John's Resignation
CEO: So what is it that you wanted to see me about, John?
John: I thought it would be good for us to have a heart-to-heart conversation.
CEO: You're unhappy with how things are going, right?
John: Yes, I am. But I don't want others in the company to know. I thought we should meet outside.
Exercises:
1. Why doesn't John want others in the company know that they are meeting?
>> If others saw them meeting, it could start rumors.
2. I thought it would be good for us to have a heart-to-heart conversation.
3. In a heart-to-heart conversation, people are expected to reveal their true feelings to each other.
CEO: Ok, so what are you thinking?
John: To be perfectly frank, I’ve decided that it doesn’t make sense for me to stay with the company. You are the CEO, but I don’t agree with how you’re handling things. I can no longer support you.
CEO: Hmm, OK, I have suspected that for quite a while.
John: I’m still happy to support the company if I can, of course, but I’d like to work elsewhere. There's a start-up that has contacted me, and I’m planning to join them as soon as I can.
Exercises:
1. From this conversation, it's clear that John has decided to resign.
2. How did the CEO react to what is he being said?
He has suspected that this was coming.
3. It’s clear that he is going to resign because he no longer supports the CEO.
4. He disagrees with how the CEO is running the company.
Repeat Sentences:
1. I’ve decided that it doesn’t make sense for me to stay with the company.
2. You are the CEO, but I don’t agree with how you’re handling things.
3. What is it that you wanted to see me about
Waitress: Are you gentlemen ready to order?
John: No, not yet. Could you come back in a few minutes?
Waitress: Certainly, sir.
CEO: Well, we are going to miss you. There's nothing I can say that would change your mind?
John: No, it’s too late for that. I no longer have confidence in your decisions. Your latest business plan, for example, makes no sense at all. It makes us weaker in the area where we are strong, and it takes us in some new areas where we can’t compete.
CEO: Well, that’s where we disagree.
Put the sentences below in order:
(1) Your latest business plan, for example, makes no sense at all.
(2) There's nothing I can say that would change your mind?
(3) No, it’s too late for that.
(4) I no longer have confidence in your decisions.
Correct Order: (2) (3) (4) (1)
CEO: So, if that’s the way you feel about it, I agree that it’s best that you work somewhere else. Still, I hope we can count on you when we need you for something.
John: Sure, keep me informed and let me know if and when I can be useful.
CEO: I will. So how do you propose that we should communicate this to the company?
John: I will write up something and you can review it. I’ll make it sound as positive as possible.
Exercises:
1. How are they going to let the rest of the company know that he is leaving?
>> He will work with the CEO to make the news seem as positive as possible.
2. Keep me informed, and let me know if and when I can be useful.
3. To count on someone means about the same as to rely on them.
Repeat Sentences:
1. There's nothing I can say that would change your mind?
2. Well, that’s where we disagree.
3. Could you come back in a few minutes?
CEO: OK, thanks. I’m sure it will come as a shock to many. Things are already difficult enough.
John: I know and maybe I’m wrong. Maybe your plan will work. If so, I will be the first to congratulate you. Are you ready to order?
CEO: Sure, though I don’t feel like eating much.
John: Waiter.
Question:
1. How do they expect the company will react to the news?
>> They expected people to be shocked.
2. From this exchange it means as if the CEO realizes that John’s departure will make things even more difficult.
Repeat & Read Sentences:
1. I’m sure it will come as a shock to many.
2. So how do you propose that we should communicate this to the company?
3. He has suspected that there was a problem, so he isn't surprised by the news.
4. Under the circumstances, he agrees to let John do and tries to keep good relations.
5. I’m still happy to support the company if I can, of course, but I’d like to work elsewhere.
