UNIT 3: GETTING THE WORK DONE

Skills Focus

• Reading
• Writing
 3.1 VOCABULARY Getting the work done
A. Match these words with their meanings.
1. productivity e a) the reason or reasons one has for acting or behaving in a particular way
2. efficiency c b) the amount of confidence and enthusiasm, etc. that a person or a group has at a
3. morale b particular time
4. output f c) the ability to do something or produce something without wasting materials, time, or
5. motivation a energy
6. prioritization d d) the act of putting tasks, problems, etc. in order of importance, so that you can deal with
the most important first
e) the rate at which goods are produced or work is completed
f) the amount of something that a person, a machine or an organization produces
B. Combine words from Box A with words from Box B to make word partnerships. Use the definitions below
to help you.

A self- goal financial time job paid belonging intrinsic

B setting motivation rewards needs holidays blocking security actualization

1. the act of doing something for the inherent satisfaction of the activity rather than the desire for a reward - intrinsic
motivation
2. the process of defining specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound objectives goal setting
3. the assurance an employee has that they can continue working their current job for the foreseeable future job security
4. monetary incentives that an employee earns as a result of good performance financial rewards
5. the fact of using your skills and abilities and achieving as much as you can possibly achieve self-actualization
6. days that employees get off from work and still get paid for paid holidays
7. the desire for social relationships and being accepted by one’s colleagues belonging needs
8. the process of dividing your day into blocks of time for specific tasks time blocking
C. Complete the sentences with words from Exercises A and B.
1. Zero-hours contracts offer workers little or no ………………
job security.
2. ……………… play an important role in the work-life balance of employees.
Paid holidays
time blocking
3. Implementing ……………… can help you create a clear roadmap of what needs to be done and when.
4. When you pursue an activity for the pure enjoyment of it, you are doing so because of ……………… .
intrinsic motivation
5. Studies have found that recognition, autonomy, and opportunities for growth and development can be just as
important as ……………… in job satisfaction.
financial rewards
goal settingrequires not only defining the desired outcome but also breaking it down into smaller,
6. Successful ………………
actionable steps.
Self-actualization
7. ……………… involves the pursuit of excellence and enjoyment; whichever people choose to desire and
emphasize.
8. Human beings are social creatures by nature, and satisfying their ……………… is crucial for their overall well-
belonging needs
being and mental health.
D. Discussion
Work in pairs and discuss these questions.
1. What are some common obstacles that people face
when trying to get work done?
2. How can you stay motivated when working on a
project?
3. How can you ensure that you’re delivering high-quality
work that meets expectations?
4. What are some best practices for setting goals and
tracking your progress?
5. How can you manage stress when working on a
demanding project?
 procrastination,
1. Some common obstacles that people face when trying to get work done include
lack of focus, distractions, lack of time management skills, and being
incompetent.

2. To stay motivated when working on a project, you can

✓ break it down into smaller tasks
✓ set clear goals
✓ reward yourself for completing milestones
✓ find inspiration or motivation from others
✓ create a supportive work environment
✓ remind yourself of the purpose and benefits of the project
3. To ensure that you're delivering high-quality work that meets expectations, you can
✓ establish clear objectives and requirements
✓ conduct thorough research and analysis
✓ seek feedback and input from others
✓ pay attention to details
✓ double-check your work for errors
✓ continuously strive for improvement

4. Best practices for setting goals and tracking progress include

✓ setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals
✓ breaking goals down into smaller milestones
✓ creating a timeline or schedule
✓ regularly reviewing and adjusting goals
✓ tracking your progress using tools or techniques like to-do lists or project management software
✓ celebrating achievements along the way.
5. To manage stress when working on a demanding project, you can

✓ prioritize tasks and focus on the most important ones first

✓ practice effective time management
✓ take breaks and engage in activities that help you relax and recharge
✓ practice stress-reducing techniques like deep breathing or meditation
✓ seek support from colleagues or mentors
✓ maintain a healthy work-life balance
✓ remind yourself of the bigger picture and the value of your work
 3.2 READING Skimming  Scanning  Guessing from context

PRE-READING
A. Do you agree or disagree with the following
statements? Why?
1. People dislike work and avoid it if they can.
2. Work is necessary for people’s psychological well-being.
3. People avoid responsibility and would rather be told what
to do.
4. People only turn up to work for the pay.
5. People try to be better at their jobs, from which they can
get significant personal satisfaction.
B. Match these words with their meanings.

1. subsistence b a) believing that people should obey authority and rules, even when these are
2. autocratic d unfair, and even if it means that they lose their personal freedom
3. authoritarian a b) the state of having just enough money or food to stay alive
4. decentralization e c) thinking that you are better or more important than anyone else
5. commitment g d) having complete power; involving rule by somebody who has complete power
6. delegation f e) the act or process of giving some of the power of a central government,
7. egoistic c organization, etc. to smaller parts or organizations around the country
f) the process of giving somebody work or responsibilities that would usually be
yours
g) the desire to work hard and give your energy and time to a job or an activity
WHILE-READING
McGregor’s Theory X and Theory Y
A. Decide whether these statements are True (T) or False (F).
1. Theory X assumes that managerial motivation and control should
follow a traditional approach. T
2. Theory X describes employees as unskilled workers who need strict
supervision and should be managed through threats of punishment and
strict control. T
3. Theory Y states that people are inherently unreliable and lazy. F
4. Theory Y emphasizes the satisfaction of workers’ needs and relies
much on authority as a means of command and control. F
5. Theory Y recognizes that workers can exercise self-direction and
self-control in pursuing goals they are committed to. T
B. Answer these questions.
1. According to Theory X, what kinds of employees’ needs do managers satisfy?
Physiological and safety needs
2. How does Theory Y differ from Theory X in terms of human nature?
This theory assumes that people are not unreliable and lazy by nature
3. When does the ‘carrot and stick’ theory of motivation work well?
When individual is struggling for subsistence
4. According to theory X, how should people be managed?

Threats of punishment and strict control

5. What are some ways management can control individuals according to McGregor?

Threats of punishment and strict control, decentralization and delegation, job enlargement,
participation and consultative management, and management by objectives
POST-READING
Discuss these questions.
1. How can understanding different
management types help improve leadership
skills?
2. Can you think of any real-life examples of
organizations that practice Theory Y
management?
3. How do these management styles influence
employees’ success?
 3.3 WRITING Letters of inquiry

LEAD-IN
Read the three samples below
and underline three phrases
used to make inquiries.
(1) Opening: Tell your ✓ Our company is a subsidiary of Universal Business Machines and we specialize in …
FUNCTIONAL LANGUAGE
supplier what sort of
Complete the table✓using
firm you are. We are
theone of the main
following producers of industrial chemicals in Germany and we are interested in …
phrases.
(2) Asking for ✓ Could you please send your current catalog and price list for exhibition stands?
catalogs, price lists, ✓ We are particularly interested in furniture display stands.
and prospectus ✓ I would appreciate your sending me an up-to-date price list for your building materials.
✓ I would appreciate more details about the communication system which you are advertising on
(3) Asking for details Gramplan Television.
✓ Could you please give me more information about course BL 362 which appears in the language
learning section of your summer prospectus?
(4) Asking for ✓ When replying, could you please enclose a pattern card?
samples, patterns, ✓ We would also appreciate it if you could send some samples of the material so that we can examine
and demonstrations the texture and quality.
(5) Suggesting terms, ✓ We intend to place a substantial order and would therefore like to know what quality discount
methods of payment, you allow.
and discount policy ✓ Could you let us know if you allow cash or trade discount?
✓ We would be grateful for an early reply.
(6) Closing ✓ If the product is satisfactory, we will place further orders with you in the future.
✓ Thank you for your attention. We hope to hear from you in the near future.
TASKS
Write an inquiry.
You are Mr. Keith Liekerman, Marketing Manager of Vegetables Supreme. From the notes below, write a letter of
inquiry to Mr. Fidel Englebert asking for the price list and some details about the product.

Notes:
- paragraph 1: saying who you are & showing your interest in purchasing and selling organic vegetables.
- paragraph 2: inquiring some details about the product (where the vegetables are grown and how to ensure that
they are organically grown & providing regular supply of vegetables delivered fresh every day).
- paragraph 3: asking for the price list.
- paragraph 4: closing the letter.
(suggested answer – version 1)

Dear Mr. Englebert,

I am Keith Liekerman, Marketing Manager of Vegetables Supreme. We are interested in purchasing and selling
your product, organic vegetables, in our grocery store.

We would like to inquire some details about your product:

1. Where are the vegetables grown and how do you ensure that they are organically grown?

2. Would you be able to provide a regular supply of vegetables delivered fresh everyday?

Could you please send me the an up-to-date price list of your organic vegetables as well?

We would be grateful for an early reply.

Best regards,

Keith Liekerman
Dear Mr. Englebert, (suggested answer – version 2)

I am Keith Liekerman, the Marketing Manager of Vegetables Supreme. Our grocery store is highly interested in
purchasing and selling your exceptional product, organic vegetables. Before we proceed, I would like to inquire
about a few important details.

To begin, could you please inform us about the location where the vegetables are grown and the measures taken to
ensure that they are organically grown? Following from that, we would like to know if you have the capability to
provide a consistent supply of fresh vegetables on a daily basis.

Besides, it would be greatly appreciated if you could share an up-to-date price list of your organic vegetables.

We eagerly await your prompt response.

Yours sincerely,

Keith Liekerman
 3.4 SKILLS BANK

A business inquiry is a formal request for information from an organization. Some of the reasons you may want to
send a business inquiry email include:
• Asking for a catalog, pricing, or information on a product
• Requesting details of a service
• Wanting a product sample
• Asking for the availability of space, e.g., at a hotel or exhibition.
A professional business inquiry follows a traditional format that clearly spells out what you want. There are five
key aspects to it:
1. Email subject for inquiry
2. Greeting
3. Body
4. Closing
5. Sign-off/signature
Bear in mind that
1. Tailor the message
People in business are under pressure, and so the quicker you can get to the point and more specific you can be, the more likely
you are to receive a reply.
As we’ve explained above, business inquiries are formal communication, so be polite and professional rather than attempt to
be friendly.
2. Explain who you are
When writing a business inquiry email or request for information, who you are matters. Don’t jump into your request straight
away. Instead, tell the reader who you are.
This provides the reader with an understanding of the person they are communicating with and why they should take you
seriously.
3. Be clear about what you want, when, and why
Researchers have found that email senders overestimate how quickly senders expect responses. Business inquiry emails sent
outside of working hours can feel more urgent, creating pressure to reply that can cause stress.
The key takeaway is when sending a business inquiry email, be clear about the information you are requesting, when you need
it, and crucially why.
4. Check it (then check it again)
Accuracy is essential when writing a business email, so ensure you review and refine your messages before sending them. If
you’re sending multiple emails simultaneously, double-check the critical information, such as the recipient’s name and their
organization.
Sample
 3.5 WORD BANK

✓ authoritarian (adj) /ɔːˌθɒrɪˈteəriən/ believing that people should obey authority

and rules, even when these are unfair, and even if it means that they lose their
personal freedom
✓ autocratic (adj) /ˌɔːtəˈkrætɪk/ having complete power; involving rule by
somebody who has complete power
✓ command (n) /kəˈmɑːnd/ an order given to a person
✓ commitment (n) /kəˈmɪtmənt/ a promise to do something or to behave in a
particular way
✓ control (n) /kənˈtrəʊl/ the power to make decisions about how a country, an
area, an organization, etc. is run
✓ decentralization (n) /ˌdiːˌsentrəlaɪˈzeɪʃn/ the act or process of giving some of the
power of a central government, organization, etc. to smaller parts or
organizations around the country
✓ delegation (n) /ˌdelɪˈɡeɪʃn/ a group of people who represent the views of an
organization, a country
✓ egoistic (adj) /ˌiːɡəʊˈɪstɪk/ thinking that you are better or more important than
anyone else
✓ enlargement (n) /ɪnˈlɑːdʒmənt/ the process or result of something becoming or
being made larger
✓ physiological (adj) /ˌfɪziəˈlɒdʒɪkl/ connected with the scientific study of the
normal functions of living things
✓ self-direction (n) /self dəˈrekʃn/ the ability to make your own decisions and
organize your own work rather than being told what to do by other people
✓ subordinate (n) /səˈbɔːdɪnət/ a person who has a position with less authority and
power than somebody else in an organization
✓ subsistence (n) /səbˈsɪstəns/ the state of having just enough money or food to
stay alive
✓ unleash (v) /ʌnˈliːʃ/ to suddenly let a strong force, emotion, etc. be felt or have
an effect