TABLE 2.1 PERCEPTION-CHECKING

SITUATION Imagine that you are working on a group project for your communication class. Your group leader, Heather, doesn't take suggestions from other members and only moves forward with her own ideas. What steps should you take before confronting Heather about her leadership style?

TAKE AWAY Instead of jumping to conclusions, it's important to remember that both internal and external attributions affect a person's behavior. Once you understand that the external pressure to keep her academic scholarship is causing Heather to control the group, you can more competently approach improving communication within the group.