Bob and his study group members, Tom and Brady, were assigned a project that would require the members to divide and conquer on several research areas before coming together to write the paper. Bob recommended they select a topic related to his field, since he could offer the group a lot of primary and secondary research data through work he has already done. Tom and Brady looked at each other, but neither of them argued with Bob. Tom mentioned the possibility of another topic, but Bob interrupted him and insisted that primary and secondary research data he has already done would be better than all of them having to conduct new research. They all agreed to work on Bob's suggested topic. Then Brady began to discuss their timeline. Bob insisted that they only meet on the weekends. They

Question

worked out the timeline, and all agreed they could get the project done on time. Upon leaving, Bob smiled and exited first while the other men waved and left together. Tom and Brady went to their instructor to complain about their group assignment. If you were their instructor, what is the best advice you could give to each of the men in this group?

A. Tom and Brady, thank you for bringing this to my attention. In the future, please try to be more assertive with your group members if you do not agree with them. Bob, it has come to my attention from your group members that you have been difficult to work with. They have told me you have been controlling and inconsiderate of their time commitments. In order to do well in this course, and beyond, please learn to read people's body language. When a person agrees with you and they are looking at someone else and not smiling, their body language is saying no.
B. Tom and Brady, you should have been more assertive with Bob. Bob, it's been brought to my attention that you've been difficult to work with as a study group member. Please be more considerate of what your group members would like to get out of the course, and be more flexible in your meeting times with them, or this may affect your grade.
C. Tom and Brady, it was inappropriate for you to come to me with this issue. Be assertive and solve the problem on your own before ever approaching an instructor with this. Bob, Tom and Brady have come to me to complain about your attitude in the group. You have been controlling and inconsiderate. If they come to me to complain about you in the future, I will mark you all down in your grade for not finding ways to work well together.
D. Tom and Brady, before you come to me, please try to be more assertive with Bob. Bob, during class discussions, I feel there has been a tendency for you to interrupt, which seems to bother other students. We all have valuable information to contribute to the class, but we also must realize that students come from many different backgrounds and have different goals for the course. When in class, working in groups, or at work, try to be more aware of the nonverbal cues others may be trying to give you, as about 70 percent of communication is nonverbal.

Answer 1

Answer: D