Instructions for a colleague

Instructions for a colleague

Learn how to write instructions for a colleague.

Do the preparation task first. Then read the text and tips and do the exercises.

Preparation

Reading text

Checklist for opening the shop

Start at 8 a.m.

  1. Firstly, when you enter the shop, remember to turn off the alarm.  
    • Do this by holding your key card to the alarm panel. It's behind the door near the light switches.
  2. Open all the blinds and turn on the lights.
  3. Please don't forget to start the coffee machine so your colleagues have fresh coffee for when they arrive.
  4. At 8.15 a.m., watch out for the fresh deliveries at the back door. They usually arrive at that time.
    • Pay attention to the order list and what is actually delivered.
    • Remember not to sign for anything that isn't in the delivery as there are often items missing.
  5. Check the answer phone and shop email account for any new messages.
  6. Leave the heating and the air conditioning alone. They are on an automatic timer. So please, don't go near the control panels.

Finally, you need to finish everything above before 8.45 a.m. and open the shop at 9 a.m. There is a red logbook under the counter. Make sure you sign it for each day when you have completed all points on this checklist. Make a note of any issues.

If you have any problems, call your supervisor or the 24-hour support line number below.

Tips

  1. Use imperative verb forms to give orders and instructions:
    Turn off the alarm / make sure to sign the logbook.
  2. Tell people exactly what you want them to do and when:
    You need to do everything above before 8.45 a.m.
  3. Tell people where things are – they might not know:
    It's near/behind/over/under the …
  4. Give emergency contact information.
  5. Have a sheet for people to sign after they have completed the process, e.g. cleaning a machine or balancing the cash register.

Discussion

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Worksheet97.8 KB

Language level

Average: 5 (2 votes)

Submitted by anhteeny96 on Mon, 26/02/2024 - 07:53

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I gave instructions to the new staff at the restaurant, where I have worked before. Before opening and closing the restaurant, she has to know what she needs to do, what she should check carefully, etc. 

Submitted by ddddsky on Wed, 31/01/2024 - 08:32

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"Who do you need to give instructions to? What for?"
I give instructions to my teammates when we have a group project. For example, I give them instructions about automatically writing citations for a paper.

Submitted by DzhusAngela on Mon, 15/01/2024 - 13:17

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I give instructions to my sister,because she doesn't know how to cook and I teach her.

Submitted by kenan.zero on Tue, 17/10/2023 - 16:53

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I have to give instructions to my colleagues when I want to go on vacation. I have to leave details about tasks that must be finished while I'm away. For example, don't forget to send a report to the head office. You need to send it before the fifteenth of the month. Or be sure to check numbers after processing the data. I have excellent colleagues and have complete confidence in them.

Submitted by TAMER NAGY on Sun, 15/10/2023 - 19:11

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As A father I always give instructions to my daughters for example, don't forget to turn off lights before you sleep, don't forget to make your youngest daughter go to the toilet, pay attention if you use the stove, and make sure you turn off it, remember to use the air condition on the sleep mode, check the light before you leave to the school you have to turn off the lights, make sure you finish your homework

Submitted by Ensiye on Mon, 14/08/2023 - 15:40

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Who do you need to give instructions to? What for?

at the moment, I'm not in charge of giving instructions to anyone. but when somebody asks me about something that I know. I'm giving them instructions on how they must do it.
but I use a lot of instructions. in fact when I want to do something that I haven't done by now. I start googling and finding some reliable instructions on how to do it for example how to install in-need software and extensions, how to set my laptop to dark mode, and so on
In fact, I'm the one who goes beyond my own comfort zone by doing something new through instructions.

Submitted by Ro Htan on Sat, 22/07/2023 - 14:28

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Some of my close friends are needed to give an instruction not to be late for classes or some appointments we make often. If someone is not provided with the details exactly, he/she will be not on time and the plans we make may be called off unfortunately.

Submitted by Safe_Mode on Sun, 25/06/2023 - 09:20

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I've got one pupil for which I help to learn the layouting websites on a voluntary basis. Sometimes, when I check up they work I do some instructions about how to imrove it

Submitted by gabryelleeeeccccccc on Wed, 04/01/2023 - 00:15

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I have a dog so sometimes I have to give her some instructions like don't pick socks and don't eat that.

Submitted by Rita25 on Thu, 15/09/2022 - 02:13

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I need to give instruction to my sister to ensure our small business is doing well.