CONDUCTING A PROBLEM-SOLVING MEETING
123
12.4
TASK
CONDUCTING A PROBLEM-SOLVING MEETING
The workers in the company are very worried about
how the new machines will affect their lives. They are
also not clear why the management wishes to introduce
the machines. To address these problems, a meeting has
been set up between the CEO and Production Manager
and two representatives of the biggest unions. The
meeting will be organised as follows:
1
an informal presentation by the management of the
case for introducing the machines
2
an informal presentation by the union
representatives of the workers’ concerns
3
discussion and decisions about how to deal with
the workers’ concerns
7
a
Work in groups of four. Choose one of the
following roles. One of you must take the role of CEO.
Union representative A:
turn to page 156.
Union representative B:
turn to page 160.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO):
turn to page 162.
Production manager:
turn to page 162.
7
b
Hold the meeting outlined above. Make your
presentations and discuss how to deal with the
workers’ concerns. Note any decisions that have
been taken.
KEY LANGUAGE
PERSUADING, MAKING A CASE FOR SOMETHING
5
a
12.4
Listen to two managers, Don and Stephanie,
talking about the plan to modernise the production
process. Don thinks it is a good idea to introduce the
new technology. Note down some of the arguments
he uses to make his case.
5
b
Work with a partner and compare notes. Do you
have the same points or different ones?
6
Listen again. Complete the sentences that Don
uses to persuade Stephanie with information from
the conversation. Use a maximum of three words to
complete each sentence.
1
Let’s face it, the economy’s not …
2
We don’t want to be …
3
It’s true what you say, Stephanie, but we do need
to modernise …
4
That’s a very strong argument for spending some
money on …
5
Another reason is that the new machines will enable
operators to produce a wider …
6
I would argue that we’ll be using our resources …
7
That’s a fair point, Stephanie, but look at …
8
I’m sure you’ll agree with me, it’s our job …
9
I’ve heard about the objections. My answer …
10
Look, I think you’ll agree, we’ve got some of the
best and …
11
That’s the way …
12
We don’t have any …
