small Talk: Polite, safe conversation topics.
Slide-by-Slide Facilitation
Slide 4: The Professional Filter
Concept: Changing behavior based on location.
Discussion Prompt:
"What are some clothes you wear at home that you wouldn't wear to a job interview? Why? Words and actions work the same way—we choose different ones for work."
Slide 7: Workplace Touch
Concept: Touch hierarchy at work.
Activity Tip:
Have students practice the "Air High-Five" or "Wave" as a default greeting. Explain that even if a co-worker is a friend, other people watching should see them acting professionally.
Slide 10: Community Boundaries
Concept: The 'Two Arm Lengths' rule.
Discussion Prompt:
"If you stand too close to a stranger in line, how might they feel? (Uncomfortable, scared). How do we show them we are being respectful?"
Role Play Scenarios
Use these to practice real-world responses in a safe environment.
Scenario A: The Lunchroom
You see an empty chair next to your supervisor. You want to sit there.
Incorrect: Sit down without speaking.
Correct: "Is this seat taken?"
Scenario B: Public Transit
Someone is sitting in the seat you usually like, and they are listening to loud music.
Incorrect: Tell them to move or turn it off.
Correct: Find a different seat.
Differentiation Strategies
For Visual Learners
Use masking tape on the floor to mark out the "Buffer Zone" (2 arm lengths) so students can physically see the space needed for strangers vs. co-workers.
For Verbal Learners
Create a "Script Card" for common workplace phrases like "Excuse me," "May I borrow this?" and "Good morning."
Boundary Masters Curriculum: Professional Protocol
Professional Filter Answer Key Answer Key
Professional Filter Worksheet
Teacher Resource
Goal
Use this key to review the worksheet with students. Focus on the why—why certain behaviors are professional and others are not.
1 Greeting a Co-worker
Correct: Wave and say, "Good morning."
Rationale: Keeps physical space and remains polite without being overly personal.
2 Borrowing a Stapler
Correct: Wait and ask, "May I use this?"
Rationale: Shows respect for personal property and workplace equipment.
3 Co-worker on the Phone
Correct: Give them space until they finish.
Rationale: Respects the privacy of their conversation and avoids "hovering."
4 Small Talk at Lunch
Correct: Ask, "How is your lunch today?"
Rationale: Money is a private topic that can make people uncomfortable at work.
5 Customer Assistance
Correct: Point to Aisle 4 and say, "Right there."
Rationale: We should never touch customers or strangers without permission.
Writing Practice Examples
Greeting:
"Hi [Name], how are you today?" or "Good morning, everyone."
Borrowing:
"Excuse me, may I use your [Tool] for a minute?" or "Is it okay if I borrow this?"
Professional Filter Match Activity Filter Check
Boundary Masters: Professional Protocol
Protocol ID: 22-SORT
Student Name
Current Date
Instructions
Is the topic safe for Professional Mode (Work) or should it stay in Social Mode (Home)?
Social Mode (Home/Friends)
Professional Mode (Work)
"It's raining outside today."
"I'm dating someone new."
"The printer is out of paper."
"I need to go to the doctor."
"Your shoes look very nice."
"How much money do you make?"
"May I borrow a stapler?"
"I'm so angry at my brother."
Professional Protocol Series: Activity 2
Practice your Professional Filter.
