Unit 5

Unit 5 - Contribute to Good Working Relationships

Understand how to agree working agreements

1.1 Identify key roles and tasks in the production process
The production process in media refers to the stages required to complete a media product from an idea to a final master copy. This can apply to any type of media production including film, video and, television and audio recording.

The three main stages are

• Pre-production
• Production
• Post-production

1.2 Outline how to clarify, agree and revise working arrangements in a way which promotes good working relationships
The best way to make sure that everyone understands what tasks need to be done is to have an official meeting with everyone involved in the project. By having a meeting you will be able to discuss what tasks everyone will complete, who will do which parts, how you can time scale and budget and discuss what the final outcome will be. This will help employees to have a clear understanding on what the task is and what needs to be completed. Also by having a meeting you will be able to discuss everyones ideas on the project and have each member agree with them. This helps as there will be no confusion as the project should run smoothly and it also means that members can talk to other people if they need some support.

Understand how to communicate effectively with work colleagues

2.1 Explain the importance of balancing the needs of tasks and people
When communicating effectively with your colleagues it is important to get a good balance between the two. If you talk too much then you won't get the tasks completed, but you need to be able to communicate to understand where one another is at and if they need a hand.
It is a good thing if the environment in which you work, is positive and relaxed as it allows you to complete tasks with little stress and in a decent amount of time. Finding time to talk about unrelated work topics builds a good relationship with colleagues as you are getting to know them better and it allows you to get on better not just because you have to work alongside them. It is helpful to take certain factors into account. When handing out projects it is best to consider people's skills, what hours they work, current workload and overall what they will bring of the task.

2.2 Explain the importance of sharing information with colleagues
When working with a colleague it is essential to understand the confidentiality if it applies.
It is also a good idea to keep a log of what has been said when discussing certain tasks and information so that they can refer back to it or if they need evidence. If there is a copy then it allows them to have their backs covered if there was any issues or problems. It is important to keep every employee up to date with what is going on so they can adapt tasks that need to be completed.

2.3 Identify ways of tactically requesting others to change working arrangements to improve own productivity 
Changing working arrangements in the workplace can be much more difficult if you are in a slightly larger work office as most employees are used to what they have to complete and usually get into some sort of routine. If you are in a smaller work environment then it might be easier and more productive to change tasks. Time management systems can be put into place which can appear to be more efficient and allow employees and project managers to track how much time they have spent on a task.

2.4 Describe how to explain own decisions clearly and constructively 
When asking employees to complete tasks it is helpful to go through each thing that needs to be done to succeed. Sometimes by giving them a step by step run through of what is expected then it presents it to them in a clearer and useful structure. Showing employees how it needs to be done and the time frame helps productivity within the company and allows employees to be more pro-active in the tasks that they are completing. Relating to own decisions either by the company or an employee then you will need to present to them..

2.5 Describe how to resolve conflict situations and dissatisfaction 
Conflict and difficult situations can happen in the workplace due to unfair treatment, increase in workload, poor work environment or in some
If there is an issue or conflict it should be discussed privately in a seperate room to other offices. Certain measures can be put into place to avoid conflict or disagreements in the workplace like training managers to handle difficult situations, encouraging employees to be more open about their thoughts and having clear discipline procedures.

2.6 Explain the importance of liaison with colleagues to productivity
Liasing with colleagues is important to completing tasks in the workplace. Important information may need to be handed over to them so it is good to learn to cooperate well with the people you work with. It is also useful as you can learn something from another member of staff no matter what position you are at in the company.


Be able to develop and maintain good working relationships during the production process

3.1 Clarify, agree and revise working relationships, promoting good working relationships
A good way to agree on working arrangements is to set a point in the project where everyone who is working on the task can come together and discuss how everyone is getting on and where everyone is at. They will also be able to revise timescales and see if there is anything that the client wants changing. Meeting together as a team promotes good working relationships as any issues that are raised can be sorted out. 

3.2 Communicate own decisions clearly and constructively 
During the discussion of the project it would be helpful for everyone to contribute and explain their thoughts and put in their ideas. Communicating your ideas to the rest of the group is very beneficial as everyone is then clear and understands each role in the project. One way to communicate your ideas to the rest of the group would be by doing a presentation so that other members in the group can see exactly what your idea is and if you include handouts then it shows others examples so they can relate.  

3.3 Resolve any conflict situation or dissatisfaction as necessary
If there was any issues or conflict with a member of staff who is working on the project then the problem would need to be brought up and dealt with, by the line manager. If there was an issue with the project then the team working on the task would need to come together or organise a meeting or discuss with the group to come up with a solution that is best for everyone. If the client has an issue or complaint then the person who is in charge of the project will need to talk to them and find out what the issue is and change whatever they are unhappy with.

3.4 Liaise with appropriate colleagues to ensure effective and productive working
By communicating with all the members that are included in the task is the best way to ensure that the project is running smoothly and also so everyone knows which tasks they need to complete in the project. To ensure that your team is achieving effective and productive work the project manager should meet weekly or make workers complete a daily diary of what tasks they do for the day so they can see what work has been done and so the employee themself can timekeep well.