Mini-Case The First Meeting Between the New CEO of Idle Time

question 128

Multiple Choice

Mini-Case
The first meeting between the new CEO of Idle Time Gaming, Inc., John Noble, and Howie Spradlin, the production manager did not go smoothly. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the problem of declining productivity and to develop a strategy to turn the situation around.
Howie started the conversation by handing Mr. Noble most recent production report. "I've always thought that most of our employees were lazy, and now I've got proof," Howie stated. "We pay these guys the highest wages in the industry, provide them with a safe place to work, and make the job as simple as possible. We aren't asking these guys to do brain surgery, but productivity still lags and our production costs increase. I've told all the supervisors to watch these lazy bums every second to make sure they put in a full day's work. If those guys think I'm going to let them get away with goofing off, they're in for a rude awakening." CEO Noble responded in a way that surprised Howie. "Maybe these employees aren't lazy, Howie, maybe they are just bored and resent the way we've treated them," he said. "The employees are experienced and well trained. They might work harder and smarter if the work were more interesting and rewarding. Their attitudes might even improve if we treated them with more respect. Maybe one of the best ways for you and I to understand where they're coming from is to spend some time along side them."
For the next hour, the two discussed ways to improve worker motivation and performance. Howie left the meeting with an unsettled feeling. Many of Mr. Noble's suggestions seemed naïve to Howie. "Mr. Noble is the boss, but I think he is too optimistic regarding human nature," Howie mused. Reluctantly, Howie had to admit that his own approach had not succeeded in improving the plant's performance. He decided to take a hard look at some of Mr. Noble's ideas.
-Before ending the meeting, John Noble informed Howie that he would be sending out an email to all employees asking for suggestions as to how the jobs could be restructured to improve productivity. As Howie walked back to the production site, he shook his head, "Is Noble from a different planet? Does he really think our workers have a clue?" Unlike Noble, Howie does not realize that:

• A) employees can be motivated by open-communication.
• B) employees seek equity.
• C) employee perceptions of equity are usually under-estimated.
• D) employees will offer ways to simplify job tasks.

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Definitions:

Anticipate Objections

The practice of foreseeing and preparing for potential disagreements or questions in advance, particularly in sales or negotiation scenarios.

Emotional Appeals

Persuasive techniques that attempt to influence an audience by appealing to their emotions rather than logic or reason.

Audience's Perspective

The point of view or attitude of the intended recipients of a message or communication.

Common Mistakes

Errors or oversights that are frequently made in a particular context, often due to misunderstanding or inattention.