Bad News to Employee

Your Task. As division head, send a hard-copy memo refusing the request without alienating Denise Harper

Denise Harper, an excellent employee in the Accounting Department, has requested that the company allow employees to bring their dogs to work for one day. She says that the Pet Sitters International started "Take Your Dog to Work Day" nine years ago, and many offices across the country set aside a day to help raise awareness of what good companions dogs are. Denise also had another motive: she hopes to inspire fellow office workers to adopt dogs of their own.

Denise is a conscientious CPA whose work is valued within the company. However, her request must be denied. You can't imagine how to puppy-proof the office. What about electrical cords and wires? How about the carpet and possible accidents? What if some dogs became overly friendly with each other? What if the dogs became boisterous or agitated? You think productivity would plunge that day, and you can see no value in the proposal. Much as you admire the work of Denise, you can't grant this request.