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Food Network Videos
Potato Latkes
- 4 pound potatoes
- 1 onion finely chopped onion
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup olive oil
Grate potatoes. Transferring to a large bowl of cold water. Soak potatoes 1 to 2 minutes after last batch is added to water, then drain well in a colander.
Spread grated potatoes and onion on a kitchen towel and roll up jelly-roll style. Twist towel tightly to wring out as much liquid as possible. Transfer potato mixture to a bowl and stir in egg and salt.
Heat oil in a skillet over medium high heat until hot but not smoking. Working in batches of 4 latkes, spoon 2 tablespoons potato mixture per latke into skillet, spreading into 3-inch rounds with a fork. Reduce heat to medium and cook until undersides are browned, about 5 minutes. Turn latkes over and cook until undersides are browned, about 5 minutes more. Transfer to paper towels to drain and season with salt. Add more oil to skillet as needed. Keep latkes warm on a wire rack set in a shallow baking pan in oven.
Pizza Dough
Ingredients
- 2 cups lukewarm water
- 1 teaspoons yeast
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
Oven Roasted Potato 'Fries'
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes, scrubbed but not peeled
- 3 – 4 tbsp olive oil
- A pinch of sea salt
- A grinding of fresh ground black pepper
- A few sprinkles of paprika
- A few sprinkles garlic powered/salt
- Spices to tasts
Directions- Heat oven to 425 degrees (220 C).
- Cut potatoes into ‘handcut fry slices’.
- In a large bowl, drizzle with oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic and other seasoning.
- Arrange in single layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake till tender and golden crispy outside - about 40 minutes.
- When out of the oven toss them in the seasoned bowl.
Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something. - Plato
Plato brings up a good point. Do you talk because you have something to say or do you talk because it feels awkward sometimes when you don't? We have all been in situations where we have felt the need to say something, either because we want to add to the conversation or because we are filling dead air. Plato's words bring about an important point – we don't always have to speak aloud or use words to communicate. Sometimes a look, a gesture, or an expression on our faces says more than words could express.
What does their body language say?
The Communication Process - It is a process that is never-ending. It looks something like this:
Non-Verbal Communication
Do you talk with your hands? How many of you have been accused of ‘talking with your hands'? All of us are guilty of using our hands and other parts of our bodies to express messages. Whether it is a raised hand by a student in a classroom, implying the student has something to say, or it is raising both hands up in the air due to frustration, we have all been there. Using body language is just as important as using words because it adds clarity to the message the speaker is sending.
Body Language
Body language has three components: gestures, motions, and facial expressions.
Gestures
Come Closer. Let's start with gestures. Using fingers to call someone to come closer is a common gesture in North America. However, in places like Japan, it is considered an insult. What is common in North America or even in your local community may not be interpreted the same way elsewhere in the world. It is important to remember that while gestures are an appropriate way to communicate non-verbally, there are right and wrong ways and places to use them.
Discussion
Briefly describe in writing an appropriate gesture that you might use each day in a classroom or workplace. When would you use it? Why? What does it mean?
Body Motions
Body motions are also used to communicate messages. The way you stand, sit, or even walk all conveys messages to others watching you.
Take a guess what messages the following body motions are sending:
a) A firm handshake
b) Slouching in a chair in a classroom desk
c) Leaning back in a chair, legs up on a desk
d) Skipping down the hallway
Body Motions SolutionsHere are the messages - did you get them right?
a) A firm handshake means "I am confident".
b) Slouching in a chair in a classroom desk means "I don't care. I'm not interested".
c) Leaning back in a chair, legs up on a desk means "I am comfortable, but I may or may not be listening".
d) Skipping down the hallway means "I am happy or content about something”.
It is important to be aware at all times, especially in the workplace or at school, of the messages that body motions are sending.
Facial Expressions
The last component of body language is facial expressions. Ever heard the expression, “that look on your face is priceless”? Well, looks send messages just as strongly as words. Facial expressions have really become important not only when communicating with someone in person, but also when communicating with someone through technology. Using ....
Bavarian Pretzels
Original recipe makes 6 big pretzels
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, divided
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 1/3 cups water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons baking soda
- 3 cups water
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt, or to taste
- Directions
- In a large bowl, stir together 1 cup of flour, yeast, sugar, 2 tablespoons of butter, and 1 1/3 cup water. Let this mixture stand until bubble begin to form, about 15 minutes. Stir in the salt and gradually stir in the remaining flour until dough can be picked up and kneaded on the counter. Knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes, adding more flour if needed.
- Divide the dough into 6 pieces and let them rest for a few minutes. Roll out one piece at a time into a rope about 15 inches long. Loop and twist into that cool pretzel shape. Set on a baking sheet while you roll out the remaining portions.
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (220 degrees C). Bring the remaining 3 cups of water to a boil and add the baking soda. Remove from the heat. Dip pretzels into the water bath for about 45 seconds, flipping over about halfway through. Place the soaked pretzels on a greased baking sheet. Brush them with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse salt.
- Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, stir together 1 cup of flour, yeast, sugar, 2 tablespoons of butter, and 1 1/3 cup water. Let this mixture stand until bubble begin to form, about 15 minutes. Stir in the salt and gradually stir in the remaining flour until dough can be picked up and kneaded on the counter. Knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes, adding more flour if needed.
- Divide the dough into 6 pieces and let them rest for a few minutes. Roll out one piece at a time into a rope about 15 inches long. Loop and twist into that cool pretzel shape. Set on a baking sheet while you roll out the remaining portions.
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (220 degrees C). Bring the remaining 3 cups of water to a boil and add the baking soda. Remove from the heat. Dip pretzels into the water bath for about 45 seconds, flipping over about halfway through. Place the soaked pretzels on a greased baking sheet. Brush them with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse salt.
- Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes.
Interview Questions
Choose one of the potential occupations from your skills plus interests assignment. For your selected occupation, answer five the following questions.
1) Tell me about yourself.
2) Describe a situation at school or work when you were required to complete several projects simultaneously. How did you do this? What was the end result?
3) Give an example of a time when you had to deal with conflict with someone else. How did you handle it? What was the outcome?
4) What previous work experiences have prepared you for this position? How?
5) What do you see yourself doing in 5 years?
6) How does this position fit in with your goals?
7) Give an example of a time when you have gone above and beyond the call of duty to get the job done.
8) What was the greatest challenge you’ve faced in a previous position, either at school or work?
9) What skills or abilities do you have that would make you a good candidate for this job?
10) Give me an example of something you have done that would show me you are a team player.
Life Long Learning
"The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn."
Alvin Toffler
Learning is a natural part of living. Unlearning, which means taking what you know and ignoring it in favour of relearning something a different way – that is what makes us successful. Think about the changes in technology over the past 10 years. Think of the relearning you would need to do in a job just to keep up with the changes in technology – learning how to go from relying on an office phone to operating a smart phone, learning how to use a webcam for video conferencing, etc. We constantly strive to improve and change as humans. That is part of who we are. Successful people are the ones who keep up with change.
What is Lifelong Learning?
Learning for All Ages
Lifelong learning is the voluntary and self-motivated pursuit of knowledge for personal or professional reasons. Once we are in a career or have a full-time job, we are always learning. If you want to get ahead in life though, you need to take on more responsibility for learning. For example, a worker in a factory who wants to become a line manager doesn't rely on experience to get him or her there. He or she will research the company; upgrade their skills by maybe taking a leadership course, work overtime in other areas of the factory to get to know more about the factory in general, etc. Lifelong learning is what makes us interesting to others and builds self-confidence.
Benefits of Lifelong Learning
There are many pluses to lifelong learning. They include:
- Better employability
- Better health
- Higher likelihood of community involvement
- Better informed citizens
- Improved self-confidence
- Improved efficiency
Forms of Lifelong Learning
There are many ways for us to upgrade our skills, education, and general learning.
Some of these ways include:
- Online learning through research or courses
- Courses
- On the job training
- Conferences and meetings
- Volunteering
- Involvement in clubs and community activities
Musing on Upgrades
Think about ways to upgrade your skills and education in your chosen occupation or career. Write about your ideas and respond to your classmates' ideas.
Visions of Success
Create a photo collage of at least 10 pictures from a variety of sources that show your vision of “success.” Your collage will be assessed on accuracy and effort.
13 Skills In 2013
Commit to learning 13 new skills in 2013 that will lead to a life of greater independence, health and happiness.
1) Identify 13 skills
2) Outline the steps you will take to acquire the skills
"My will shall shape the future. Whether I fail or succeed shall be no man's doing but my own. I am the force; I can clear any obstacle before me or I can be lost in the maze. My choice; my responsibility; win or lose, only I hold the key to my destiny."
Elaine Maxwell
Maxwell makes a good point when she says that only you hold the keys to your future. Only you can decide what you will and will not do, whether it be in your personal life or your work life. The important thing is choosing a path that suits you – your personal interests, your long-term goals, your short-term goals, your values, and your talents all influence your decision on a career choice.
Influences on Career Choice
So, how do you choose a career path that suits you? You take it one step at a time. Let's begin.
So, What Interests You?
Personal interests play a big part in what kind of job or career you would like to have after high school. We all would prefer to be doing something that interests us. Think about your perfect day. What would you do during this perfect day? What you would most enjoy doing reflects your interests. Interests can include: reading, writing, watching crime shows on TV, playing video games, socializing with friends, etc.
Goal Setting - Long and Short-Term
Setting Goals: Many of us have goals – we might want to own a house when we are older or own a car. We also might want to play competitive sports or quit smoking. All of these are goals – things we strive to achieve. We talked earlier in the course about long and short-term goals. Short-term goals are any goals that you want to achieve within the next couple of years. Long-term goals are goals that you would like to achieve, but may take longer to get there (e.g. three or more years).
Reflection
On the same blank paper that you used to record your personal interests, write down three long-term goals and three short-term goals that you would like to achieve.
Looking at Talents - Using our talents
Not everyone's talents are obvious. Some people are outwardly talented at obvious things, like singing or playing hockey or public speaking. Others, which are most of us, have hidden talents – things that we are good at, but don't always share with others. Hidden talents can include: reading, texting, talking on the phone, mediating, problem solving, working with our hands, etc.
Reflection
On the same blank paper that you have been using, write down the two best talents that you have.
Creating an Employment Plan
Planning: When a builder builds a house, s/he first creates blueprints, surveys the area, talks to trades people, gets permits, etc. She or he does not simply dig a hole in the dirt and hope for the best. The same can be said for employment planning. When you plan to get a job, there is a lot of work behind the scenes that needs to be done in order to get you the best-paying, most-suitable job.
The components of a good employment plan include:
- An application
- A cover letter
- A résumé
- An interview
The Employment Plan
These are your blueprints for building your employment plan. You may think that some of these things are beyond your control, but with careful planning, you can be in the driver's seat.
The Application
Applications: Filling in application forms shouldn't make you sweat. With careful planning, you can make this part of your employment plan easy. Here are some basic tips:
- Be prepared. Have your résumé, social insurance number, reference information, etc., available.
- Review the application form before filling it out. Reading it over first will help you decide what information to write in each space.
- Fill out the application as neatly as possible. Use blue or black pen only. Consider typing it, if possible.
- Modify your information to suit the job that you want. Focus on your skills and accomplishments. List your most recent job first if you are asked about previous employment; likewise, list your most recent education first.
- Don't leave any blanks. If there are questions that do not apply to you, write “not applicable” or “n/a”.
- Tell the truth and keep your answers positive.
- Provide references.
- Sign and date your application as requested.
- Proofread your application before you hand it in. Check for spelling and grammatical errors.
The strongest bond of human sympathy outside the family relation should be one uniting working people of all nations and tongues and kindreds.
Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln, the 16th American President had it right. The idea of unions is to bring people together. Unions unite all people, regardless of race, colour, ethnicity, etc.
What is a Union?
WorkersA union is a group of organized workers formed for the purposes of regulating relations between employees and employers.
What do Unions do?
Uniting as a Team: Unions act united under one cause – promoting the rights of the worker in the workplace. All unions in Ontario are governed by the Labour Relations Act (1995). The purpose of the Act is to help workers and their employers resolve workplace issues, encourage communication between the worker and employer, and to help collective bargaining. Union members pay money for their membership. This is often deducted off of members paycheques.
Did you know?31% of workers in Canada are unionized. (Statistics Canada)
Examples of UnionsHere is a list of Ontario's largest unions. You may recognize some of the names.
- CAW – Canadian Auto Workers (225 000 members)
- CUPE – Canadian Union of Public Employees (600 000 members)
- ETFO – Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario (73 000 members)
- OPSEU – Ontario Public Service Employees Union (115 000 members)
- OSSTF – Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation (50 000 members)
- UFCW – United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (1.3 million members worldwide)
- USWA – United Steelworkers of America (260 000 members in Canada)
Limits on Unions Pass in Michigan, Once a Mainstay
What may be the result of this law?
Flowchart
The government oversees all union and employer activity through the Ontario Labour Relations Act(1995). On the employer's end, they hire managers and supervisors to oversee labour and to represent the owner's interests to the worker. On the union's side, they divide into bargaining units headed by Presidents who represent labour matters on behalf of the worker. Collective agreements are signed between employers and union representatives that outline working conditions, including pay, staffing, vacations, etc.
Employee Rights - Creating Workplace StandardsWorking TogetherThe following standards have become basic minimum rights within many workplaces and are now required by law in most provinces. These standards exist because of the bargaining gains that unions achieved over the years and because unions have lobbied for employment standards laws. These standards include:
- Minimum wage laws
- Hours of work (daily and weekly)
- Overtime pay
- Vacation pay
- Basic health and safety rules
- Workers' compensation
- Basic anti-discrimination laws in human rights legislation
- Severance pay
- Unemployment insurance benefits
- Maternity leave benefits
- Pension benefits
These rights are just very basic standards of wages and benefits. Unions have always pushed beyond these basic rights provided by law. Unions fight for living wages, benefits, and reasonable working conditions for their members.
Case Study
On the job: Tony is a 24 year old labourer in a renovation construction company. Mohamed has recently had an accident at work. Everyone at Tony's worksite knew the health and safety practices were poor and had been asking the company to put proper procedures in place for months. Some poorly stored, heavy piping broke loose and fell on him, breaking his arm badly.
Tony will be off for at least three months, but his employer does not have a sick leave plan. Tony's supervisor didn't properly fill out the form needed for him to receive worker's compensation benefits right away. Now the Worker's Compensation Board is delaying Tony's benefits and giving him a hard time. Most of Tony's salary paid the mortgage payments on his house and now he can't keep up the payments.
- How could a union prevent this?
- If a union was put in place, what should the focus of the collective agreement contract be?
- If you were the union representative, what advice would you have given Tony and his fellow workers prior to the accident?
- Unions are one of the ways that workers can have a say on the job. When people come together with a common goal in mind, they are far more powerful than when they try to reach goals by themselves. Unions look at far more than just pay for their members. They fight for the rights of their workers – rights to a healthy and safe workplace, rights to feel free from harassment and discrimination, rights to benefits, etc.
With all their faults, trade unions have done more for humanity than any other organization of men that ever existed. They have done more for decency, for honesty, for education, for the betterment of the race, for the developing of character in men, than any other association of men.
Clarence Darrow, American Lawyer and Leading Member of the American Civil Liberties Union
Who might oppose unions?
What are the draw backs of a unionized workforce?
With all their faults, trade unions have done more for humanity than any other organization of men that ever existed. They have done more for decency, for honesty, for education, for the betterment of the race, for the developing of character in men, than any other association of men.
Clarence Darrow, American Lawyer and Leading Member of the American Civil Liberties Union
Noah Hammond
In this activity, you will demonstrate the importance of having a positive attitude about yourself, others, and your work. You will learn the relationship between attitude and ethics. You will also gain an understanding of how cultural differences in the workplace reinforce ethics.
Personally, I have nothing against work, particularly when performed, quietly and unobtrusively, by someone else. I just don't happen to think it's an appropriate subject for an "ethic."
Barbara Ehrenreich
Ehrenreich is saying that work and ethics don't always go hand in hand. She is saying that it is difficult to balance work needs and moral needs. She has a good point here. Balancing your moral codes of conduct and the demands of work are difficult, but manageable. Let's examine what ethics means on a more personal level to help us understand this.
What are ethics?
The dictionary defines ethics as “moral principles…dealing with values relating to human conduct, with respect to the rightness and wrongness of certain actions and to the goodness and badness of the motives and ends of such actions.”
In simple terms, ethics are the morals and values that we follow each day. For example, the law states that we should not harm others or we will face criminal charges. Morally, we know that we don't want to hurt others because we would feel bad if we did. These are our values speaking up, telling us that we value human life and value our relationships with others. We do not want to harm others because it goes against what we value.
Personal Attitudes and Ethics
Having a positive attitude about you and others, whether at school, work, home, or elsewhere, will reinforce good ethics. When we feel good about ourselves and our actions, it is usually a result of following our own set of morals and values. By having a positive attitude, we empower ourselves, bettering the morals and values of society.
So, how can we bring a positive attitude into the workplace in order to promote ethics? Follow these three simple steps:
Developing a Positive Attitude
Let's take a closer look at these steps.
- Take charge – You are the only one responsible for your life. Own it! Do not sit back and wait for opportunities to come to you – make them yourself. Sometimes this means stepping into unchartered territory, like talking to people you don't know or asserting yourself, but this is what it takes to make success happen.
In the workplace, you may not be able to control your hours or your duties, but you can control how you carry them out. By taking charge, you are being proactive, instead of reactive. You will face situations head on and because you are prepared, you will come out ahead. For example, if you want a promotion at work, do not sit back and wait for it to come. You can take charge by speaking with your boss and asking what you need to do to get the promotion. You can also take initiative by performing extra tasks at work, working late, networking with colleagues, etc., all in an effort to get ahead.
- Help others – Everyone needs a helping hand at some point in their lives. Reach out to others to help. By helping, you will feel good about yourself; your self-worth will increase, and others will look favourably towards you. Think of the pay-it-forward idea – if you do something nice for someone else, then maybe they will do something nice for you or another person, and so on.
Helping OthersIn the workplace, teamwork is critical to success. You must work well with others in any business in order to be successful. Helping others makes good sense. For example, if your colleague calls and says they can't make their shift at work because something has come up and they ask if you can work for them, say yes when possible. You will benefit because you have done something good for someone else, saving them the stress of possible repercussions at work, and now you will make more money because you are picking up another shift. Your positive attitude will be looked upon favourably by your colleagues and supervisors.
Accept Reality, but Dream Big
- Accept reality, but dream big – By accepting who you are, where you work, your friends, etc., you are sending out a positive vibe to everyone who knows you. By accepting what you cannot change, you create awareness about life. However, at the same time, you need to have dreams. Dreams are what motivate us – they give us positive reasons for living. Dream as big as you want, but be realistic that most dreams worth having, come true by putting forth hard work.
In the workplace, accept your role and responsibilities. When you do this, you are seen by others as reliable and competent. This leads to favourable relationships with co-workers and supervisors. For example, if you have dreams to be a professional singer, but are currently working at a fast-food restaurant, accept that this is part of the work you need to do to reach your professional goal. You need to make money to record your songs. You may meet people at work who know other people in the music industry who could help you out. Life is not always about what you know, but who you know as well.
Reflection: Choose any one of the three steps to creating a positive attitude and think about how this step could make or is making a difference in your life.
Cultural Diversity and Ethics Diversity
Did you know? By 2016, almost one in five workers will belong to a visible minority group. (Conference Board of Canada)
Embracing others and their cultural differences is important in moving forward as a society. By embracing cultural diversity, we give and gain respect for each other, something we all value. It is ethically and morally right to accept others and their respective cultural differences.
Here are the benefits of cultural diversity in the workplace:
Benefits
Increased adaptability
Companies employing a diverse workforce can supply a greater variety of solutions to problems. Employees from diverse backgrounds bring individual talents and experiences in suggesting ideas that are flexible.
Broader service range
A diverse collection of skills and experiences, e.g., languages and cultural understanding, allows a company to provide service to customers on a world-wide basis.
Variety of viewpoints
A diverse workforce that feels comfortable communicating different points of view provides a larger pool of ideas and experiences. The company can draw from that pool to meet business needs and the needs of customers more effectively.
More effective execution
Companies that encourage diversity in the workplace inspire all of their employees to perform to their highest ability, resulting in higher productivity and profit.
It is ethical to include everyone at all times – even if their ideas differ from our own. Through our differences, we gain a bigger and better perspective at work, home, school and elsewhere.
Conclusion
Take a second to look in the mirror. What do you see? Of course you see you – but do you see the morals and values that make you unique? Do these morals and values change based on who you are with or where you are?
Ethics in the workplace and ethics at home are the same – they rely on your morals and values. Your morals and values should not change based on your activities because they make you who you are. By taking a positive outlook on life, accepting diversity, and holding true to your own moral code, you will become a more successful person at work, at home, and in relationships with others.
I'm a great believer in luck and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it.
Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson realized that nothing worth having in life is based on luck. Hard work will get you what you want and what you deserve. Working hard is one part of the puzzle called employment. Another part of the puzzle is knowing your rights and responsibilities on the job.
As an employee, you are protected in Ontario by the Employment Standards Act (2000), otherwise known as the ESA. This act outlines the responsibilities for your choices and actions and rights as individuals while in the workplace. Let's take a closer look.
The Employment Standards Act (2000)Standing Up for your Rights. Finalized in 2000, the Employment Standards Act (ESA) gives legal rights to employees on the job and outlines the rights of employers in the workplace. Here are the important highlights from the Act:
- Rights of the Employee
- Minimum age for employment – The minimum age requirement for employment depends on the type of work being performed. In industries and workplaces deemed more dangerous by the Occupational Health and Safety Act (e.g. mining, construction and logging operations, factories, etc) the minimum age varies from 15 to 18 years of age. For most types of work the minimum age is 14 years old. However, individuals aged 14-17 years of age are not to be working during school hours.
- Hours of work – The maximum is 8 hours a day or the number of hours in an established regular work day if it is longer than 8 hours, up to a maximum of 48 hours per week. Employees can work more than this if they and their employer agree to this in writing.
- Minimum wages according to their age or job (e.g. student minimum wage is different from an adult's minimum wage, which is different from a liquor server's minimum wage).
- Overtime, holiday and vacation pay – For most employees, overtime begins after they have worked 44 hours in a work week. After that time, they must receive overtime pay (equivalent to 1.5 times the regular pay) or lieu time. Overtime pay is sometimes called time and a half (e.g. $10/hr regular pay x 1.5 = 1 hour of overtime pay). Vacation pay is usually 4% of your yearly earnings and the minimum vacation time entitlement is 2 weeks after one full year of employment with the same employer.
- Paid public holidays – Most employees are entitled to holiday pay on public holidays – the amount is equivalent to a regular day's pay. Many rules apply to this, so investigating this further is recommended.
- Parental leave – New parents who have been employed for at least 13 weeks have the right to take unpaid time off work.
- The recovery of unpaid wages – In the event that you are terminated from your job, you have the right to be paid for the time you did work, up until termination.
- Safe and orderly working conditions - As an employee, you have rights that protect you against health and safety hazards on the job. You have the right to participate in workplace health and safety issues and to know about any potential hazards. You also have the right to refuse work that you believe is dangerous and to stop working in certain circumstances. These rights are guaranteed under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (1990).
- Freedom from harassment and discrimination – The Occupational Health and Safety Act also guarantees you a workplace that is free from harassment and discrimination.
- Rights of the Employer
- The ability to decide what their employment needs are.
- To require that employees have job-related qualifications or experience.
- To hire, promote, and assign the most qualified person for the job.
- To establish standards for evaluating job performance.
- To discipline, demote, or dismiss incompetent, negligent, or insubordinate employees.
- To set employment terms and conditions.
- To establish wages and salary.
- To expect a productive work ethic from an employee.
Conclusion
Employee and Employer: There are many rules and regulations surrounding work. It is important to remember that you are protected by the Employment Standards Act (2000) and the Occupational Health and Safety Act (1990). Your employer has the responsibility to inform you of your rights, but you also have the responsibility to take control of your work environment by being aware and prepared ahead of time.
Gingerbread People -> Adapted From Fannie Farmer
Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter softened 1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup brown sugar 1 tablespoon powdered ginger
1/2 cup molasses 1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 egg 1 teaspoon nutmeg
2 1/2 cups flour 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Cream the butter and sugar together, then beat in the molasses and egg. In a separate bowl mix the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice. Add the dry ingredients to the first mixture and beat until the dough is thoroughly combined.
Cover and chill for about an hour.
Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease some cookie sheets or use a non-stick silicone sheet.
On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough about 1/4” (0.65 cm) thick. Use cookie cutters or a sharp knife to cut the shapes you wish. Transfer the cut pieces of dough, placing them about 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart.
Bake for about seven minutes. Remove from the oven and transfer onto racks to cool.
Buttercream icing
Cream together 1/4 cup butter, 1 cup of icing sugar, one tablespoon - or slightly more - of cream, a splash of vanilla, and food colouring is optional.
In this activity, you will describe the benefits that employers commonly offer including: health insurance, life insurance, pensions, paid vacation, lieu time, and skills-upgrading programs.
People might not get all they work for in this world, but they must certainly work for all they get.
Frederick Douglass
Douglass makes a great point to start this activity. We all need to work hard in life to achieve success. If a goal is worth attaining, then it should involve hard work. Otherwise, everyone could do it, right? It gives us something to think about as we move forward into this unit about work.
ReflectionTake a few minutes right now and think about why you work. Whether you work at school, a part-time paying job, a full-time paying job, volunteering, etc., the main point is that everyone works. Why do you do it? Do you work for money? Do you work to create and maintain friendships? Is the work that you do a stepping stone on a bigger path?
We all work for different reasons. Some of us work to make money. Some of us work because we like to be busy. Others work to achieve small goals that lead them to bigger goals in the future. Whatever the reason, working is a part of being human. It is a natural part of who we are and what we will become.
The Hidden Benefits of Working for PayAside from the obvious benefit of working for an hourly wage or a salary, there are some hidden benefits of working for pay that some employers will offer their workers. They may include:
Working for Pay - Benefits
Let's look a little closer at each of these.
Health Insurance
The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) provides residents of Ontario with basic health care coverage, including doctor check-ups, hospital stays, and x-rays. Many employers supplement or add to this coverage with health insurance through a private company – providing health insurance specifically for their employees that go beyond what OHIP covers. Private insurance can cover things like upgraded hospital rooms, regular dental cleanings, medications, eyeglasses, massage therapy, and more.
Life Insurance
Many employers will offer their employees life insurance. This is a plan whereby the employer pays a private company a fee to insure your life should death occur. The amount of the insurance varies, but the insurer (the private company) signs a contract with your employer that states that they will pay a specific amount to a designated beneficiaryin the event of your death or other event such as terminal or critical illness.
Disability Insurance
Disability insurance is money that is paid to the employee should something happen to the employee that makes working and earning impossible.
Pension Plan
A pension plan is an arrangement between an employer and employee to provide the employee with an income once they are no longer earning a regular income from employment. This most often happens when an employee retires from their work, usually between the ages of 55-65 years old.
Paid Vacation Days
Employees are entitled to two weeks of vacation time after each 12-month vacation entitlement year. Most employees get vacation pay. Usually, the employer pays you 4% of your earnings in the 12 months prior to taking vacation time off. However, you can arrange to have your vacation pay added to your regular pay cheque if you and your employer agree in writing. Visit the Ontario Ministry of Labour for more information.
Paid Sick Days
Sick days are days which you are paid for even though you are unable to work due to illness. Not all companies offer paid sick days.
Lieu Time
Sometimes employers will allow employees to build up lieu time based on overtime they have worked. Instead of getting paid overtime pay, employees bank their overtime hours worked and take them later as time off.
Skills Upgrading Programs
Some employers encourage their employees to further their skills and education by agreeing to pay in full or in part for skills programs. Employers do this in order to raise the value of their employees.
Employee Assistance Plans
Employee Assistance Plans are sometimes provided to employees. These are employer-paid interventions in the case that employees need assistance in their personal lives. Interventions can include meetings with a psychologist, family therapist, telephone counselling, etc. All information provided by the employee is kept confidential.
Employee Discounts
Sometimes employees get discounts if they purchase products from where they work. This is most common in retail outlets and stores.
Stocks and Shares in Company
Some employers will offer employees a percentage or piece of the company in return for working for them.
The Hidden Cost of Working for Pay
Of course, when there are benefits to paid work, there are also costs for working. Here are some costs of working for pay that you may or may not have thought about. They include:
Opportunity Cost
This refers to what a person gives up when a decision to work or not work is made. You roll the dice. If you decide to take a job, you are seizing one opportunity, but it may mean that you give up time with a loved one or give up money if the job does not pay as much as another one, etc.
Personal Cost
This refers to your time, health, or energy that is affected when you decide to work for pay. Some costs could include less time spent with family and/or feeling run-down if you are working too many hours. Even one's energy can be affected. If you work a 12-hour shift, you may not have the energy after work to go for a run or even walk to the store.
Financial Cost
This involves the money coming and going out as a result of your decision to work. This may include: extra daycare costs while you are at work; transportation to get to and from work; safety equipment required at work, etc.
Time Value of Money
This refers to how much you think your time is worth. We accept jobs knowing how much we will be paid and we accept the value of that job at either an hourly rate, daily rate, or by salary. Each person must decide how much their time costs.
Conclusion
Smile - it's only moneyWorking for pay has both benefits and costs. It is important that you recognize both so that you can balance both effectively and make the right decisions for you.
Discussion: Costs and Benefits of Your Dream Job
Briefly discuss a job that you would like to have. List three costs and three benefits that you think that job would have. Do the benefits outweigh the costs? Explain.
In this activity, you will identify healthy ways of dealing with stress and anger at work. You will apply your understanding to a case study and create a collage identifying sources of stress in your own life.
Stress is when you wake up screaming and you realize you haven't fallen asleep yet.
Anonymous
Have you ever told someone you were stressed out? Most of us have felt stress at one time or another in our lives. The dictionary defines stress as physical, mental, or emotional strain. It starts with mental pressure but shows itself in emotional and physical ways. Think about it – have you ever been stressed out about a test and then noticed the next day that your skin has broken out? Stress has a direct effect on our physical and emotional well-being.
Let's start by measuring your level of stress right now.
A Closer Look at StressStressed OutLet's face it - most jobs come with a degree of stress. Stress is the pressure people feel when they meet or fail to meet someone's expectations. On the job, you are expected to work hard, meet deadlines, and get along with co-workers and supervisors. All of these expectations place stress on you. Stress can be good if it pushes you to work harder and you are not physically harmed by it. Often though, we don't recognize the effects of stress until it hits us in a negative way – headaches, tiredness, crankiness, etc.
Did you know?
In 2008, 22.3% of Canadians aged 15 or older reported that most days were extremely or quite a bit stressful (Statistics Canada).
Signs of StressFeeling Stress?
Signs of stress can include:
- Headaches
- Tiredness
- Anger
- Crankiness
- Stiffness or soreness in the shoulders or neck
- Your heart beating faster
- Sweaty palms
- Feeling scared or worried
Reflection
How many of these signs of stress have you felt before?
Battling Back – How to Handle Stress
Overcoming StressDid you know? 13% of male teenagers and 20% of female teenagers report that their days are stressful or extremely stressful (Statistics Canada).
So, we know we experience it, but how do we combat it? Follow these simple steps to help minimize stress both at work and at home.
- Make choices – Instead of telling yourself you have to do something, tell yourself that you choose to do something. In the end, it is your choice to do or not do something. Changing your outlook in this way gives you choices, and choices make your work environment more positive.
- Just say no – Saying no is easier said than done, but the point is that it can be done. You make the choice to do or not do something, so you can also make the choice to say no. Often we take on too much then realize that we are drowning in commitments. Step back and look at your choices. Where and when can you say no?
- Set realistic goals – This makes sense, but we sometimes think we are super-people who can do anything at any time. Make goals that are achievable and set limits for yourself and your time.
- Ask for help – You do not have to shoulder the stress alone. Often, help is available at work, but we don't want to burden others or we don't want others to see us as less competent because we are asking for help. A good employer will recognize and appreciate your call for help as a sign of strength and commitment because you are putting the job first.
- Take care of yourself on and off the job – It is important to exercise regularly, get adequate sleep daily, and have fun on a regular basis. If you take care of yourself, you will have more energy to complete tasks and achieve goals.
A Case Study on Stress
Read the following case study and answer the questions that follow.
- Identify three sources of Jamil's stress.
- What signs of stress does Jamil show? List all that apply from the list below.
- tiredness
- crankiness
- headaches
- worried or scared
- increased heart rate
- How can Jamil minimize his stress? List three ways.
Jamil
Jamil is 16 years old and lives with his grandparents in Toronto. He works part-time at a local bakery and goes to school full-time. His grandparents often need help around the house, like taking out the garbage, cleaning, mowing the grass, and doing laundry. Recently, Jamil has been forced to take on more hours at the bakery to help his grandparents pay the bills. He has less time for his friends and is not able to play soccer for the school team this year because he is committed to work. His grades are okay, but he is worried that they are not high enough to get into college. He wishes he had more time with his friends, but much of the time he does spend with friends is full of tension. He wishes he had more money, so much so that he has noticed that he gets headaches just thinking about it.
Conclusion
Making work less stressful: Stress at work is unavoidable, but we can minimize it. Whether your work takes place at school or it is paid employment, stress happens. The important thing is to just breathe and take time to figure out your priorities. Recognize the signs of stress and take steps to minimize stress both at work and at home.
In times of great stress or adversity, it's always best to keep busy, to plow your anger and your energy into something positive. - Lee Iacocca
Your task is to create a collage that shows the eight different signs of stress in a variety of contexts – work, school, home, etc. Your collage should include at least 15 pictures from a variety of sources – Internet, magazines, newspapers, etc. Label each picture with one word that describes the stress.
Stress Busters
Working with your goal partner, create a weebly, prezie, or other multimedia presentation outlining strategies for reducing and eliminating stress. You will present your work with your partner at the beginning of Friday's class.
- tiredness
- crankiness
- headaches
- worried or scared
- increased heart rate
In this activity, you will identify and evaluate retail shopping opportunities available within and/or from your community.
I love to go shopping. I love to freak out salespeople. They ask me if they can help me, and I say, ‘Have you got anything I'd like?' Then they ask me what size I need, and I say, ‘Extra medium.'
Stephen Wright
Most of us enjoy shopping to some extent. Shopping can be serious or fun depending on what you are shopping for and who you are with. Today we are going to look at the serious side to shopping – making you a better and smarter shopper. Let's begin.
As mentioned in the last activity, there are many ways and places to shop for things that you need. They include:
- Factory Outlet Stores – These are stores that offer great deals on designer items with one catch; the items usually have some sort of small flaw, like a jagged stitch or misprinted label. Most people cannot see the flaws. The benefit of outlet stores is that it allows you to wear designer clothing at bargain prices.
- Specialty Stores – These are stores that usually sell only one type of item, like sports equipment, auto parts, art supplies, etc. The people who work in these stores offer expert knowledge about what they sell.
- Direct Sales – Heard of the vacuum salesperson? The make-up salesperson? Direct sales involve someone coming directly to your home to demonstrate products, looking for sales of that product.
- Discount Stores – Dollar stores are a growing phenomenon, along with bargain stores. These stores often have products made cheaply overseas and can sell at a low cost to consumers. If you don't mind non-designer labels, then discount stores can save you a lot of money. A t-shirt at a designer store could cost upwards of $30, but at a discount store you are more likely to find a similar shirt for $10. Big savings!
- Consignment Stores – Otherwise known as second-hand stores, consignment stores are also a growing trend in North America. Fads come and go, and many people feel the need to keep up with fads as they happen. As a result, they turn to consignment stores to sell their clothing when the items are no longer in style. Others turn to consignment stores in times of economic hardship, as clothing is much cheaper than elsewhere. Others prefer consignment stores over big box stores because they are frugal about how they spend their money.
- Warehouse Stores – These are the stores that remind you of department stores when you walk in because they have a variety of stocked items; but usually these stores are unfinished inside with skids of products piled to the roof. They usually charge some kind of membership fee and offer minimal customer service. They buy in bulk directly from the manufacturer and as a result, can pass along the savings to consumers.
- Mail Order – although not as popular as it once was, shopping by catalogue is still used by millions of people. You can select items when it is convenient for you to shop and place your order by phone, mail, or on the Internet.
- Electronic Shopping – e-shopping involves the use of the television or Internet to purchase products from the comfort of your own home. Infomercials on T.V. advertise products to buy. On-line shopping and sites such as e-Bay and Kijiji are available 24 hours a day, and with today's fast-paced work schedules, millions of people opt to shop online, especially around holidays and special occasions. Caution: be careful to only give out your personal information and account numbers to companies with established reputations. Many sites such as eBay and Kijiji will use PayPal, which is a safe and secure way to transfer money between two people so that a business transaction can take place.
Think of how you shop. How many of these shopping sources have you used? Is there one type of shopping you prefer over the others? Why or why not?
Comparison Shopping Making the Best Choice
Comparison shopping is when you research different products before you buy. You can go into the stores and look at products. You can go online and surf different websites to compare prices on the same product. Product reviews on-line either by independent companies such as CNET for electronics or on-line blogs are useful and important to read before you buy a product. You can also ask the company salespeople questions. This all helps us to become better informed consumers, in turn making us responsible shoppers.
All shopping sources have different advantages and disadvantages. Only you will know what works best for you when the time comes.
Influences on Buying Decisions
In this activity, you will identify influences on buying decisions. You will explore what it means to be a smart shopper and how needs and wants influence buying decisions.
Did you know? The average Canadian household spends approximately $70,000 per year! (Statistics Canada)
A startling amount of money is spent by Canadians every year. So, where does our money go? Look at the numbers below to see.
Money Spent by Canadians
Food Shelter Clothing Transportation Recreation Other
Amount Spent per Year $7305 $13643 $2948 $9395 $3976 $33000
After taxes and other common deductions, Canadians spend most of their money on housing. Next, they spend their money on bussing or a vehicle for transportation. After that they spend the remainder of their money on food, then recreation, then clothing. According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, we spend our money where we should – taking care of the basics of survival first, like shelter and food. When we spend money, we become consumers. We buy goods, like clothing and food based on our needs and wants. We also buy services, like car repairs and teeth cleaning.
What We Buy
Being a smart consumer isn't always easy, as we are faced with many temptations – fancy cars, the latest cell phone, the latest music, and the in-style fashions. Your first decision as a buyer is to decide whether or not to buy something. We buy things because we need or want things. A good consumer will balance needs and wants.
What is the last thing that you bought? Did you buy a coffee today or a magazine yesterday? Did you download music last night? Did you get your hair cut last week? Describe your last three purchases. Explain if each was a need or a want.
What Influences Your Buying?
There are many things that have an effect on what we buy. They include:
- Income – This controls how much money you have to spend.
- Work – Different jobs require different tools or clothing. It also affects how spend money on food. Some people may need to buy specific items for bagged lunches and other may eat out at restaurants/cafeterias for lunches and still others might go home for lunches.
- Environment – Where you live affects what you buy. If you live in a warmer climate, you want clothes and housing to keep you cool. In a colder climate, you want warm clothes and a warm house.
- Entertainment – How you spend your free time affects your buying. If you want to go to an NHL game, the cost is a lot more than watching it on television at home.
- Interests – Your values and interests control what you like to see and do. Someone who likes music may download many songs, whereas someone who likes sports may pay hundreds of dollars in sporting registration fees to be a part of a team.
- Peer Pressure – You might be tempted to buy some of the same things as your friends, and this could mean you spend more money than you can afford.
- Advertising – Ads you see on the television or the Internet also have an effect on your spending. Seeing the latest ad for the newest gaming system may motivate you to buy it, even though you have three gaming systems at home already.
Controlling Our Buying
We all want to make sure that the money we get on “pay day” lasts until our next pay day. In order to do this, we need to be smart consumers, balancing our spending between needs and wants. Here is a checklist that everyone should use to avoid impulse buying.
Buying Checklist.
1) Check to see if you can afford it. If you can't, walk away.
2) Ask yourself if you will enjoy this purchase.
3) Ask yourself if you really need this item. If you don't need it, do you at least really want it?
4) Are there more costs than just the price? Upkeep costs? Can I afford it?
5) Check to see if you have enough money after this purchase to cover you until the next pay day. If not, rethink whether you really need it.
6) Look into possible sales that might happen in the near future. Maybe this item will go on sale or maybe you could get this somewhere else cheaper.
7) Determine if you are making a good decision. Are you being influenced by other people or by advertising? If so, you might want to rethink the purchase.
Responsible Buying
Part of being a good shopper is also being a wise shopper. Knowing where and when the bargains are is part of good spending. Here are some ways to get the most for your money.
- Don't shop unless you have something to buy. Hanging out a mall after school may land you in trouble if you buy things you don't need. Only go shopping when you have a purpose – something to shop for.
- Look and wait for the sales. Look for sales when you are shopping and if a big-ticket item or something you really want is not on sale, ask a sales associate when it will be on sale. Most sales associates know what will be on sale in the coming weeks.
- Shop around. Don't confine yourself to just the mall. There are many kinds of shopping places, like factory outlet stores, discount stores, second-hand stores, warehouses, and online shopping.
Discussion
Think about where you shop. Do you usually shop at a mall? Big box stores? Do you buy anything online (this includes music you buy and download)?
Choose two of the following retail shopping opportunities and briefly explain the pros and the cons of each based on where you live.
Retail Shopping Opportunities:
- Big Box Stores
- Malls
- Catalogue Shopping
- Television Shopping
- Internet Shopping
- Bulk Warehouse Shopping (e.g. Costco, Price Club)'
We all struggle with our spending habits at some point. The key is to take time to think about what you are buying and ask yourself a few questions. Do I really need it?Can I afford it? Avoiding impulse buying is an important step in becoming a smart consumer. We can't avoid spending – we need to spend to live. What we can do is be more aware of what we are buying and why we are buying.
How to Change Your Life with Thanksgiving
Gratitude and Achievement Journal
Gratitude: What am I grateful for?
Opportunity: What opportunity did I have today?
Did: What I accomplished today.
Do: What I have planned for tomorrow.
App: Who I appreciate.
Achievement: celebrate the small victories
List 5 achievements and personal growth you’ve experienced today
In this activity, you will learn about trends; what are trends and how do trends impact you every day? You will identify the ways in which economic trends affect you as an individual. You will also investigate the financial impacts that lay-offs, long strikes, downsizing, and plant closures can have on someone by writing a reflection and sharing it with your classmates.
A guy walks up to me and asks 'What's Punk?'. So I kick over a garbage can and say 'That's punk!' So he kicks over the garbage can and says 'That's Punk?', and I say 'No, that's trend!'”
Bille Armstrong, Singer and Musician for Green Day
Armstrong makes a good point about trends. He implies that being “punk” means to act unexpectedly and perhaps against norms. On the other hand, a trend is something that is followed by many people – it is a style or a prevailing tendency to do something a certain way. So what may start out as “punk” can become a “trend” if it is something that becomes common.
Some of the most popular trends of the 2000's include:
Technology
- Music downloading;
- MP3s;
- USB hard drives;
- Facebook, Twitter, Flickr;
- Lasik eye surgery;
- DVRs;
- Self-serve kiosks;
- Video games and on-line gaming;
- Blackberry;
- Mac versus PC competition;
- Reality TV;
World Events
- Terrorism;
- Rising number and strength of earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, and other natural disasters;
Rising Prices
- Rising oil prices cause rising gas prices at pumps.
- Reflection
- Think about the list of trends presented above. How many of these trends have impacted your life? Can you image a life without these things being present?
Economic TrendsEconomic TrendsChanging economic trends will often affect decisions that we make. We can open the business section of any newspaper or look online to see economic trends that are happening all around us every day.
Such trends include:
- Saving – saving will allow you to buy bigger purchases like a house or car;
- Investing – investing will give you money in the bank when you retire;
- Spending – spending is on the rise on technological items, like gaming systems, cell phones, and music players;
- Borrowing – borrowing money is common in order to buy large purchases like a house or a car;
- Interest rates – interest (a portion/percentage of the purchase price) is charged to you in exchange for the lender allowing you to borrow money;
- Mortgages – many people rely on mortgages (a form of loan with your house as equity) to buy their house;
- Taxes – the government charges taxes on what you earn and much of what you buy;
- Inflation -- rising prices of things;
- Changing value of the Canadian dollar – the Canadian dollar value fluctuates depending on the market. This means that it may or may not make sense for companies to do business in Canada; if our dollar is strong, it means that goods cost more. A fluctuating Canadian dollar can also affect the number of jobs in the workforce;
- Employment rates – this is a measurement of how many people have jobs in your community.
We change our spending habits based on these trends. Think about what you have heard on the news in the past few years about our economy. Many jobs have been lost, and as a result, many people are not spending money as freely as they once did – this is a trend. On the other hand, if the economy is good, companies and government agencies are hiring, businesses are expanding, and there are generally more jobs for everyone.
Workplace TrendsOn StrikeSome trends we have control over and some we do not. Sometimes trends will affect our personal finances.
Here are some trends in the workplace:
- Lay-offs – when an employer dismisses an employee indefinitely due to a shortage of work available;
- Long strikes – when an employee walks off the job in favour of protesting for better working conditions or pay;
- Downsizing – when an employer permanently dismisses an employee due to financial cutbacks or a shortage of work;
- Plant closures – when an employer terminates employment for all employees at one location.
How Banks Can HelpReaching out for helpIf you are laid off from your job or are on strike, but you still have a mortgage and other bills to pay, you can visit your bank to see if they can provide you with temporary help to manage your finances. A financial planner will meet with you to discuss options like deferring payments, short-term loans, etc. Each bank is different, but all banks are willing to meet with you to discuss possible options in times of crisis.
If you receive a promotion at work, you probably will receive a raise in pay. The difference between your old rate of pay and your new rate of pay could be invested in savings using an automatic withdrawl plan. An automatic withdrawl is an arrangement made between you and your bank to withdraw a certain amount of money on a regular basis. You can also use automatic withdrawls to pay monthly auto insurance, cable bills, phone bills, pension contributions, etc.
Other Sources of Assistance
The bank is not the only source of help in times of financial struggle. You can also rely on friends for advice and support, family for possible financial assistance and understanding, and even your medical doctor to assist with your health and well-being during trying times. Your support network – friends, family, co-workers, etc., can help you.
Conclusion
Trends are all around us. We don't usually think about them until they affect us personally, for example, we are laid off from our job. Economic trends, including workplace trends are always changing. As an informed employee and consumer, we should take responsibility for what we know and don't know. It pays to be informed, so that we can make choices that make sense in the long run.
getsmarteraboutmoney.ca
Classroom Challenge
Today we will examine the impact of economic influences on personal finances. We will discover the many services of modern banks in North America. We will identify financial institutions available in your own community and the services provided at those institutions. We will conduct a survey to learn about different attitudes towards personal finances. You will apply your knowledge to real-world tasks.
The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.
Winston Churchill
Seizing Opportunities
We all have opportunities presented to us in our lives. How we look at an opportunity makes us who we are and creates the values that we hold dear. As Churchill says, it is important to see the positive aspects of every challenge we face. What challenges have you faced today? It could be as simple as just getting out of bed or as difficult as writing a test. How we handle these challenges creates opportunities for us in the future.
Economic Influences
Our Canadian economy has a big influence on our personal finances. What society values drives the economy. When we buy things we value, e.g., cell phones, books, iTunes, clothing, etc., we are giving money to businesses. These businesses profit from our spending. Investors who have given money to create these businesses also make money when we buy products. In the end, buying products like cell phones and clothing creates jobs for people who are making and selling these products in factories and stores across North America and the rest of the world.
What we choose to buy plays a big part in our personal finances. Keeping up with the latest technology in cell phones is one example. New products are coming out every day, and if you want to keep up with new products and have the latest and greatest cell phone, you will need to spend money – your personal finances – to keep up with this trend.
Did you know?
The average Ontario household spends over $3000 per year on clothing alone (Statistics Canada).
Financial Institutions
Storing your Money in a Safe Place
Financial institutions offer to help you manage your money in a variety of ways. Let's look at some of the financial institutions that are available to help you.
Banks
Banks are the most common financial institution. They are available to everyone and are financially supported by the government. Financial support by the government comes in the form of deposit insurance. A bank is a safe place for you to keep your money because your money is fully insured up to $100,000 at a single bank, e.g. CIBC, RBC, etc. If for any reason, which would be an extremely rare event in Canada, your bank does not have enough funds to cover the amount you have saved with them, the government will step in and cover the amount up to $100,000 per institution.
Another example of how banks are safe is that if someone uses your debit card fraudulently and it is not a result of you giving your PIN to someone you know, the bank will usually replace the money that was removed from your account.
Most banks offer the following services:
• Everyday banking using chequing and savings accounts. Everyday banking also includes the use of debit cards — almost every business accepts the use of debit as a form of payment; therefore, more and more consumers are using their debit cards to purchase goods and services. Another example of everyday banking is on-line banking where customers can pay bills, look at their financial statements, and transfer money online.
• You can borrow money using a mortgage, a loan, or a line of credit.
• You can invest money using GICs, Mutual Funds, RRSPs, and RESPs.
• You can seek financial advice using the help of a Financial Advisor.
• You can buy insurance such as mortgage insurance, loan insurance or travel insurance.
Credit Unions
Credit unions are the second most common financial institution. They are available to everyone and are owned by their members. Most credit unions are also backed by government support. A credit union is also a safe place to keep your money. Credit unions offer the same services as banks.
Workers own credit unions.
Finance companies are owned by investors.
Finance Companies
Finance companies offer financial services – they help with managing your money, but they do not offer a place to keep your money. They offer loans, lines of credit, and financial advice. They are owned by investors and are not backed financially by governments.
Trust Companies
Trust Companies are businesses, similar to finance companies that operate to make money for their investors. They are not financially supported by the government. They are in charge of financial assets on behalf of others. They are trusted to manage estates – usually when someone can no longer manage their own finances.
Trust Companies work for people taking care of estates.
Personal Banking Accounts
Chequing
Let's look at basic banking. A bank account is a place to store your money safely. There are two basic types of personal banking accounts – chequing and savings. A chequing account is good if you use your account a lot for taking out money, paying bills, etc. Financial institutions will often charge fees for transactions. With a chequing account, flat-rate fees are often available in order to save the consumer money. A savings account is good for just that – savings. It usually offers a higher rate of interest on your money. Savings accounts are good because they allow you to keep your money in a safe place for emergencies, future purchases or even to buy a house. As a consumer, you can have either a chequing or a savings account or both.
Pizza Dough
Ingredients
- 2 cups lukewarm water
- 2 teaspoons yeast
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
Directions- Add water, honey and yeast to a bowl. Let the yeast fully dissolve in water and bloom for 2 minutes.
- Add flour on a smooth work surface and create a well in the centre of the flour. Slowly add the yeast-water mixture, olive oil and salt until the flour has absorb the liquid. Knead until the mixture becomes an even dough consistency. If necessary, add a little more flour to absorb any excess liquid.
- Place the dough in lightly oiled bowl and gently roll the dough to coat in oil. Cover with a towel and let rest for at least one hour or until the dough doubles in size.
CBC Marketplace: Pump Fiction
Bank of Canada maintains overnight rate target at 1 per cent
Wealthy Barber
1) How are Canadians dealing with debt?
2) What is readily available credit?
3) How is it possible?
4) How can we control debt?
Story of Stuff
The Ant and the Grasshopper Animated
In this unit you will learn budget formulas and practice creating your own personal budget. You will also identify the economic and personal costs associated with working for pay.
"Don't tell me where your priorities are. Show me where you spend your money and I'll tell you what they are." - James W. Frick
Copy and reflect.
James Frick has a good point here. What do you spend your money on? Often, where we spend our money shows what we value and place priority on in life. This activity will focus on teaching you a bit more about how to manage your money, so that your priorities are in line with your values.
Budgeting – the Basics
How many of you have heard the term budget before? Probably, most of you. Most of the time, the word budget has a negative connotation to it. Some people look at a budget as a limit on what they can spend, but if you look at it closely, a budget is actually a way to give someone more money to invest or spend on things they really want. It will give you a balance between how much money you make and how much money you spend.
Let's start by looking at the basics – what is a budget? A budget is an estimated amount of money that people receive and spend in a given period of time. A budget is often itemized so that people know exactly where their money is going.
Budgeting has many benefits. They include:
• Listing expenses so there are no surprises when bills come due.
• Allowing you to track where and when you are spending your money.
• By restricting the money spent on certain items, money is often freed up to be spent on other things.
• Helping you save money for the future.
Useful Terms
Before we look at a budget, let's learn some useful terms. A budget is created based on our take-home pay (net pay). The first thing to know about a budget is the difference between fixed expenses and variable expenses. An expense is something that we pay for using our own money. Examples of expenses include cell phones, gas, rent, groceries, etc.
Fixed expenses are things that we pay for that usually cost the same amount of money from month to month. Fixed expenses can include rent, phone bill, cable bill, car insurance, etc. The amounts we pay for these items do not change much from month to month.
Variable expenses are things that we pay for that vary in price and are often not paid for on a regular basis. Variable expenses can include clothing, music, electronics, books, entertainment, etc. These expenses can be planned ahead or they can be spontaneous.
You have learned about responsibility. You have learned what kind of decision-maker you are, the things that influence your decisions, and the six-step decision-making process. You also took some time to reflect on how you spend your time in a typical day — looking at how you waste time, spend time, or invest time. Time management tips and tricks were reviewed and even practiced in a fun, online game setting. You also looked at your personal talents and those of famous celebrities as well. You realized that your talent is influenced by your support networks, social attitudes, and economic conditions. You also briefly looked at how your personal talent could influence your career choice. All of these things help make you more responsible.
- Create a bulletin board advertisement or poster for the workplace that emphasizes the importance of either time management or decision making.
Assignment 1: Bulletin Board Advertisement or Poster Complete the following assignment and submit your work to the dropbox.
Create an 8.5 x 11” poster or bulletin board for the workplace that highlights the importance of ONE of the following:
- Time Management
- Decision Making
Your poster should include information from this unit, as well as visual representations of that information. Pictures and words are equally important, so they should be balanced in your poster.
Create an 8.5 x 11” poster or bulletin board for the workplace that highlights the importance of ONE of the following:
- Time Management
- Decision Making
Your poster should include information from this unit, as well as visual representations of that information. Pictures and words are equally important, so they should be balanced in your poster.
Decision Making
Decision is a risk rooted in the courage of being free.
Paul Tillach
Wow! Powerful words, but what do they mean? Simply put, it means that it takes guts to make decisions. Every time you make a decision, you put yourself out there for criticism. As soon as you give your opinion and act on it, i.e., making the decision, you open yourself up for others to judge you. It is unfortunate that this is the way it is, but it is human nature to judge others. However, by making decisions, you gain confidence in your skills and abilities, and thereby gain the feeling of independence and freedom. The more confident you are, the more you will not care about what others think. You will be your own judge, which is a goal that we all try to achieve.
Example
Let's look at a typical day of a student. Let's call him John. John wakes up in the morning and has to decide if he gets out of bed right away or presses the snooze button. His next decision comes when he gets dressed. He needs to decide what to wear. Once he decides this, he heads to the kitchen to get some breakfast. Here he has to decide what to eat for breakfast. Once he has eaten, he heads to the bus stop to wait for the bus. The bus comes and now John has to decide who he will sit with on the bus. As you can see, John has made several decisions within a matter of minutes - and he hasn't even arrived at school yet!
What is Decision Making?
The dictionary defines a decision as a need to make up one's own mind; to make a judgment. In simple words, it is the process of solving a problem. A problem is a question that needs an answer. It could be as simple as what to wear in the morning or as complicated as deciding what college to attend.
Carl Sandburg wrote a poem called Choose and it does a good job of describing how our decisions affect our interactions with others.
Choose
The single clenched fist lifted and ready,
Or the open hand held out and waiting.
Choose:
For we meet by one or the other.
Carl Sandberg
Sandberg hints at the idea that our decisions will always affect more than just ourselves. We need to consider who our decisions will affect as part of our decision-making process. Our decisions will impact us not only now, but in the future as well.
Decision making takes practice, but we learn from our mistakes, and that is what life is all about. We should not be scared to make a decision because we are afraid of the consequences. We need to trust that we know what is best and understand that sometimes, we will make the wrong decisions. However, by making the wrong decisions, we sometimes learn better what the right decisions are.
Identifying Decisions
Let's see if you can identify the decisions made in the following story. Answer the questions that follow.
Samid's Story
Samid was constantly late for his job at Quicklube Garage. His boss, Mr. Harrinder, told Samid that if he was late one more time, he would be fired. This was Samid's first full-time job after college and his hours at the garage were going towards both his college credits and his apprenticeship. It was critical that Samid not lose this job. He decided to change, and from now on told himself that he would make an extra effort to get up in the morning and be on time for work.
For a month, Samid stuck to his word and not once did he arrive late for work. He even set his alarm clock 30 minutes early to make sure he would wake up in time. He also made a point to go to bed earlier every night, so that he wouldn't feel so tired in the morning.
One month after Mr. Harrinder threatened Samid with the loss of his job, Samid was heading to work and was on time. As he was on his way, he saw a woman in a car at the side of the road with two children in car seats in the back. He noticed that the hood was up. Samid realized that she needed help and also knew that this road was not in the safest neighbourhood in the city.
Samid knew that he could probably help the woman because of his background in automotive. He also knew though, that if he helped her, he would be late for work again. Samid decided to pull over and help the woman.
1. Identify three decisions made by Samid.
2. State the consequences of these three decisions.
Samid made many decisions that we may or may not agree with. We can agree though that his heart was in the right place. He put the safety of others before himself and he should feel good about that.
Decision Making Styles
Generally speaking, most people tend to lean to one or two specific styles of making decisions. There are six decision making styles – which one fits you the best?
Influences
There are many things that can influence your decision making. They all fall into four categories.
They are:
Your values. This is most often centred around family.
Where do we get our values?
Your feelings. These are the feelings you have for the
problem and the outcome.
Your goals. Short-term goals, ones you wish to achieve within a year, are often the most influential in decision making. Medium-range goals, those you want to achieve in 1-5 years, may also influence your decision. Long-range goals, those you want to achieve in five or more years, also should be considered.
Dream Big
What is important to you?
Your priorities. Priorities place importance on the other three influences in this list. By prioritizing what is important to you, you put yourself in charge of your life.
Reflection
Think about what influences your decisions? Are your decisions influenced by all four - values, feelings, goals, and priorities? Is there one influence that matters more than the rest? Why or why not? How does that affect how you make decisions?
The Decision Making Process
Making Decisions. Otherwise known as problem-solving, the decision making process is a step-by-step process that can be applied to any problem or choice you face.
Here are the steps:
Making Decisions Wisely
Let's take a closer look at each step.
Step One: State the problem
- Put the problem into the form of a question that you can answer.
- Simple decisions may be made on the spot, but for more complicated decisions, use this model.
Step Two: List possible solutions
- Write down both the good and the bad solutions.
Step Three: Evaluate possible solutions
- Write down the pros and cons for each solution. Using a T-chart, like the one in the example below, is often most effective.
- Ask yourself questions like:
- What is good and bad about this choice?
- How will this affect me in the future?
- How will this affect others?
- What would others do if they were in my shoes?
T-chartStep Four: Make a decision
- After you have weighed the pros and cons of each solution, choose one that best suits you and those around you.
Step Five: Act on the solution
- Now that you have made a decision, what do you need to do first, second, third, etc.?
- Following through on a decision shows that you are committed and resolute.
Step Six: Evaluate the results
- After you have taken action, ask yourself, did you make the best choice? If not, go through steps 3 to 5 again.
- Understand that there may be both positive and negative consequences. Focus on the positive and what you can learn or take away from this.
Making the Right Decision
The decisions we make in life, both positive and negative, will shape who we are. We learn from our mistakes and gain confidence when we are right.
- What is good and bad about this choice?
- How will this affect me in the future?
- How will this affect others?
- What would others do if they were in my shoes?
Time Management and Goal Setting
To live is so startling it leaves little time for anything else.
Emily Dickinson
Dickinson has a good point here. How do our lives get so busy, so fast? How many times have you said to someone, “I don't have time right now”? Probably many! We are all so busy living our lives that we forget to appreciate the little things. This activity will hopefully help you manage your time better so that you will have more time for the little things. Let's begin.
Me - A Time Manager?We have talked about how everyone at some time feels that they don't have enough time in their regular day to get all the things done that they want to get done. Let's get a sense of how you manage your time right now.
Quiz
Answer not at all, rarely sometimes, often, very often to the following questions:
1) Are the activities you work on during the day the most important to you?
2) Do you find yourself completing activities at the last minute or asking for extensions on assignments?
3) Do you set aside time for planning your work before it is due?
4) How often do you find yourself dealing with people interrupting?
5) Do you set goals?
6) Do you leave extra time in your day to deal with the "unexpected"?
7) Do you know whether the tasks you are working on are high, medium or low value?
8) When you are given a new assignment, do you analyze it for importance and prioritize it accordingly?
9) Are your stressed about deadlines?
10) Do you have "to do" lists
11) Do distractions often keep you from working on important tasks?
The Basics of Time Management
As you now have a better understanding of how you manage your time right now, let's move on to talk about effective time management.
When we look to manage our time more effectively, we need to start by looking at our basic values. What do you value — family, friends, school work, money? There are many things that you value, but you need to start with what is most important to you. You will know if you are spending your time effectively if you are using your time for what matters most to you.
Time ManagementTime management can be split into three categories: time wasted, time spent, and time invested. Time wasted means that you are spending time on something of little or no value to you. Time spent means that you are choosing how to spend your time, usually on something that enhances your values. Time invested means that you are spending a few hours each day or week on something that will pay you back in the future. This payment could be in money, a benefit gained from your job, better marks in a subject, etc. Take a minute and look at the examples below to get a better sense of what it all means.
Example
Time wasted is time we spend on things like playing games, talking to others about things that are not important, etc. Generally speaking, it is time we spend on things that have little or no value to us. We often waste time in order to avoid something, like homework or calling someone.
Think of time spent as you would think of vacation time. We work hard at work or school and can't wait until summer holidays or March break, so that we can choose how we spend our time — usually with people, doing things of value to us.
Time invested is time we spend on something that we know will pay off in the future. For example, a student will invest his or her time on a project knowing that if they do well, the project will raise their overall mark in a course. A stockbroker invests his or her time watching the stock market, so they can invest their clients' money effectively. A mechanic invests his or her time reading the latest information on current models of cars so they can fix cars faster and with less difficulty.
Styles of CommunicationThere are different styles of communication that we must use every day both at school and at work in order to succeed. Using the right style of communication will help you succeed in making your dreams a reality. Let's start with understanding the different styles of communication. They are:
- Passive
- Passive-Aggressive
- Aggressive
- Assertive
Which style of communication do you use?
Passive communication occurs when the person is not active or verbal in response. People usually act passively because they do not like to cause conflict. Their attitude and responses are based oncompliance.
Example: A teacher asks a student to work on a math exercise in class. If the student knows how to complete the exercise, they will quietly and passively start working on the exercise. If they do not know how to complete the exercise, they will sit quietly at their desk and try to work through it on their own without outside help. They may feel like they do not want to bother the teacher or others around them. They might also communicate passively because they feel ashamed that they do not know how to complete the exercise.
Passive-Aggressive communication occurs when a person is responsive, but in an often negative and/or sly way. Children are usually the most-likely group of people to demonstrate a passive-aggressive style of communication. Passive-aggressive responses are based on non-compliance. If someone doesn't want to do what is asked of them, they may use distractions to avoid a task.
Example: A student is asked to complete a math exercise in class. A passive-aggressive response to this would be to create a distraction to avoid completing the exercise either because they do not know how to do the exercise or they do not want to do the exercise. They may start writing notes, doodling, listen to their iPod, etc. Often, passive-aggressive responses are sneaky and not usually detected at first.
Aggressive communication occurs when the person is bold and assertive, to the point of being considered pushy. People usually act aggressively when they feel either personally attacked or pressured. Aggressive responses are based on emotions, not usually rational thinking.
Example: A teacher asks a student to work on a math exercise in class. The student feels pressure to comply, but does not understand how to do the assignment or does not want to do the exercise, so instead tells the teacher they will not do it. They take a stand in front of the rest of the class causing a clear battle for control of the classroom.
Assertive communication occurs when the person is confident in their response and often demonstrates a positive attitude. People who are assertive appear confident to others. They are usually well-liked by others because they have a positive attitude and speak their mind in a calm and controlled manner. Being assertive not only means speaking your mind, but it also means knowing that there is a time and place for everything. It may not be appropriate to speak your mind during the middle of a presentation, but asking questions after the presentation is often encouraged.
Example: A teacher asks a student to complete a math exercise in class. An assertive student may or may not know how to complete the assignment. If they do know, they will work hard to complete it, often assisting others who might need help. If they do not know how to complete the exercise, they will raise their hand and ask the teacher for help, then engage in completing the exercise.
Keys To Better Communication
Here are some basic principles and techniques of communication to begin using. They include #1 - active listening, #2 - using "I messages," and #3 - choosing the right time to communicate.
#1. Active Listening
Active listening involves being open, setting aside your own feelings momentarily, and trying to understand what the person is saying. To listen actively you must:
Put yourself in the other person's place.
Show understanding and acceptance.
Restate the person's concerns in your own words. Don't interrupt.
Maintain eye contact.
Listen carefully.
How well do you actively listen? What could you do to improve?
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Using "I messages"
"I messages" communicate how you feel about a situation and what you expect of the other person. Unlike "You messages," which blame, accuse, and label people, "I messages" get the message across without putting the other person on the defensive. Consider the following example which shows the difference between a "You message" and an "I message:"
(You message) "You are so inconsiderate, coming home this late and not even calling me!"
(I message) "I get very worried when you come home late and don't call me. In the future, please call me and tell me when you're going to be late."
What differences do you see between the two statements?
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Which would be easier to hear? ______________________________________
Which do you think would have the better results? ________________________
Exercise: How to construct an "I message:"
"I feel __________________________________(state the emotion you are
feeling, ex: hurt, angry, disappointed, upset, etc.) when you _________________
_________________________________________________________(state
the facts about what the person did or said) and I want
____________________________________________________________. (state what you expect or want from the person )
Exercise: Change the following "You Messages" to "I Messages:"
You are so selfish!
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You never want to do the things I want to do!
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You are such a slob!
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Your room is a pig sty!
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You aren't trustworthy. You never should have told them my secret!
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Mr. Wilson’s Mom’s Chocolate Chip Cookies
Cream 1 cup of butter (room temperature), 1 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup granulated sugar.
Add 2 eggs and 2 teaspoons of vanilla.
Combine 2 cups of flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp salt and mix into other ingredients.
Add one bag of chocolate chips.
Bake at 325° for 8-10 minutes.
Cool on racks.
Tuesdays With Morrie
1. What role does self-concept play in effective communication?
2. Describe the role of “interpersonal intelligence” (i.e., the capacity for listening to and empathizing with others) in successful relationships.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the elements of communication.
4. describe techniques that lead to effective interaction with others
Food Network Video
Michael Smith's No Knead Bread
Our Learning Goal -> Explain self concept and identify factors that influence it.
The term self-concept is a general term used to refer to how someone thinks about or perceives themselves.
The self concept is how we think about and evaluate ourselves. To be aware of oneself is to have a concept of oneself.
Baumeister (1999) provides the following self conceptdefinition: "the individual's belief about himself or herself, including the person's attributes and who and what the self is".
SelfConcept.mov
How does self concept change as we age?
Carl Rogers (1959) believes that the self concept has three different components:
- The view you have of yourself (Self image)
- How much value you place on yourself (Self esteem or self-worth)
- What you wish you were really like (Ideal self)
This does not necessarily have to reflect reality. Indeed a person with anorexia who is thin may have a self image in which the person believes they are fat. A person's self image is affected by many factors, such as parental influences, friends, the media etc.
Kuhn (1960) investigated the self-image by using The Twenty Statements Test.
He asked people to answer the question 'Who am I?' in 20 different ways. He found that the responses could be divided into two major groups. These were social roles (external or objective aspects of oneself such as son, teacher, friend) and personality traits (internal or affective aspects of oneself such as gregarious, impatient, humorous).
The list of answers to the question “Who Am I?” probably include examples of each of the following four types of responses:
1) Physical Description: I’m tall, have blue eyes...etc.
2) Social Roles: We are all social beings whose behavior is shaped to some extent by the roles we play. Such roles as student, housewife, or member of the football team not only help others to recognize us but also help us to know what is expected of us in various situations.
3) Personal Traits: These are a third dimension of our self-descriptions. “I’m impulsive...I’m generous...I tend to worry a lot”...etc.
4) Existential Statements (abstract ones): These can range from "I’m a child of the universe" to "I’m a human being" to "I’m a spiritual being"...etc.
Typically young people describe themselves more in terms of such personal traits, whereas older people feel defined to a greater extent by their social roles.
Self Esteem and Self Worth(the extent to which you value yourself)
Self esteem refers to the extent to which we like accept or approve of ourselves or how much we value ourselves. Self esteem always involves a degree of evaluation and we may have either a positive or a negative view of ourselves.
HIGH SELF ESTEEM i.e. we have a positive view of ourselves. This tends to lead to
- Confidence in our own abilities
- Self acceptance
- Not worrying about what others think
- Optimism
LOW SELF ESTEEM i.e. we have a negative view of ourselves. This tends to lead to
- Lack of confidence
- Want to be/look like someone else
- Always worrying what others might think
- Pessimism
There are several ways of measuring self-esteem. For example, Harrill Self Esteem Inventory is a questionnaire comprising 15 statements about a range of interest.
4 major factors that influence self esteem.
1) THE REACTION OF OTHERS. If people admire us, flatter us, seek out our company, listen attentively and agree with us we tend to develop a positive self-image. If they avoid us, neglect us, tell us things about ourselves that we don’t want to hear we develop a negative self-image.
2) COMPARISON WITH OTHERS. If the people we compare ourselves with (our reference group) appear to be more successful, happier, richer, better looking than ourselves we tend to develop a negative self image BUT if they are less successful than us our image will be positive.
3) SOCIAL ROLES. Some social roles carry prestige e.g. doctor, airline pilot, TV. presenter, premiership footballer and this promotes self-esteem. Other roles carry stigma. E.g. prisoner, mental hospital patient, refuse collector or unemployed person.
4) IDENTIFICATION. Roles aren’t just “out there.” They also become part of our personality i.e. we identity with the positions we occupy, the roles we play and the groups we belong to.
But just as important as all these factors, are the influence of our parents!
The term self-concept is a general term used to refer to how someone thinks about or perceives themselves.
The self concept is how we think about and evaluate ourselves. To be aware of oneself is to have a concept of oneself.
Baumeister (1999) provides the following self conceptdefinition: "the individual's belief about himself or herself, including the person's attributes and who and what the self is".
Self Concept is an important term for both social psychology andhumanism.
B) Mr. Dirty - dressed in an old T-shirt and jeans, slouched over a cheap sex novel.
Self-esteem of participants with Mr. Dirty increased whilst those with Mr. Clean decreased! No mention made of how this affected subjects’ performance in interview. Level of self-esteem affects performance at numerous tasks though (Coopersmith, 1967) so could expect Mr. Dirty subjects to perform better than Mr. Clean.
Even though self-esteem might fluctuate, there are times when we continue to believe good things about ourselves even when evidence to the contrary exists. This is known as the perseverance effect. Miller and Ross (1975) showed that people who believed they had socially desirable characteristics continued in this belief even when the experimenters tried to get them to believe the opposite. Does the same thing happen with bad things if we have low self-esteem? Maybe not, perhaps with very low self-esteem all we believe about ourselves might be bad.
Ideal Self(what you'd like to be)
If there is a mismatch between how you see yourself (e.g. your self image) and what you’d like to be (e.g. your ideal self ) then this is likely to affect how much you value yourself. Therefore, there is an intimate relationship between self-image, ego-ideal and self-esteem. Humanistic psychologists study this using theQ-Sort Method.
A person’s ideal self may not be consistent with what actually happens in life and experiences of the person. Hence, a difference may exist between a person’s ideal self and actual experience. This is called incongruence.
Where a person’s ideal self and actual experience are consistent or very similar, a state of congruence exists. Rarely, if ever does a total state of congruence exist; all people experience a certain amount of incongruence. The development of congruence is dependent on unconditional positive regard. Roger’s believed that for a person to achieve self-actualization they must be in a state of congruence.
Four major factors which influence its development:
1. The ways in which others (particularly significant others) react to us.
- 2. How we think we compare to others
- 3. Our social roles
- 4. The extent to which we identify with other people
2) Social Roles: We are all social beings whose behavior is shaped to some extent by the roles we play. Such roles as student, housewife, or member of the football team not only help others to recognize us but also help us to know what is expected of us in various situations.
3) Personal Traits: These are a third dimension of our self-descriptions. “I’m impulsive...I’m generous...I tend to worry a lot”...etc.
4) Existential Statements (abstract ones): These can range from "I’m a child of the universe" to "I’m a human being" to "I’m a spiritual being"...etc.