viernes, 6 de abril de 2018

Do You Feel Like a Pawn on your Employer’s’ Chessboard?


By Enrique Rojas R.
On our last article we reflected on the importance of being identified with the goals of the institution you work for. Now we offer a questionnaire so you can measure your degree of 
    involvement.


   1.  Do you see yourself working for the same school or institute…
a)    for many years?
b)    for four or five years?
c)    Until the end of this year?
d)    I may leave any time.

             2.  Is it easy for me to build strong relationships with my co-workers?
a)    Very easy.
b)    More or less.
c)    Not too easy.
d)    It is hard for me.

           3.   Do you expect to find opportunities for progress in your present job?
a)    Very much so.
b)   Probably with time
c)   Perhaps
d)   Not really

  4. Do you picture yourself as part of a team with authorities and other teachers?
a)  I feel I’m part of a well-oiled machine.
                 b)  We generally work in accordance.
c)  We agree on certain basic points.
d)  I do the best I can and don’t worry about the others

  5. Do you set goals for yourself…
                 a)  both for major problems and for minor endeavors.
                 b)  only for major projects.
                 c)  when I feel there’s need for a change.
                 d)  no. I just make sure to follow the program for each course.

6. Do you show concern for the students’ individual goals?
                a) I try to find out and consider the reasons why they want to learn.
                b) I teach trying to cater to the needs of the majority of students.
 c) I understand there are different needs for learning.
 d) I think their reasons are irrelevant for me. I’m only concerned with                  teaching   well.

7. Do you usually change jobs?
               a) Only if a major chance comes up.
               b) Not very often but I keep an eye open for opportunities
               c) Each year I try to find something better.
               d) I’m always ready to switch where I can find better conditions.

8. When your boss asks you to do something that is not part of your regular duties…
                a) You cheerfully accept.
                b) You sometimes accept with reserves
                c) Sometimes you accept.
                d) You never accept.

9. In your work…
                a) you strive for excellence out of your own impulse.
                b) you always try to give a good impression to your bosses.
                c) you comply just to stay out of problems
                d) you do as little as possible if you can get away with it.

10. When you get ready to begin your class…
                a) you leave your personal problems and life outside the classroom.
                b) you don’t let your state of mind affect your performance.
 c) your personal problems or state of mind doesn’t affect too much the way you treat your students.
 d) your optimum performance is only when you’re in a good mood.

11. The paperwork and other things the institution requires from you…
                a) It is always handed on time by you.
                b) You generally hand them in on time.
                c) Once in a while I’m a little late.
                d) I’m not very timely with those things.

12. Are you familiar with your institution’s mission and vision?
                a) I know them well and I can tell what they are.
                b) I’m familiar with them in general terms.
                c) I have some idea of what they are.
                d) I have no idea.

13. Do you identify with your institution’s mission and vision?
                a) Yes, one hundred percent.
                b) I do in general terms
                c) I coincide with them partially.
                d) Not really.

BUT THERE IS ALWAYS ANOTHER SIDE TO CONSIDER

14. When you think about your future you feel…
                a) your institution offers you a career line?
                b) your employer cares for you as a person?
                c) like a replaceable convenience for your employer?
                d) like a pawn on your employers’ chessboard?

15. Do you think your efforts and merits…
                a) are being fairly appraised and recognized by the institution you work for?
 b) are given some recognition by your employer?
 c) are minimized and overlooked by your organization?
 d) go usually unfairly unrecognized?

Reflect on your answers to the above questions. If you have answered mostly with
a You and your institution have convergent goals. This is a win-win situation
b You can say that you run in parallel with the institution where you work
in relation with objectives and identification.
c You don´t pursue the same goals as you employer. This may be an
amber signal. Proceed with a lot of caution.
d It is absolutely unlikely that you and your employer can have a very good
relationship for a long time.
            
BIOGRAPHICAL DATA
Graduated in Journalism at the PUCP, Peru, Enrique Rojas R. holds a MA in Journalism and MA in Inter American History from Southern Illinois University, USA; an MA in Literature from University of the Americas, Puebla, Mexico, all the coursework for a MA in TEFL at Universidad de Piura, Peru and BA in Education from Universidad Federico Villarreal. He has also obtained Certificates of Proficiency in English both from Cambridge University and the University of Michigan and the Diploma for EFL Teachers from Universidad del Pacifico. He is an Oral Examiner for the Cambridge University exams and has been awarded the title Expert in E-Learning from Asociacion Educativa del Mediterraneo and Universidad Marcelino Champagnat. He has worked as a professor in universities in Peru, Mexico and the United States; as a newscaster and a producer in radio and television stations in the United States and Mexico, and as a writer and editor in daily newspapers of the same countries. He has been in the staff of CIDUP for 19 years teaching English and Spanish specializing in International Exams, English for Business, ESP and Teacher Training. He has been a speaker in every Congress of English for Special Purposes organized by Centro de Idiomas de la U.P. He is also a member of its Research Area.