Lesson Plan

Unwritten Rules Overview

Students will identify and practice unwritten workplace norms through discussions and role-play, enhancing their professional soft skills.

Understanding unwritten workplace norms helps students navigate college and future careers confidently, fostering professionalism and adaptability.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Review and Print Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction

5 minutes

Step 2

Unwritten Rules Presentation

10 minutes

Step 3

Role-Play Preparation

5 minutes

Step 4

Mock Workplace Role-Plays

15 minutes

Step 5

Reflection Discussion

10 minutes

Step 6

Wrap-Up and Next Steps

5 minutes

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Slide Deck

Unwritten Rules of the Workplace

Welcome students to today’s presentation. Introduce the concept of unwritten rules and set the stage for exploring professional norms. Script: “Today we’ll uncover the hidden expectations that shape workplace behavior—things your boss or coworkers might expect without ever writing them down.”

Agenda

Briefly run through the agenda so students know what to expect. Prompt them to jot down questions as we move through each section.

What Are Unwritten Rules?

Define unwritten rules and contrast with formal policies. Ask: “Can anyone share a rule you follow at home or school that isn’t written down?”

Punctuality

Explain why punctuality matters: respect for others’ time, reliability, trust building. Ask: “How early would you arrive for a morning shift?”

Communication Style

Discuss clear vs. unclear communication. Contrast example of casual text vs. professional email. Ask: “What tone would you use when emailing a manager?”

Dress Code

Highlight how dress codes vary by industry. Show visuals of business casual vs. uniforms. Encourage questions about specific workplace scenarios.

Digital Etiquette

Cover common digital pitfalls and best practices. Share dos and don’ts of group chats and video calls. Ask: “Why might delayed email replies harm your reputation?”

Your Turn: Share Examples

Transition to an interactive segment. Instruct students to pair up and share real or hypothetical examples. Collect a few volunteers to share with the class.

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Script

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Activity

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Discussion

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Unwritten Rules of Work

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Cierra Thomas

Tier 1
For Schools
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