Apologizing
You accidently spilled water on your friend. Is an apology needed? and why?
yes because I caused harm, I made them wet, or any similar statement that makes sense
You have several tasks to do, but the workday is almost over and you didn’t finish them all.
tell your supervisor and see if you can finish the next day
Use a timer or alarm to remind you when to switch tasks or wrap up.
get help from a co-worker
Someone in the break room at BI makes a joke, but you’re not sure if they’re being serious or teasing (just playing around in a funny way).
Ask calmly, “Are you joking or serious?” to help you understand. ask for clarity
If you feel uncomfortable, smile politely or walk away and talk to a supervisor
You tell your mom that she hurt your feelings when she yelled at you. do you need to apologize to mom for expressing your feelings? why or why not?
no, I advocated for myself or she hurt my feelings
At work, The copy machine or computer suddenly stops working while you’re using it.
Stop using it and report the problem to your supervisor right away.
Move on to a different task until the machine is fixed.
get help
You try to talk with a coworker, but they only give short answers and do not really talk back to you.
Give them space — they may be busy or not in the mood to talk.
Try again later or talk with someone else who is more social during breaks.
Mom yelled at you when she was frustrated. Does she need to apologize? why or why not?
Yes, because she hurt my feelings or caused harm
You accidentally spill soda or drop items while working because you were working fast.
Stay calm, clean up the mess, and ask for help if needed.
Slow down next time and use both hands or smaller amounts to prevent spills.
A coworker stands too close while talking and it makes you uncomfortable.
Politely take a small step back or say, “Can we talk from here? It’s easier for me to focus.”
If it keeps happening, let your supervisor or job coach know.
ask them nicely to step back
You politely ask the kids at MBS if they can play in a way from you because they almost hit you with a ball. Do you need to apologize to them? why or why not?
no, because I am standing up for myself/advocating
You can’t find your name badge, pen, or work schedule.
Keep all important items in the same spot every day (like a labeled drawer or bag).
Ask your supervisor or coworker if a replacement can be made and write down where you store it next time.
retrace steps look for items
You forget to complete a task and your supervisor asks what happened.
Be honest and say, “I forgot, but I’ll make sure to write it down next time.”
Use a checklist or phone reminder to help remember tasks in the future.
ask to see if someone can help you
You promised your friend you will walk with him to the bus stop but you forgot about it and he went alone. Do you need to apologize? why or why not?
Yes, because I broke a promise and may have hurt his feelings.
Your supervisor explains a new task, but you don’t fully understand how to do it.
Ask politely, “Can you please show me again or write it down?”
Watch a coworker do it first before trying it on your own.
You greet a coworker in the morning, but they don’t respond or smile back.
Don’t take it personally — they might be busy or having a rough morning. Try greeting them again another day.
Say hello to someone else or start your work calmly without reacting negatively.