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Assignment Workplace Scenario

Harry worked as the director under Bob, the COO, and they had an efficient communication style that worked well for both of them. However, Harry's department was moved under the VP of Marketing, Mike, who had a more indirect communication style. Harry provided direct feedback to Mike, which Mike took personally as attacks. Mike also found Harry's informal dress and communication style to be inappropriate. The scenario assignment asks students to comment on Harry's communication skills, identify key communication issues, and offer suggestions for Harry to more effectively communicate with Mike.

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Mahmoud Azzam
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284 views

Assignment Workplace Scenario

Harry worked as the director under Bob, the COO, and they had an efficient communication style that worked well for both of them. However, Harry's department was moved under the VP of Marketing, Mike, who had a more indirect communication style. Harry provided direct feedback to Mike, which Mike took personally as attacks. Mike also found Harry's informal dress and communication style to be inappropriate. The scenario assignment asks students to comment on Harry's communication skills, identify key communication issues, and offer suggestions for Harry to more effectively communicate with Mike.

Uploaded by

Mahmoud Azzam
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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10/4/2020 Assignment

BMBA 120 | Interpersonal Business Communication | Fall 2020


| D01A
Home / My courses / BMBA 120 | Fall 2020 | D01A / Assignments

Assignment | Workplace Scenario


Assignment

Length: No minimum; less is better/maximum 750 words - Instructor will stop reading after 750 words.

Note: Groups will formed by Instructor after Week 2.

Format: 1.5 spacing, Arial 11pt font, block paragraphs (no indents). Must have a cover page with names of group members and Assignment # on
it. Use WORD only. PDF's will not be accepted.

Submit: using the submission upload tool at the bottom of this page by Sunday of Week 4

Using chapters 1, 2 and 3 as references read the following scenario and follow the direction in order to complete the assignment:

Scenario
This is Harry's story regarding his workplace environment.

Bob is the Chief Operating Officer. Despite that fact, Bob acted as a “Director” when we were together. I would go into his office (a spacious room
with a large desk, bookcases, wood file cabinets and a meeting table surrounded by six chairs) informally dressed (khakis/shirt/no tie). I would
directly explain a problem, identify my objective, and we would come to an understanding of the solution. He would give me the “To Do” list and I
would carry out the instructions. I would follow up with him on the phone, listing the positive/negative outcomes. This worked well for both of us.
My instructions and tasks were always clear, and our communications always seemed efficient. It was also easy to clarify misunderstandings
because when I have a list, there seemed to be a finite number of ways it can misinterpreted.

After two years, Bob’s areas of responsibility expanded. The company president decided that my department would be under the VP of Marketing
and Business. Mike became my direct boss. Because Mike was a marketing professional, he had a different communication style than Bob in
Operations.  He was significantly more indirect. There was a much more personal feel to his communications, and he showed less objectivity to
situations. He was not as interested in how a decision works, but more concerned with how it looks and how others perceive such a decision. He
actually was emotionally involved in certain business issues. He did not just perceive his job as just a job, for him there was a sense of ownership
and personal reputation involved with his role in the company.

I found that because I had been expected to keep my communications short, direct and to the point, Mike found himself uneasy with our
communications. He would ask my “feelings” towards things, and I would respond directly to him with my “thoughts”. In a lot of instances it was
objective criticism. He would take these criticisms as attacks on his work or reputation, and he would start to show signs of defensiveness. He also
thought that my informal dress was not appropriate. He wasn’t as concerned that I could effectively do the job, but that I have a professional and
formal appearance while doing it. He also felt uncomfortable coming to my office to talk, and was a little uneasy around my staff because he was
not completely sure of what we did and how we did it. I think he did not want to appear as being misinformed around my staff.

I was beginning to feel a little uneasy about Mike as well. I asked Bob about the situation. He told me that he had the ability to adjust his
communication style for me. He also could adjust it to accommodate Mike and any other employee for the company if they required it for effective
communication. He pointed out that I had to learn to adapt myself to other “leadership styles” if I was to develop as an effective manager. He
stated that Mike is my boss, and he would not expect Mike to dramatically change in the relationship. He said I would have to learn to adjust to
Mike’s style of leadership if I ever wanted to effectively communicate with him, or any other level of management.

1. Comment on Harry's communication style and skills.

2. Identify for Harry some of the key issues that relate to communication basics, identity management and perception in this scenario.

3. Offer to Harry suggestions for behaviours that might be more effective in this situation and explain your reasoning. Your suggestions must take
into account what you believe Harry would be comfortable with.

Your assignment must be submitted in WORD only and: 

clearly indicate your names and the assignment title on the cover page
have page numbers on all pages except title page
be 1.5 spaces
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10/4/2020 Assignment

use 11-point Arial  font


750 words

Submission status
This assignment will accept submissions from Monday, 5 October 2020, 12:00 AM

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