Module 1: Building Integrity
Integrity means doing the right thing even when no one is watching. In this module, you’ll learn why honesty builds trust with employers and coworkers.
What you’ll do:
- Share stories about times when being honest made a difference
- Practice workplace scenarios where your integrity gets tested
- Write about a time when staying honest was hard but worth it
You’ll read “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz. It’s a short book with simple rules for living with integrity. Easy to read but powerful ideas you can use right away.
Real workplace example: Your supervisor makes a mistake on your timesheet that gives you extra pay. Do you keep quiet or speak up? You’ll practice situations like this and learn why integrity builds your reputation.
Module 2: Taking Accountability
Accountability means owning your choices and their results. Good and bad. This module shows you how taking responsibility actually gives you more control over your life.
What you’ll do:
- Create your Personal Accountability Plan with specific goals and deadlines
- Practice giving and receiving feedback from other participants
- Learn how accountability builds trust with employers
The recommended reading is “QBQ! The Question Behind the Question” by John Miller. It’s a short, practical guide that shows you how to ask better questions and take control of your situation.
Workplace connection: When you make a mistake at work, you’ll know how to own it, fix it, and prevent it from happening again. Employers respect workers who can do this.
Module 3: Finding Your Motivation
Motivation isn’t just feeling good. It’s about having clear reasons to keep going when work gets hard or boring. This module helps you find what drives you.
What you’ll do:
- Set SMART goals (goals that are Specific, Measurable, and have deadlines)
- Create a vision board showing what success looks like for you
- Hear from someone who overcame big challenges to achieve their goals
You’ll read “Make Your Bed” by Admiral William McRaven. It shows how small daily actions build the discipline that leads to bigger success.
Personal example: Maybe your motivation is providing for your family. Or proving to yourself that you can succeed. You’ll identify what motivates you and learn how to use it every day.
Module 4: Living with Honor
Honor means treating people with respect. Including yourself. This module shows you how respect at work creates better relationships and more opportunities.
What you’ll do:
- Work with your group to create an Honor Code you all agree to follow
- Participate in a community service project that helps others
- Practice showing respect in difficult workplace situations
The reading is “The Fred Factor” by Mark Sanborn. It’s about going above and beyond for others, which creates respect and opens doors.
Career benefit: When you treat coworkers, customers, and supervisors with honor, you become someone people want to work with. This leads to better job opportunities.
Module 5: Staying Optimistic
Optimism doesn’t mean pretending everything is perfect. It means looking for solutions instead of just focusing on problems. This mindset helps you bounce back from setbacks.
What you’ll do:
- Learn practical ways to stay positive, like gratitude journaling
- Practice turning negative situations into learning opportunities
- Share examples of how optimism helped you or someone you know succeed
You’ll read “The Happiness Advantage” by Shawn Achor. It shows how positive thinking actually improves your job performance and relationships.
Real application: When you face rejection or disappointment at work, you’ll have tools to stay focused on moving forward instead of getting stuck.
Module 6: Building Perseverance
Perseverance is what keeps you going when things get tough. Every successful person has faced setbacks. This module teaches you how to push through challenges.
What you’ll do:
- Share stories of times when you didn’t give up and it paid off
- Work on a challenging group project that requires persistence
- Write about how perseverance led to a breakthrough in your life
The book is “The Obstacle Is the Way” by Ryan Holiday. Short chapters with practical wisdom about turning problems into opportunities.
Job search connection: Finding work after incarceration takes persistence. You’ll face rejection. This module gives you the tools to keep going until you find the right opportunity.
Module 7: Pursuing Excellence
Excellence isn’t about being perfect. It’s about always trying to do your best work and finding ways to improve. Employers value workers who care about quality.
What you’ll do:
- Identify areas where you want to grow professionally and personally
- Create your Personal Excellence Plan with specific steps for improvement
- Present your plan to the group and get feedback
You’ll read “The Carpenter” by Jon Gordon. It’s a story about taking pride in your work and always looking for ways to do better.
Career advantage: When you consistently deliver quality work and look for ways to improve, you become valuable to employers. This leads to promotions and better opportunities.
