Question

22. YOU ARE HIRED INTO A NEW POSITION AND AN EMPLOYEE YOU SUPERVISE SEEMS TO BE A LONER WHO NEVER TALKS. WHAT SHOULD YOU DO AND WHY? (4 POINTS)

Answer 1

Here is what can be done if a new supervision role is given and the employee doesn't speak much:

• It is important to give time to the individual - It might be tough to have a long conversation at the first go. It takes time to open up for some individuals and hence it is important to allow nervousness and inhibitions to go away. It is important to make them feel comfortable and don't demand change in style.
• It is also required that as new supervision the shy nature of the employee shouldn't be taken up personally. The person might feel annoyed as others might have taken time to accept the reserved and untalkative nature. It is important to allow time to warm and observe with the natural course of time.

The supervisor must not comment or point out the shy and quiet aspect of the individual. It is important to not point that stuff out loud & help them become more understood and less self-conscious.

As a supervisor, it is important to take the lead in conversation but overdo the talking aspect. After a few conversations and discussion of out of work areas like sports, hobbies, interests etc can help to know the person better & become friendly.

It is important to give a few minutes to warm up and not putting the person on the spot can help remove the anxiousness. The caution can go away if the conversation begins on a light-hearted note and equally important is to give and allow time to respond.

It is also important to select the right topics and areas of discussion so that they are comfortable with having the same & avoid topics that they won't like to discuss immediately especially pertaining personal aspect.

Avoid the small talks & have deeper & interesting conversation that just for the sake of it. They might lack patience for the same and it can lead to another side of more distancing.

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