Problem solving
You walk into work and see a coworker is using your usual chair.
Stay calm.
Politely say: “Hi, I usually use that chair. Would you mind if I use it today?”
If you’re uncomfortable speaking up, ask a supervisor or team leader to help.
You miss your bus and realize you'll be late for your shift.
Call or text your supervisor as soon as possible.
Say: “I’m sorry, I missed my bus and will be about 15 minutes late.”
You’re asked to do something you’ve never been trained on.
Say: “I haven’t done that before. Can someone show me how to do it the first time?”
You walk into work and see your coworkers already there. How could you greet them?
Say: “Good morning” or “Hi” with a smile or small wave.
If you’re not comfortable with talking much, a simple nod works too.
You arrive at the stop, but the bus or train has already left.
Stay calm. Check the schedule for the next one.
If you're unsure, ask a staff member or call someone you trust.
Say: “Excuse me, when is the next bus/train to [destination]?
Your manager gives you a task, but you don’t understand what to do.
Stay calm and say: “I’m not sure what to do. Can you explain it again, please?”
You can also ask: “Can you show me how to do it the first time?”
A coworker snaps at you or says something mean.
Stay calm. Don’t argue.
Say: “I don’t like being spoken to that way.”
If it keeps happening, report it to your supervisor.
You're introduced to a new coworker on your first day, but you forget their name.
Say politely: “I’m sorry, I forgot your name. Can you tell me again?”
You don’t understand how to do a task you’ve been given.
“Can you please show me how to do this?”
“I want to make sure I do this right. Can you explain it again?”
The bus/train you usually take is not running, or the route has changed.
Look for signs or announcements.
Ask a transit worker: “I usually take Bus 21 to downtown. Is there a different bus I can take today?”
Use a transit app or call a trusted contact.
There is loud construction outside, and it’s hard to focus.
Ask your supervisor: “The noise is making it hard to focus. Can I take a short break or work in a quieter spot?”
You accidentally knock over a drink or drop something.
Stay calm. Clean it up or ask for help if needed.
Tell your supervisor: “I spilled something by accident. I’ve cleaned it up. Just wanted to let you know.”
You’re asked to get paper towels from the supply room, but you don’t know where it is.
Ask a coworker or supervisor: “I’m new—can you show me where the supply room is?”
You want to talk to a coworker during a break but don’t know what to say.
“Hi, how’s your day going?”
“Did you do anything fun this weekend?”
“I like your shirt!” (If you notice something nice)
You realize the bus or train is not going the right way.
Get off at the next stop.
Ask someone: “I think I got on the wrong bus. How can I get to [destination]?”
Use your phone’s map or app to re-route.
You're speaking in a meeting, but someone talks over you.
Wait until they finish. Then say: “I’d like to finish what I was saying.”
You can also ask your supervisor for help if this keeps happening
You’re given three things to do at once and feel stressed.
Tell your supervisor: “I want to do a good job, but I’m feeling overwhelmed. Can you help me figure out what to do first?”
Your supervisor asks if you're done, but you're not finished yet.
Say: “I’m still working on it. I need a few more minutes to finish.”
Your supervisor tells you that something needs to be done differently.How do you respond?
“Okay, thanks for letting me know.”
“I’ll fix it.”
If you don’t understand, ask: “Can you show me what you mean?”
You forgot your transit card or don’t have enough money.
Tell the driver: “I forgot my card. Is there a way I can pay another way?”
If not allowed to board, call a family member or friend for help.
Plan ahead next time by checking your card or keeping backup fare.
You accidentally send the wrong file to a customer.
Tell your supervisor right away: “I made a mistake and sent the wrong file. I want to fix it.”
Offer to resend the correct file if you can.
You share an idea in a meeting. Later, a coworker repeats it and gets praise.
Stay calm. After the meeting, say to your supervisor: “I had mentioned that idea earlier. I just wanted to share that I was proud of it.”
Your supervisor tells you to organize files a certain way, but you’re not sure how.
Say: “Can you please explain that again or show me an example?”
A coworker asks you to do something, but you’re already busy with a task.
“I’m working on something right now. Maybe later?”
“I’m not sure I can help with that. You may want to check with [supervisor’s name].”
Someone is playing loud music, talking loudly, or making you uncomfortable.
Put on headphones if you have them.
Move to another seat.
If you feel unsafe, get off at the next stop or alert the driver/staff.
Say: “This is making me uncomfortable. I need to move.”