Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Warm up
COPY & PASTE
Hi, Im ____. Looking
forward to seeing you.
See
Try
Act
Biz Tip
Its important to adapt
your mentoring approach
to the trainees ability and
commitment.
Wrap up
See
Biz Tip
According to Situational
Leadership II, a popular
mentoring model, as a
trainee goes through four
stages of development, the
mentor should change
their mentoring approach
to match the trainees
development stage.
Rick: Yasu, we have a new employee joining our department next week and
Id like you to be his mentor.
Yasu: Me? But Ive never done that before.
Rick: Youll be fine. You have the right personality and youre very skilled at
what you do.
Yasu: OK, but how should I approach this? Should I start with goal setting?
Rick: Well, the first thing I suggest you do is build a relationship with him.
Once youve done that, you can start setting goals.
Yasu: Do you want me to be strict with him?
Rick: Well, let me introduce a really effective mentoring model that I learned.
The basic concept is that a trainee goes through four different stages
of development. As the trainee progresses to the next stage of
development, you as the mentor also need to change your approach.
Yasu: What are the four approaches?
Rick: The four approaches are directing, coaching, supporting, and
delegating.
Yasu: So, I should be directive with the new guy at first?
Rick: It depends on his development level. Why dont you get to know him
first?
Try
Act
Role play
Ask your staff to train a new employee.
261
See
See
Biz Tip
Show the trainee that you
are just as excited to work
with them as they are
with you.
Biz Tip
When building a
relationship with your
trainee, avoid the
interview approach of just
questions and answers.
5. Have the student read the two Biz Tips and elaborate.
Resource: http://sourcesofinsight.com/situational-leadership-ii/
Try
Act
Wrap up
COPY & PASTE
Thank you for studying at
Bizmates. (bow)
Example
Yasu: Hi Willy. Im Yasu. Rick told me to be your mentor.
Willy: OK, great. Its nice to meet you, Yasu.
Yasu: Before we start, Rick told me that I should get to know you better. So,
could you please introduce yourself?
Willy: OK. I was born and raised in Taiwan, but I studied at an American
university. I worked for an advertising company for 5 years in the US
before I came to MMB Corp.
Yasu: What are your hobbies?
Willy: In my free time, I usually
Bizmates style
Yasu: Hi Willy. Im Yasu. Ill be training you for the first 3 months.
Willy: OK, great. Its nice to meet you, Yasu.
Yasu: So, hows your first week so far?
Willy: Its been great. Everyone seems easy to get along with. I can tell the
teamwork is really strong here.
Yasu: Yeah, we really try to help each other out. We have a lot of people
from different industries so theres so much to learn from everyone.
What about you? What did you do before joining MMB?
Willy: I worked for this advertising company as a copywriter.
Yasu: Oh, my brothers a copywriter at AB Promo.
Willy: AB Promo was one of our biggest competitors. Ive heard that its a
really good company to work for.
Yasu: Yeah, my brother loves it there.
Try
Act
Role play
Build a relationship with your new trainee.
262
See
Biz Tip
See
4. Read the first dialogue together and ask some follow up questions.
Focus on pronunciation, intonation, and fluency.
Do you think Yasus approach to goal setting with Willy was effective?
Biz Tip
When setting goals, try to
make it participative so
that the trainee will be
committed to the goals.
5. Have the student read the two Biz Tips and elaborate.
Resource: http://sourcesofinsight.com/situational-leadership-ii/
6. Read the second dialogue together and ask some follow up questions.
Try
Act
Wrap up
COPY & PASTE
Thank you for studying at
Bizmates. (bow)
Bizmates style
Yasu: OK, Willy. Lets get started. Today, I just want to get your thoughts on
what youd like to achieve in the first 3 months, and then we can look
at our skills list for your position, and then we can set some training
goals.
Willy: That sounds clear to me.
Yasu: Great. So, what would you like to achieve in your first 3 months?
Willy: I guess Id like to be able to perform my work without you or Rick
having to worry about me by the end of the 3-month period.
Yasu: So, youd like to be able to work confidently without supervision?
Willy: Yes, and hopefully add value to the team.
Yasu: Thats really good. Lets look at some specific areas now. Heres the
skills list for your position. I know its a long list, but what areas do you
feel you need the most support in?
Willy: Well, I have some experience here, but not in these areas here.
Yasu: OK, lets talk about what you could do to improve in these areas.
Try
Act
Role play
Set some training goals with your trainee.
Example
Yasu: OK, lets set some goals for your 3-month training period.
Willy: Great.
Yasu: OK, here are the tasks you need to learn during these three months.
Willy: Wow, its a long list.
Yasu: Do I have your commitment?
Willy: Ah, well, of course Im committed, but I dont really understand
everything.
Yasu: Thats OK. I will train you. I just want your commitment.
263
See
Biz Tip
See
4. Read the first dialogue together and ask some follow up questions.
Focus on pronunciation, intonation, and fluency.
Did Yasu take a directive approach with Willy?
Biz Tip
In the first stage of
development, give
frequent feedback.
5. Have the student read the two Biz Tips and elaborate.
Resource: http://sourcesofinsight.com/situational-leadership-ii/
6. Read the second dialogue together and ask some follow up questions.
Try
Act
Wrap up
COPY & PASTE
Thank you for studying at
Bizmates. (bow)
Example
Yasu: All right. Lets learn how to write reports using our report writing
system. I know you have a lot of work experience and have probably
used a similar system like this, so Ill just go over this very quickly.
Willy: Yeah, sure.
Yasu: OK, so we just open up the system, place the clients name and ID
number, go to the next page, select the report type, and generate.
Willy: Ah, OK.
Yasu: From here, we just click this button and confirm the invoice number
and thats it. Just like that. Easy right?
Willy: Can I try making one?
Yasu: Sure. While you put a sample together, Im going to get a cup of coffee.
Bizmates style
Yasu: All right. Were going to learn how to write reports using our report
writing system. There are quite a few steps in this process, so it would
be a good idea to take some notes.
Willy: OK.
Yasu: First, we need to open up the system. When you open it, make sure
that this box is blank. If it isnt, it means its already been made. OK?
Willy: Yes, got it.
Yasu: Now, we put in the clients name and ID number. This part is very
important because a mistake here could pull up a completely different
client. So, please double check everything before you click enter. OK,
before we go further, Id like you to try making one.
Willy: OK. So, I open up the system, and enter the clients
Yasu: Dont forget to check the box.
Willy: Oh yeah. Thats right.
Try
Act
Role play
Show a trainee how to do something new in his/her job.
264
See
Biz Tip
4. Read the first dialogue together and ask some follow up questions.
Focus on pronunciation, intonation, and fluency.
Did Yasu take a coaching approach with Willy?
Biz Tip
The student should give specific instructions and carefully observe the trainee while
giving immediate feedback.
See
5. Have the student read the two Biz Tips and elaborate.
Resource: http://sourcesofinsight.com/situational-leadership-ii/
6. Read the second dialogue together and ask some follow up questions.
Try
Act
Wrap up
COPY & PASTE
Thank you for studying at
Bizmates. (bow)
Example
Willy: Yasu, Im having a lot of trouble using this report writing system. Its
not very user-friendly.
Yasu: OK, lets go through it again. Like I said the first time, you need to
open up the system, like this. Do you understand?
Willy: Yes, I do.
Yasu: And make sure this box is blank.
Willy: This box?
Yasu: No, no, no. Not that one. This one.
Bizmates style
Willy: Yasu, Im having a lot of trouble using this report writing system. Its
not very user-friendly.
Yasu: Thats OK, Willy. Everyone has trouble with this the first time. Lets go
through it step-by-step. Youll get it; trust me.
Willy: OK.
Yasu: Do you remember the first step?
Willy: Yes, I open up the system and make sure the box is blank.
Yasu: Exactly. And this is the part everyone forgets to do. We need to click
this box here.
Willy: Oh I see. Its this one.
Yasu: Well, that is close.
Willy: Oh. This one?
Yasu: Youre getting warmer.
Willy: This.
Yasu: Yes, thats right. OK, lets go to the next step.
Try
Act
Role play
Show a trainee who has lost confidence to do something at your company.
265
See
Biz Tip
See
4. Read the first dialogue together and ask some follow up questions.
Focus on pronunciation, intonation, and fluency.
Did Yasu take a supportive approach with Willy?
Biz Tip
In this stage of
development, the trainee
has yet to become 100%
committed, so the mentor
needs to continue offering
support.
5. Have the student read the two Biz Tips and elaborate.
Resource: http://sourcesofinsight.com/situational-leadership-ii/
6. Read the second dialogue together and ask some follow up questions.
Try
Act
Wrap up
COPY & PASTE
Thank you for studying at
Bizmates. (bow)
Example
Yasu: Willy, how comfortable are you using the report system now?
Willy: Yeah, I think Im OK. Its just that there are times when Im not sure if
its OK or not.
Yasu: Well, youre not a rookie anymore. You can work it out.
Willy: Ah, OK. Ill try.
Bizmates style
Yasu: Willy, how comfortable are you using the report system now?
Willy: Yeah, I think Im OK. Its just that there are times when Im not sure if
its OK or not.
Yasu: What do you mean?
Willy: Well, I sometimes notice that the customer ID doesnt match what
I have on file. The customers name is correct, but the ID is not.
Yasu: So, what do you do in that case?
Willy: Well, I usually go over to the accounting department to check if theres
a mistake.
Yasu: Why do you do that?
Willy: Well, I figured they would have the correct number. I could ask our
team members, but it would be possible for them to have the wrong
number, too.
Yasu: Absolutely. And thats exactly what I would do.
Willy: Oh really? Oh, I guess Im OK then.
Try
Act
Role play
Show a trainee who has the skills, but still lacks the confidence, to do a task
at your company.
266
See
Biz Tip
See
Biz Tip
As the trainee is still a
trainee, the mentor needs
to occasionally monitor
progress.
5. Have the student read the two Biz Tips and elaborate.
Resource: http://sourcesofinsight.com/situational-leadership-ii/
6. Read the second dialogue together and ask some follow up questions.
Try
Act
Wrap up
COPY & PASTE
Thank you for studying at
Bizmates. (bow)
Example
Yasu: Willy, thanks for writing the reports for the MEDTEC contract.
Willy: Sure, no problem. Did you look over them?
Yasu: Yes, I did, and I noticed a small mistake here.
Willy: Im sorry about that. That was careless of me.
Yasu: Well, to avoid these kinds of mistakes from happening again, Id like to
go over the entire process with you.
Willy: Yasu, I know what I did wrong. It wont happen again.
Yasu: When I see mistakes like this, it tells me that you are still unable to do
the task. Lets schedule some retraining.
Bizmates style
Yasu: Willy, thanks for writing the reports for the MEDTEC contract.
Willy: Sure, no problem. Did you look over them?
Yasu: Yes, I did, and I noticed a small mistake here.
Willy: Im sorry about that. That was careless of me.
Yasu: Could you change that before submitting it to the client?
Willy: Of course. Ill do that right away.
Yasu: Great thanks. Is there something we can do in our process to
completely eliminate these errors?
Willy: Hmm, I think we can add another step.
Yasu: OK, could you propose a revision in our process that will allow us to
catch these minor errors?
Willy: Sure Yasu. Ill put something together.
Try
Act
Role play
Give feedback to a trainee at your company who has the skills and the
confidence to do a task.
267
See
5. Have the student read the two Biz Tips and elaborate.
6. Read the second dialogue together and ask some follow up questions.
7. Have the student answer the list of questions.
Ask some follow up questions if necessary.
Act
Wrap up
COPY & PASTE
Thank you for studying at
Bizmates. (bow)
Biz Tip
Closure is very important
in training. Both the
mentor and trainee need
to know that the training
for a certain task is
complete.
Biz Tip
Try
See
Bizmates style
Yasu: OK, its been a month since you started writing reports, which is the
deadline we had set for you to learn this skill. How comfortable are
you now with the report system?
Willy: Im really comfortable.
Yasu: Why do you say that?
Willy: I feel that I not only know how to make reports, but I also know how to
solve any issues that come up with the reports. In fact, some people
now come to me when they have a problem with the report system.
Yasu: I agree. I think youve become our report writing expert. So, what
worked well and what was difficult for you in learning this task?
Willy: Well, it was a lot more technical than I had initially expected. There
were so many steps and I had a hard time memorizing them all.
However, after I started to learn why each step was important, the
entire flow became clear and much easier to memorize.
Yasu: OK, lets look at our skills list. Lets check this one off.
Try
Act
Role play
Confirm the training goals of a trainee in your company.
Example
Yasu: OK, its been a month since you started writing reports, which is the
deadline we had set for you to learn this skill.
I think you are OK with this. Lets go to the next skill.
Willy: Is that it?
Yasu: What do you mean?
Willy: Oh, I dont know. I thought you were going to test me on it or
something.
Yasu: No, thats not necessary.
268
See
Biz Tip
Theres no one way in
mentoring. However,
knowing a mentoring
model helps to act as a
guide.
See
Try
Act
Wrap up
COPY & PASTE
Thank you for studying at
Bizmates. (bow)
Biz Tip
Its important to
understand which
approach to take
depending on the
trainees level of
commitment and skill.
Try
Act
Role play
Give advice to a colleague who has been asked to mentor someone.
Yasu: Willy, now that you are a report writing expert, Id like you to help
Cindy with the reports.
Willy: Me? But Im still new.
Yasu: Yes, youre still new and there are things you need to learn, but youre
our expert on the reports. You see, Cindys actually never received any
training on how to use the report system. So, Id like you to go over it
with her.
Willy: What approach should I take? Should I start with goal setting?
Yasu: Do you remember what I did with you?
Willy: Yeah, we set goals together.
Yasu: Before that, I spent a bit of time to get to know you. That was a very
important step, wasnt it?
Willy: Yeah, I remember. And then, we set specific goals. And you gave me
really specific instructions at first.
Yasu: Thats right. And when you lost confidence, I was a lot more supportive,
wasnt I?
Willy: Yes, you were. And then, you moved to a more participative approach.
Yasu: Thats right. Basically, I went from directing to coaching to supporting
and finally to delegating.
Willy: It all makes sense now. OK, Ill get to know Cindy first.
269
Part 1
3. Go through the list of tasks and have the student give you the key points of
what he/she has learned in each lesson.
L1: Understanding a mentoring model
L2: Building the relationship
L3: Setting training goals
L4: Directing
L5: Coaching
L6: Supporting
L7: Delegating
L8: Confirming training goals
L9: Giving advice on mentoring
Lesson 4: Directing
Part 2
4. Have some role play with the student based on the given scenario. Make the
conversation as interactive as possible.
Wrap up
Part 1
Lesson 5: Coaching
Lesson 6: Supporting
Lesson 7: Delegating
Lesson 8: Confirming training goals
Part 2
270
See
Try
Act
Wrap up
COPY & PASTE
Thank you for studying at
Bizmates. (bow)
See
Biz Tip
Assertive communication
is not just about getting
what you want. Its a style
of communicating your
needs in an open and
honest way while
respecting others.
Biz Tip
Assertive communication
is not a style that you use
all the time with everyone.
Be selective when you use
assertiveness.
Rick: Yasu, now that you have some mentoring experience, Id like you to
work on becoming a little more assertive.
Yasu: Do you mean I should be more aggressive in meetings?
Rick: No, aggressive and assertive are very different. Someone who is
assertive knows what he wants, is willing to ask for it, but respects the
rights of others.
Yasu: But assertiveness is not a common trait among Japanese. The
Japanese tend to be indirect and respect other peoples opinions.
Rick: I understand. However, being assertive means being direct while being
respectful. And to be an effective communicator in global business,
you need to be assertive sometimes.
Yasu: I dont know if I can change my personality.
Rick: Its true; some tend to be naturally more assertive than others.
However, assertive communication is a skill which can be learned.
Yasu: OK, Ill work on it.
Try
Act
Role play
Explain what assertive communication is to your colleague.
271
Biz Tip
To be assertive, avoid
phrases, such as maybe
or might when giving
your opinion.
See
See
Biz Tip
Expressions like Its no
big deal. or Dont worry
about it. tells the other
person that its not an
important issue.
Try
Act
Wrap up
COPY & PASTE
Thank you for studying at
Bizmates. (bow)
Example
Yasu: Frank, you might think this is silly, but I thought maybe it would be
good for our team to hold a welcome party for Willy.
Frank: Well, we didnt have one for you. Is it really necessary?
Yasu: No, its not necessary. I just thought it would be a nice thing to do.
Frank: Sure, but I think everyones too busy now. We can consider it when
things slow down a little.
Yasu: OK, its no big deal. Dont worry about it.
Bizmates style
Yasu: Frank, its been a month since Willy joined our team. I suggest that we
hold a welcome party for Willy.
Frank: Well, we didnt have one for you. Is it really necessary?
Yasu: Its not a matter of necessity. Its just that he still hasnt worked with
some of the people from our team. So, a welcome party would give
him a chance to get to know everyone better.
Frank: Sure, but I think everyones too busy now. We can consider it when
things slow down a little.
Yasu: In that case, Id be happy to coordinate it. Ill send out an e-mail with a
choice of dates and venues. And of course, itll only be for the people
who can attend.
Frank: OK, if its not too much trouble, Id appreciate it. Thank you, Yasu.
Try
Act
Role play
Assertively make a suggestion to your boss.
272
See
Biz Tip
See
I statements allow us to
express how we feel and
what weve experienced,
whereas you or they
statements sound like you
are blaming others.
Biz Tip
By showing how you feel
instead of blaming others,
you are participating in
open and honest
communication.
4. Read the first dialogue together and ask some follow up questions.
Focus on pronunciation, intonation, and fluency.
Did Yasu explain how he felt or did he blame others?
5. Have the student read the two Biz Tips and elaborate.
6. Read the second dialogue together and ask some follow up questions.
Try
Wrap up
COPY & PASTE
Thank you for studying at
Bizmates. (bow)
Bizmates style
Yasu: Im disappointed that I havent received a reply from anyone with their
choice of date and venue for the welcome party.
Frank: Did you put in a deadline to reply?
Yasu: No, I didnt think it was necessary because I usually reply to e-mails
within a couple of days.
Frank: Well, some people need to be reminded.
Yasu: OK, Ill send out a reminder to them right now.
Frank: And Yasu, take it easy, OK?
Yasu: I will. Its just that I feel upset when I dont get a quick reply to my emails because I cant move forward with my plans.
Act
Example
Yasu: Everyone is so slow with their responses. I sent out an e-mail asking
everyone to select a date and venue they would like for the welcome
party, but no one has replied.
Frank: Did you put in a deadline to reply?
Yasu: No, they should know that its common courtesy to reply within a
couple of days. They received it a week ago.
Frank: Well, some people need to be reminded.
Yasu: In that case, theyll all get a reminder from me right now.
Frank: And Yasu, take it easy, OK?
Yasu: I will. Its just that ignoring an e-mail is rude and unprofessional.
Try
Act
Role play
Tell your colleague about a concern you have at work. Use the following
format for your I statement:
I feel _______ when _____________ because _____________.
273
See
Biz Tip
See
Biz Tip
4. Read the first dialogue together and ask some follow up questions.
Focus on pronunciation, intonation, and fluency.
Did Yasu take responsibility for his actions?
5. Have the student read the two Biz Tips and elaborate.
6. Read the second dialogue together and ask some follow up questions.
Try
Act
Wrap up
COPY & PASTE
Example
Cindy: Who chose this restaurant for the welcome party?
Yasu: Well, Frank said that the restaurant had good food and their prices
were reasonable.
Cindy: Yeah, but its so far. Why couldnt we choose a closer restaurant?
Yasu: Well, the restaurant is close to where Willy lives. So, Jim thought it
would be fair to choose a place that was convenient for Willy since it is
his welcome party.
Cindy: Yeah, but I wanted to go to that other restaurant across the street.
Yasu: Yeah, I think thats a great place, but we have no choice but to follow
the others.
Bizmates style
Cindy: Who chose this restaurant for the welcome party?
Yasu: I did.
Cindy: But its so far. Why couldnt we choose a closer restaurant?
Yasu: Well, I collected feedback from everyone and decided that this restaurant
was the best choice.
Cindy: Yeah, but I wanted to go to that other restaurant across the street.
Yasu: Cindy, this time it was my responsibility to coordinate the party. Id be
happy for you to take over the role next time.
Try
Act
Role play
If you were Yasu, how would you respond to Cindys attitude?
274
See
4. Read the first dialogue together and ask some follow up questions.
Focus on pronunciation, intonation, and fluency.
Did Yasu avoid giving a Yes or No answer?
See
Biz Tip
To be assertive, you can
give a Yes answer, a
No answer, or request
for some time to decide.
Biz Tip
Assertive communication
isnt just saying Yes or
No. In order to answer
with a Yes or No, you
need to have good reason.
5. Have the student read the two Biz Tips and elaborate.
6. Read the second dialogue together and ask some follow up questions.
Try
Act
Wrap up
COPY & PASTE
Thank you for studying at
Bizmates. (bow)
Bizmates style
Jack: Hey Yasu? Im still not sure if I can make it to the party.
Do we have to give you an answer by today?
Yasu: Yes, please. I was going to make the reservation at 3PM today, but I
can wait till 6PM for you.
Jack: OK, Ill try to find out by 6PM. By the way, do I have to wear a suit to
the welcome party?
Yasu: Yes. Its a formal place.
Jack: Well, its my day off that day. So, Ill be coming from home.
Yasu: Oh really? I know its a hassle, but please wear a suit. Well all be in
suits.
Jack: OK, fair enough. Should I pay my share for Willys gift?
Yasu: Yes, thats 2500 yen please.
Try
Act
Role play
If you were Yasu, how would you have handled Jacks questions?
Example
Jack: Hey Yasu? Im still not sure if I can make it to the party.
Do we have to give you an answer by today?
Yasu: Well, the sooner the better.
Jack: OK, Ill try to find out soon. By the way, do I have to wear a suit to the
welcome party?
Yasu: Ah why?
Jack: Well, its my day off that day. So, Ill be coming from home.
Yasu: Oh, I see. Well, the restaurant is kind of a formal place.
Jack: OK, so I wont be too casual. Should I pay my share for Willys gift?
Yasu: Ah, its up to you.
275
See
Biz Tip
Going head-to-head in an
argument where the other
person is attacking you is
not assertive
communication.
The student should give a direct Yes or No answer without sounding too rude.
See
Biz Tip
6. Read the second dialogue together and ask some follow up questions.
Try
Act
Wrap up
COPY & PASTE
Thank you for studying at
Bizmates. (bow)
Example
Cindy: I told you we shouldnt have come to this restaurant. The food is
terrible.
Yasu: No, its not. Its great food.
Cindy: Yasu, you dont know the value for money. There are so many other
great restaurants that have better food and lower prices.
Yasu: No, I dont care what you say. This restaurant is just fine.
Cindy: Well, thanks to your choice, this party is ruined.
Yasu: Youre just angry because I didnt pick the restaurant that you wanted
to go to.
Bizmates style
Cindy: I told you we shouldnt have come to this restaurant. The food is
terrible.
Yasu: I agree the food could be better, but for the price that were paying, its
not a bad deal.
Cindy: Yasu, you dont know the value for money. There are so many other
great restaurants that have better food and lower prices.
Yasu: Im sure there are many great restaurants out there, but out of the
three choices we had, I still think this was the best choice.
Cindy: Well, thanks to your choice, this party is ruined.
Yasu: Well, I agree the food could be better, but the purpose of this party is
to welcome Willy, and he seems to be having a good time. So, in that
sense, Im glad we had this party.
Try
Act
Role play
How would you respond to the following attacks from a colleague?
You work so slowly.
Your report has so many mistakes.
You are always the last person to reply to my e-mails.
276
See
Biz Tip
See
When bringing up a
problem in assertive
communication, show
empathy, state the
problem, and explain your
wants.
Biz Tip
Remember, assertive
communication is not
meant to be used all the
time with everyone.
5. Have the student read the two Biz Tips and elaborate.
6. Read the second dialogue together and ask some follow up questions.
Try
Act
Wrap up
COPY & PASTE
Thank you for studying at
Bizmates. (bow)
Example
Yasu: Cindy, do you have a minute?
Cindy: Yeah what?
Yasu: Youre not still angry about my selection of the restaurant, are you?
Cindy: No, I dont care about the restaurant. Im angry because you
completely ignored my opinion.
Yasu: Im sorry, Cindy. I should have listened to you more.
Cindy: Well, why didnt you?
Yasu: Well, I had to listen to everyone elses opinion, too.
Cindy: So, you listened to everyone elses but not mine?
Yasu: No, thats not what Im saying.
Bizmates style
Yasu: Cindy, do you have a minute?
Cindy: Yeah what?
Yasu: I know you were disappointed with my choice of the restaurant for
Willys welcome party, but I feel that our working relationship has
suffered since then. Id like us to be able to work together like we did
before.
Cindy: Im not angry with you. I just wish that you had listened to everyones
opinion.
Yasu: I know you really wanted to go to that Indian restaurant. It was my
responsibility to make a choice. And I felt that this was the best choice
this time. Anyway, lets go to that Indian restaurant for lunch.
Cindy: Sure.
Try
Act
Role play
Imagine that your relationship with a colleague has gone bad. How would you
approach your colleague to solve the issue?
277
See
Biz Tip
As much as we hate to do
it, sometimes its
necessary to say no to
requests.
See
Biz Tip
Try
Act
Wrap up
COPY & PASTE
Thank you for studying at
Bizmates. (bow)
Example
Frank: Yasu, Id like to talk to you about a new project. Ive just e-mailed the
details to you. Could you have a look now?
Yasu: Oh, OK.
Frank: Basically, I need someone to do some research on a new Chinese
competitor thats entered our market. With your connections in the
Chinese office, I thought youd be the best person to do this.
Yasu: I dont know if Im the best person for this.
Frank: Sure you are. And if you have trouble, Ill give you the support you
need. Could you get started on it right away?
Yasu: But I have to deal with the new TNS contract we got last month.
Frank: You dont have to focus all your attention on the new project. You can
work on it slowly until you finish the TNS contract.
Yasu: OK, Ill do my best.
Bizmates style
Frank: Yasu, Id like to talk to you about a new project. Ive just e-mailed the
details to you. Could you have a look now?
Yasu: Im in the middle of something right now. Can I get back to you in a
couple of hours after Ive had a chance to look over the details?
Frank: Yeah sure.
(Two hours later.)
Frank: Yasu, have you had a chance to look over the details?
Yasu: Yes, I have, Frank. And I cant manage this project as I have to focus on
the TNS contract that we got last month.
Frank: You dont have to focus all your attention on the new project.
You can work on it slowly until you finish the TNS contract.
Yasu: No, I have to focus completely on the TNS contract.
Frank: Dont worry. The TNS contract can be your top priority. Just start on
the project slowly.
Yasu: No, I have to focus completely on the TNS contract.
Try
Act
Role play
Reject a request from someone at your company.
278
See
Try
Act
Wrap up
COPY & PASTE
Thank you for studying at
Bizmates. (bow)
See
Biz Tip
Assertive communication
helps you
feel good about yourself
achieve your goals
gain respect from others
Biz Tip
Assertive communication
is not a style that you use
all the time with everyone.
Be selective when you use
assertiveness.
Willy: Yasu, I heard that you turned down Franks request to take on that new
project.
Yasu: Yeah, I had no choice. My priority was to make sure that the TNS
contract was successful. If I had accepted that project, I would have
run the risk of missing key deadlines.
Willy: I wish I could be more assertive like you.
Yasu: Well, you can. Assertive communication is a skill that you need to learn
and practice, just like any other communication skill.
Willy: If I could be more assertive, I would be able to say no to projects and
have less work to do.
Yasu: Assertive communication isnt about saying no to projects and doing
less work. Its a skill that allows you to effectively communicate both
positive and negative feelings in an open way while maintaining
respect for the other person.
Willy: But I sometimes lack the confidence to do that with some people.
Yasu: Thats completely natural. And I certainly wouldnt be assertive with
everyone about everything. You have to be careful how you use this
skill.
Willy: Well, can you give some basic tips on how to be more assertive?
Yasu: Sure, lets start with some basic points.
Try
Act
Role play
Imagine that a colleague asks you about how to be more assertive. Give your
colleague some basic tips.
279
Part 1
3. Have the student summarize what he/she has learned and ask some follow up
questions after each one.
L11: Understanding assertive communication
L12: Making your opinion sound positive
L13: Using I statements
L14: Taking responsibility
L15: Giving a Yes or No answer
L16: Partially agreeing
L17: Bringing up a problem
L18: Saying no
L19: Giving advice on assertive communication
Part 2
4. Have some role play with the student based on the given scenario. Make the
conversation as interactive as possible.
Wrap up
Part 1
Part 2
Imagine that its been a month since a new employee joined your
department. Assertively recommend holding a welcome party for
him to your boss. If your boss is unwilling to accept your idea, you
can offer to coordinate the event.
280