Although answers may vary, student responses may describe how Val is comfortable with Adam using a part of her desk as he works. The personal items on Val’s desk are further subtle indicators of someone not trying to impress with powerful artifacts that suggest status.

Although answers may vary, student responses may describe the way Val introduces Michael by his first and last name rather than by title and last name, and the way Michael tells Adam that “Michael will do fine” when Adam addresses him as “sir.” Students may also describe how Michael asks Val if it “is convenient” to see him after the meeting rather than requiring her to do so explicitly. Additionally, students might remark about Val asking Adam’s opinion rather than simply stating her view, as when she says “It would be an opportunity to impress upon them how important the deadline is for us. What do you think?”