Question

Please read this scenario--how would you respond to your colleague about being on time?

- Good morning, Ling. What a beautiful day!
- Good morning, Houma. Please, can we speak together for a moment?
- Of course. Is something wrong?
- Maybe.
- Okay. Well, let’s go have a coffee and talk.
- Everyone on the team is supposed to be on time.
- What do you mean? I am on time.
- The boss cut a short meeting at 8 o’clock. You missed it.
- What? Why didn’t he let us know yesterday?
- Maybe he thought it was not necessary.
- So much trouble with my kids this morning. Anyway, it’s only 8:15 and you are out of the meeting. Maybe it wasn’t that important. Sometimes I really miss my country. We did not micromanage so much. I suppose I must go and explain the whole situation to him. But he really should have let us know before.
- Ok, it’s up to you. I must get back to work now. See you later.

Answer 1

Good morning, Ling. What a beautiful day!

Good morning, Houma. I’m glad you’re here. Can we talk for a minute?

Sure. What’s up?

Well, I’m concerned about your punctuality.

My punctuality? What do you mean?

You missed the boss’s meeting at 8 o’clock. It was very important.

What meeting? He didn’t tell us anything about it.

He sent an email last night. Didn’t you check it?

No, I didn’t. I had some family issues this morning. I’m sorry, I didn’t know.

I understand, but you have to be more careful. The boss is not happy with you. He expects everyone to be on time and prepared.

Oh no. That’s not good. I don’t want to lose his trust. What should I do?

You should apologize to him and explain your situation. Maybe he will understand and forgive you. But you have to make sure this doesn’t happen again.

You’re right. Thank you for telling me. I appreciate your honesty and advice.

No problem. I’m here to help. We’re a team, after all. Let’s go have a coffee and then talk to the boss together.

Step-by-step explanation: