Case study – interpersonal skills in the workplace
During the first week on the job, the intern is preparing for the farmers market by making signage, packing materials, and learning about the produce being sold. At the first market, the intern is asked to help with cash sales, answer questions from customers about the farming practices, and suggest other products (eggs, honey, meat, cheese) can be purchased or meal ideas. The intern would consistently say that they “did not know” in response to questions from customers and eventually, stood back from the table and avoided making eye contact. As more and more customers relied on fewer staff members to answer questions and complete their purchases, a long line of customers grew. Eventually, people walked away from the table to visit other vendors. Some did not return. While this was going on, the intern stood back behind the other staff and started checking their phone. The supervisor asked the intern to take over the cash register. Unsure of all the prices, the intern would ask customers how much certain produce was as they processed their orders and charge them accordingly. At the end of the day, the cash flow did not equal the produce sold. The supervisor had a … Read more