Question

NEGATIVE MESSAGE:

• Situation:XtremityPlus is known for its outlandish extreme- sports products, and the Looney Launch is no exception. Fulfilling the dream of every childhood daredevil, the Looney Launch is an aluminum and fiberglass contraption that quickly unfolds to create the ultimate bicycle jump. The product has been selling as fast as you can make it, even though it comes plastered with warning labels proclaiming that its use is inherently dangerous. As Xtremity Plus’s CEO, you were nervous about introducing this product, and your fears were just confirmed: You’ve been notified of the first lawsuit by a parent whose child broke several bones after crash-landing off a Looney Launch.
• Your task: Write a post for your internal message, explaining that the Looney Launch is being removed from the market immediately. Tell your employees to expect some negative reactions from enthusiastic customers and retailers but explain that (a) the company can’t afford the risk of additional lawsuits and (b) even for XtremityPlus, the Looney Launch pushes the envelope a bit too far. The product is simply too dangerous to sell in good conscience.
• Tips: Although this message will be distributed internally, it will still be important to avoid including any comments you would not want the public to see. The primary goals are to prepare employees for the negative reaction that will follow removing the Looney Launch from production, and to help them understand the reasons behind your decision.

Answer 1

Dear Employees,

XtremityPlus is achieving new heights with your hard work and dedication and I truly appreciate your sincere efforts. With the launch of Looney, we always ensured the new addition to sports action and create value for the buyers. Our buyers have been the most sensible and prudent and this reflects in our sales numbers. With the decision of withdrawal of Looney launch, we as a company are expected to feel the heat from the customers who were excited with the features of the product. Though the product with the warning regarding the usage, still it has called for incident of a mishap and a lawsuit is filed over the same. I am not worried that more sales will bring more lawsuits and have just concentration over the employees and customers to get the best values. You are at the customer front line and can explain the customer the best part of the decision. We would like our customers to stay safe and healthy and therefore, efforts are in progress to bring up Looney launch with additional safety features and after strong testing and proofs.

Hear back from the customers and assure them. Help them know that decision is in best interest of customer itself. Let’s handle perilous time with confidence and keep the faith and trust of the clients intact.

Sincerely,

CEO