Working in groups of 4, review the following descriptions of 3 different employees.

Describe the possible causes of poor performance in each case. Then pair off and create a role-playing scenario to practise giving performance feedback. (For assistance, review the role-playing information in Chapter 6.) Whereas one pair conducts the performance feedback session, the other pair is asked to observe and then provide feedback to the role-playing pair.

A. Carl Spackler is the assistant greens keeper at Bushwood Country Club. Over the past few months, members have been complaining that gophers are destroying the course and digging holes in the greens. Although Carl has been working evenings and weekends to address the situation, the problem persists. Unfortunately, his boss is interested only in results. Because the gophers are still there, he contends that Carl is not doing his job. He has accused Carl of slacking off and threatened his job.

B. Sandeep Dhillon works in research and development for a chemical company that makes non-nutritive food additives. His most recent assignment was the development of a non-stick aerosol cooking spray, but the project is way behind schedule and seems to be going nowhere. CEO Frank Shirley is decidedly upset and has threatened that if things don’t improve, he will suspend bonuses this year just like he did last year. Sandeep is dejected because without the bonus, he won’t be able to take his family on vacation.

C. Soon Tan is the host of a local television talk show called Morning Winnipeg.

Although she is a talented performer and comedian, Soon has an unacceptable record of tardiness. The show’s producer, David Bellows, is frustrated because the problem has affected the quality of the show. On several occasions, Soon was unprepared when the show went on the air. Bellows has concluded that Soon is not a morning person and has thought about replacing her.