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American Management Association / www.amanet.org
Case 16: Kathy’s Temper
Case Discussion:
Kathy’s Temper
Summary
As supervisor of the Accounts Servicing Unit, Gene Jenkins, manages four account service repre-
sentatives. The reps must deal with both customers and employees frequently in a very tactful manner.
One rep, Kathy Showers, is very adept at her work. However, she appears to be going through
a particularly diffi cult period with her boyfriend. As a result, she is often curt and abrupt, at times
acting outright rude to others. Sometimes, she blows up in anger, shouting and swearing at whomever
is nearby. She also talks to her boyfriend quite a bit on the phone. These conversa tions often end with
her crying.
The tension in the offi ce has ...