Written Communication
Instant Message or Email? "I'm planning a vacation and am requesting the following days off: 8/1-8/5."
True or False: You should cover up any and all tattoos that you have so none are visible.
False
I just clocked out and my manager emails me asking for an update on a project to share with their boss.
1. I should quick send the update, it'll only take 15 minutes so I'm not going to clock back in.
2. I'll clock back in and quick send the update.
3. I'll send the update first thing tomorrow morning.
Either 2 or 3, - can ask manager priority level to make the decision.
My manager announced a change in the department that will change my daily workflow, I don't understand why the decision was made and I am frustrated. How should I express my frustration?
Have an in-person (or video) conversation with your manager to ask productive questions to help you understand the change and ask ways you can help the transition.
You become close with your manager over the course of your internship program and communication becomes more casual. Is it acceptable to begin using slang and more casual tone in your emails and written communication?
No
True or False: Everyone on my team dresses very casually, my supervisor doesn't care if I break dress code and wear college hoodies or leggings in the office. I should follow what the team does to fit in.
False.
My doctor is calling me while I'm at work, I should:
1. Decline the call and call back when I am off the clock.
2. Take the call at my desk, I don't really care if my coworkers overhear.
3. Excuse myself to a phone booth room to take the call and make the call as breif as possible
3
I've been having difficulties setting boundaries with my manager, they keep asking for me to take on additional projects but I am overwhelmed and don't have the capacity. What should I say to them?
“How would you like me to prioritize this task? I am currently working on X, Y, Z. Where does this fall in this list and is there anything that can hold?”
I made a mistake that will impact some of my coworker's ability to their job properly. Who should I email?
1. The entire team to explain the mistake
2. My manager so they can help me with the best approach to resolve the mistake.
3. No one, fix it in silence.
2
The dress code policy is a "dress for your day" policy and I am working from home, my college hoodie is acceptable to wear on a video call.
No, however GFS apparell is acceptable.
I've been having an issue at work and my supervisor's manager asks me how I'm doing. I should ask my supervisor's manager for help instead of waiting to talk to my supervisor first.
You should ask your supervisor for help first when possible.
You received feedback from your manager on a project you’re working on and you don’t agree with the feedback/are frustrated with the feedback. You should:
Discuss with a coworker to talk through the frustration
Meet with the manager to better understand the feedback.
2
I typically get a quicker response when I ping someone instead of emailing. I have a list of action items, some that are urgent. Should I ping or email the list?
Email (with an optional ping)
True or False: You should still follow the company dress code policy even at after-hour outings such as a happy hours.
True
Although you’re allowed to openly discuss your pay amongst coworkers, why would someone keep this information private?
Your coworkers may be making more or less than you dependent on various factors.
Somebody on your team that you’re friends with tells a story or a joke that is offensive, it makes you uncomfortable. You should:
Call them out in front of group
Talk in private when comfortable
Tell manager or HR
2 (3 if uncomfortable)
You send an email that doesn’t get a response within 48 hours. You should:
1. resend the email and cc your boss
2. resend the email and demand a response in all CAPS
3. send them a chat or resend the email with a reminder to respond.
3. (1 in certain situations)
It’s 80° out and I want to dress for the weather. I have jean shorts (no holes, finger length) and a nice shirt and flip flops for the office. Is this appropriate office attire?
No
I am privy to confidential information that will affect one of my coworkers. I should:
Give them a heads up so they can prepare to receive the news.
Confide in another team member that knows them better and ask for their advice on how to handle the situation.
Keep the information to myself unless they ask, then I can tell them what I know.
Keep the information to myself & completely stay out of it.
4
Your coworker takes credit for work that someone else did and receives public recognition for a job well done. You know they did not do the work, what do you do?"
1. Call them out in front of the group
2. Tell your boss
3. Pull them aside later and ask them why they took the credit.
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