Manager’s Hot Seat
Case 13: Listening Skills: Yeah, Whatever

The Meeting
M: Pilar, hey. I just came down the street and I was stopped by 3 different people. We’re a hit. I mean we are a huge hit. I can’t believe how beautiful this is.
P: That means it’s all over the place right?
M: Absolutely.
P: Congratulations.
M: I mean it looks right. It looks exactly; I couldn’t even have imagined it.
P: Yeah, I saw it, it was great.
M: So what did you want to see me about?
P: Ok, well. First of all, I wanted to congratulate you.
M: Oh, thanks, thanks so much. I called my mom and dad I was so excited.
P: I’m really happy with your work. And I also want to talk to you a little a bit about how I think, for us to organize ourselves a little bit better…
M: Did you see this?
P: Yes, I saw it, I loved it.
M: Of course you have.
P: Of course. You know, with the few campaigns you have been working on, there was a tiny complaint by the client that you went over budget by quite a bit of money. Now, I know that they were not told in advance. It was 11 grand over budget.
M: Oh come on, that’s nothing. You know that’s nothing. That’s a drop in the bucket to these people.
P: But they were upset about it. And you know that we have to…
M: Oh, hold on.
P: …cater a little…
M: I was buzzing, I just…
P: Yeah, ok.
M: Oh, oh it’s Scott and Abby.
P: Miguel, let’s turn our cell phones off while we’re in the meeting if you don’t mind.
M: Oh my god. No, I’m just kind of on cloud nine still because I just can’t believe it.
P: I know, but you’re busy, I’m busy so let’s uh... I just wanted to specify to you that there are certain things that maybe we should be doing, that neither of us are doing. Just to organize ourselves better.
M: But we are being successful, we are being great.
P: Of course. No, you’re right just listen to me for a second.
M: Have you seen the plastered