Background Info:

You work for Chris Johnson, owner of Johnson Custom Services. The firm recently constructed a new headquarters on a five-acre lot, featuring lighted walkways, fountains, and ponds. The campus-like facility is a rarity in the city; only a few other buildings within the city limits offer the same size and amenities.

The Problem:

Mayor Angela Smith is running for reelection. Chris met her recently at a few events and exchanged polite emails about the citys growth and development. She left Chris a voicemail asking permission to hold a fundraiser on the companys campus. Up to 150 people might attend. The mayors campaign would take care of the catering, security, and cleanup.

Chris does not want to become involved in this event for several reasons: He is not a supporter of the mayor's policies. He doesnt want to fuel political disagreements amongst employees, who may not share political interests. If the present mayor loses, Chris does not wish to risk offending the new mayor. Despite their best efforts, that many people gathered outside at night are likely to damage the lawn and plants and create other problems. And finally, if Chris allows this event, he will probably receive similar requests by others.

Your Task:

Based on his concerns, Chris Johnson has decided to decline the mayors request. Since Chris knows her socially and has exchanged emails in the past, he decided to reply via email.

After writing a draft of the email, Chris has asked you to look at it and to make any changes that would improve it.

Your task is to revise the email below USING the INDUCTIVE/INDIRECT METHOD (as well as to suggest an appropriate subject line). Remember to use proper e-mail formatting and the characteristics of the bad news or refusal approach.

Email to RE-WRITE:

Hi Mrs. Smith,

I am writing in response to your voicemail regarding a campaign fundraiser that you would like to host on the Johnson Custom Services grounds. I am honored that you thought of our facility as a potential meeting grounds.

While this seems to be a great opportunity for your campaign, I regret to inform you that I have decided to decline this request due to several reasons. I appreciate your dedication to the city, I do not entirely support your policies; mainly due to my line of business and clients. By publicly supporting your campaign, I could lose business. Accepting this fundraiser could fuel political disagreements amongst my employees, who may feel the company does not share their same political interests. I do not want politics to interfere with productivity or contribute to a hostile work environment. I also strive to create an inclusive atmosphere for all employees.

Since the campaign is not finished and a mayor has not been elected, I am wary to choose sides, and it would be unprofessional of me to prematurely support you.

Despite your campaigns best efforts, one hundred and fifty people gathered outside at night are likely to damage the lawn and plants, creating other problems which may not be solved with a simple clean up. I am very proud of our new facility, and would like to keep it looking new as long as possible.

Finally, I do not plan to host events at our firm, and would prefer to not receive similar requests by other candidates, nonprofit organizations, and the like. I simply would prefer not to create more problems for my employees and our facility.

I hope you are not offended that I will not provide the space for your political campaign.

Chris Johnson

Johnson Custom Services

President and Owner

Minneapolis, MN 55414

612-555-6789