The following scenario will enhance your ability to communicate competently with a team member who has a negative attitude. As you watch the first video, recall what you’ve learned about creating a supportive communication climate and dealing with conflict in a group. Then complete the Your Turn prompts. Finally, watch the Take Two! video to explore how this scenario could have gone differently.
1. The Problem
Danielle is leading a group at work that is in charge of launching a new line of juices targeted at busy moms. This is her first leadership position at work, and there have been a lot of delays in the project, which is stressing Danielle and her teammates. During a weekly status meeting, the team is trying to decide which juice flavors they should use at launch.
2. Your Turn
Observations. Reflect on how Danielle and Tim communicated in this scenario by answering the following questions:
- Which character do you identify with more in this situation? How would you feel if you were in his or her situation?
- Where were the missed opportunities to practice competent communication?
Discussion. In class or with a partner, share your thoughts about the interaction between Danielle and Tim and work to answer the following questions:
- Can you understand both perspectives?
- What could Tim and Danielle have done differently?
3. Take Two!
What if things had gone differently? Watch the Take Two! video to see one possible example of how the conversation might have gone if Tim and/or Danielle had communicated differently. As you watch the video, consider where the dialog reflects communication competence. After watching the video, answer the questions below:
- Did Tim and/or Danielle take advantage of opportunities that they missed in the first scenario? Which ones?
- Did their different actions result in a more productive encounter? Please explain.