1) Hey, I think you would make a great supervisor. I’m sure it would be a challe
ID: 373507 • Letter: 1
Question
1) Hey, I think you would make a great supervisor. I’m sure it would be a challenge to anyone, but you’d do just fine. Why don’t you go in there and tell your boss that you want to know when you are going to be promoted?
Well, this statement shows a certain degree of concern towards Rachel. Jack wasn't judgmental here, rather he was trying to pull Rachel's legs / trying to be sarcastic by telling her to go and ask her boss when would he promote her. This was more of a friendly statement which will definitely not offend Rachel.
2) I really don’t know. If you’re not happy now, you should certainly give it a try. But don’t worry about it until you have to cross that bridge, though.
This statement has a more of a serious tone. Here, Jack is trying to be practical by asking her to give it a try. He genuinely tells her not to worry and things would seem fine once she crosses that phase. This statement gives an idea of how a real friend advises.
3) Look, Rachel, I’m your friend, so I’ll tell you straight. You’re too neurotic about things. People don’t like the way you come on strong all the time. Nobody’s going to understand where you’re coming from like I do because they don’t spend the time with you that I do.
This stement is too blunt. Jack took an opportunity to tell Rachel that she is an anxious person and tries to win the argument come what may. This statement tells that Jack was seriously criticizing Rachel's behavior and character on one hand and pacifying her on the other hand that people take time to understand each other, like he did.
4) I think I would feel comfortable working for you. Just this afternoon I’ve given my opinion about the merger and about the NAFTA decision and you didn’t try to tell me I was wrong about either, even though you obviously disagree. But I must admit that you didn’t ask for my opinion about either one.
This statement indicates that Jack would want to bring out the fact of how he felt when she bluntly responded by just disagreeing. People look for explanation to the disagreement. Like when Rachel disagreed to what Jack said, she did not give a reason as in why she disagrees to his statement. So, Jack's contention here is, Rachel should be more optimistic in thinking and just not keep on trying to be a strong contender.
5) Well, I think you sometimes seem a bit opinionated. Of course everyone usually has opinions, and yours are probably as good as anyone’s. But maybe you’d be better off if on occasion you would ask for other people’s opinions more.
This statement is more of a suggestive tone. People love to give suggestions or opinions, and Rachel does not give an opportunity to others to give their opinion about what they think. Rachel feels the decision she takes would be final and does not look at the other angle. This statement indicates that Jack is suggesting Rachel to think at a 360-degree and take others opinion as well before reaching a conclusion.
Explanation / Answer
For the scenario described below, consider the appropriateness of the feedback examples provided.
Jack and Rachel have been carpooling for about a year. Although they do not socialize much outside of work (nor interact much at work), they have a very friendly relationship during the half hour or so when they are together each morning and each evening. Jack thinks of Rachel as a friend, and apparently Rachel feels the same way, as they often share insights about how they feel about their jobs, families, etc. Jack sees Rachel as a nice person, though perhaps overly rigid about how other people look at the world. Rachel has often said that she feels that her boss “doesn’t treat her like someone who is being considered for promotion to a supervisory job.” She asks Jack “do you see me as supervisor material?
Assignment
Critique each of the following responses Jack might give in terms of the guidelines for useful interaction. Be prepared to share your ideas with the class.
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