PWSD Game: Comments from Ms. Beatrice Hung, Facilitator of Workshops on Building Positive Workplace
The submissions show that our colleagues understand the technique of 'frame comments in objective and neutral (instead of subjective and evaluative) language' and know how to apply the technique to change the statements. For example, 'tons of errors' is changed to 'accuracy of the writing', 'your report is such a mess' is changed to 'better organization of your report' and 're-organize report in a more systematic way'. Some submissions have added positive elements to the statements. For example: 'You can do a better job', 'I appreciate that you present your report in such a professional way' and 'Your efforts will be highly appreciated by the team'. A number of submissions applied the 'WE' statement technique such as 'we try to solve it together', 'We are a team' and 'Let's print it out the revised version'. Some submissions have suggested ways for the staff to improve his/her performance. All these elements will help to motivate the staff to improve their performance. Very good indeed! Some submissions, however, convey a sense of accusation, for example, 'you failed to…' and should be avoided.

Let's have a look at the colleagues' submissions:

(1) You are so careless that there are tons of errors in your report. I am very disappointed with you!
* Please pay attention to the accuracy of your writing. You can do a better job!
* Please refer to my comments on your report for amendment and avoid similar errors in the future.

(2) You come to work late and leave early everyday. Other staff members have to wrap up your unfinished business for you and this is driving them crazy.
* Please be punctual when coming to work and try finish your work of the day before leaving the office.
* Please come to work as scheduled to avoid adding extra burden to your colleagues.

(3) You did not do what you have promised to do. The project is now delayed and everyone in the office is so pissed off.
* You have agreed to finish these tasks before. I hope you will stick to your promise. We are a team and your dedication is indispensable.
* You are advised to have better time management by re-prioritizing your work according to their deadlines. Please adhere to your work schedule as your output is crucial for the project.

(4) Your report is such a mess that no one will understand. What's the point of printing it so professionally?
* I appreciate that you present your report in such a professional way. It would be perfect if you can re-organize your report in a systematical way.
* Your report is not clear enough for my apprehension.
* The printout looks tidy. I find some areas which I do not understand in this report and can you just explain to me the message you want to convey? Ok, you can try to rephrase like this and next time, you can try outline the main points and a flowchart to construct a better presentation of ideas to persuade readers.

(5) The conclusion that you drew is subjective and biased. It is obvious that you have not considered all the relevant data.
* If you could consider other relevant data, I am sure that you can arrive at a more thorough conclusion.
* There are different angles for this matter, you may try to consider all the relevant data before drawing conclusion.
* The conclusion can be objective and neutral once you consolidate all the relevant data. Have another try!

For details of the PWSD game, please refer to "Positive Workplace and Staff Development Electronic Newsletter (Issue 2) "The Art of Communication".

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ISSUE 3    JAN 2015
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