Scenario:

Maria, instructor of interpersonal skills for managers, has had three sessions with particular organization. She was told that Neil hasn't been able to keep a team together for more than three months at a time. She notices that, in her workshops, he lounges with a bored expression and reads the sports pages while she is speaking. She concludes his arrogance and hostility are hurting his performance. She writes him a memo about his behaviors (reading, looking bored, not bothering to contribute and the negative effect it has on the group). She asks him to eliminate these behaviors because she believes his power and prestige will grow.

1. What are some assumptions underlying the scenario?

2. How can the individuals in the scenario validate their assumptions?

3. How would an outsider could check to see if the assumptions are valid?