Business English Pod / Business Skills 360 / Page 16

Skills 360 – Negotiations 1: Doing your Groundwork

Business English, Business Skills 360, Negotiating /

The Skills 360 podcast is now available in iTunes: Free Subscription

Welcome back to the Skills 360 podcast for today’s lesson on getting the most out of your negotiations.

Negotiation is something we all have to do on some level. You might be part of a team discussing a huge contract, or on the phone trying to get a good deal on office supplies, or in your manager’s office asking for a raise. Negotiation happens every day. In fact, you might say that in business everything is negotiable.

Discussion Questions

1. In your job, what do you have to negotiate?
2. How do you usually prepare for a negotiation?
3. What do you think are the keys to successful negotiation?

Free Resources: Transcript | Quizzes | PDF Transcript

Download: Podcast MP3

Skills 360 – Dealing with Problem People (Part 2)

Business English, Business Skills 360, Communication /

The Skills 360 podcast is now available in iTunes: Free Subscription

We’ve been looking at how to deal with problem people. These are the people in your office that drive you nuts because they’re so difficult to get along with. Last week we talked about how to deal with specific incidents. Today, we’re talking about ongoing issues.

This is about the constant thorn in your side, whether it’s your colleague, your boss, or the IT guy that gets annoyed every time you ask for some information. In extreme cases, these people can make you dread going to work each day. So how can we deal with them?

Discussion Questions

1. Have you had to deal with a co-worker who caused you continual problems?
2. At what point do you think you should involve a supervisor when you have a problem with a colleague or co-worker?
3. Do you naturally discuss problems openly or do you tend to keep things in?

Free Resources: Transcript | Quizzes | PDF Transcript

Download: Podcast MP3

Skills 360 – Dealing with Problem People (Part 1)

Business English, Business Skills 360, Communication /

The Skills 360 podcast is now available in iTunes: Free Subscription

The New Year is a really important time for most people. For one thing, we use it as a time for setting goals. And if you want some help doing that, be sure to check out the Skills 360 podcast on achieving your goals. The New Year is also a time when we feel refreshed and optimistic about the future. It’s a brand new start, right? Unfortunately, that feeling is not shared by everyone. You might go to the office in the New Year with a smile on your face, but there are people who seem determined to wipe it off. I’m talking about problem people.

Discussion Questions

1. What types of people do you find difficult to deal with at work?
2. How do you usually deal with people who are rude or uncooperative?
3. Have you ever wanted to change jobs because of someone you didn’t get along with?

Free Resources: Transcript | Quizzes | PDF Transcript

Download: Podcast MP3

Skills 360 – Preparing for your Year-end Review

Business English, Business Skills 360, Human Resources /

The Skills 360 podcast is now available in iTunes:
Free iTunes Subscription

The end of 2011 is fast approaching, and it’s the season for performance reviews and end-of-year appraisals.

Few people actually look forward to sitting down with their supervisor and talking about the past year. For most, it’s quite a nerve-wracking experience. But today I want to show you that if you’re prepared, there’s no reason to be shaking in your boots.

Discussion Questions

1. Does your company review employee performance regularly?
2. How do you feel when you are evaluated for the work you do?
3. What kind of preparation do you think is important for a year-end review?

Free Resources: Transcript | Quizzes | PDF Transcript

Download: Podcast MP3

Skills 360 – Making the Most of Personal Learning 2

Advanced, Business English, Business Skills 360, Training /

Welcome back to the Skills 360 podcast.

The Skills 360 Podcast is now available in iTunes:
Free iTunes Subscription

In this lesson, we’re going to look at some more tips and ideas for making the most of your personal learning. Last week, we looked at setting yourself up with a system of personal learning. Today, we’re going to look at how to maintain your momentum and stay on track.

Discussion Questions

1. Do you have a regular schedule for studying English?
2. How can you know whether you’re improving your English skills?
3. What are your greatest personal motivators for studying English?

Free Resources: Transcript | Quizzes | PDF Transcript

Download: Podcast MP3