Exercises

1) Being polite when you disagree with someone is a very important interpersonal skill, even when you are the boss. Read the message below and discuss with a partner what parts of the letter should be changed for it to sound more acceptable…On a separate piece of paper, write a polite version of the message.

Brian,
I just got your project for the Garcia account. It’s terrible! You didn’t understand anything I said. You didn’t include the prices of the security systems and you didn’t send the correct estimates for the new TV circuit. You’re going to have to do everything again, and I hope you can do it correctly this time. If Mr. Garcia receives your lousy project, we’ll probably lose our best client. I asked George to help you, because he’s a lot more competent than you. Too bad he doesn’t have time to do the whole thing alone.
I expect to see the new project on my desk next Monday morning. Or else!

Hal Clark

Chairman, Halco Inc.

Dear Brian,

I just got your project for the Garcia account. I appreciate your help and would ask if you could send me it again including the prices of the security systems and also if you could correct the estimates for the new TV circuit. We are going to send this project to a very important client so I asked George to work with you giving some support since everything has to be perfect. Our deadline is Monday so I would appreciate if you could send it on Monday morning.

Regards,

Hal Clark
Chairman, Halco Inc.