NEGATIVE COMMUNICATION
Learning Outcomes
Write a well-formed business letter with a negative message.
Rejecting Opportunities Strategically
In SLP 3, you are required to write one negative message:
Your negative message should demonstrate an understanding in the application of the negative message principles from the background reading.
Please pay particular attention to the principles outlined in Chapter 17: Negative News and Crisis Communication within the Business Communication for Success ebook.
In this SLP, you are given two scenarios to choose from that require you to reject an opportunity using written communication. Select one scenario for this SLP. These scenarios are a continuation of your job search, begun in SLP 1. You are expected to apply the concepts covered in this module.
(Scenario 1) You have been approached by a head hunter who has a job for you. However, for various reasons (which you will invent for this exercise), you decided to decline the opportunity, and go for the job you really want (the one you identified in SLP 1). Write an email to the recruiter explaining your reasons for declining the opportunity. Be sure to apply the principles covered in this module.
(Scenario 2) The company you are currently working for has decided to increase your responsibilities by adding you to a newly established committee for a new project. Your manager feels that your experience and skills are suited for the position on the committee. You are currently overwhelmed by work, and given the lack of incentives (neither added compensation nor a promotion), you have decided to politely decline. Write an email to your General Manager explaining the situation. (Note: this is not a letter of resignation. You are merely declining the added responsibility while still remaining at your current job).
SLP Assignment Expectations
Your email is expected to be formally and professionally written. Please use proper English. Proper salutations are required. Citations and a bibliography are not required for this part.
SLP General Expectations
For the SLP, you are expected to assume the role of a job seeker. You are to identify a job that interests you in Module 1. The SLPs will take you through the job search and application process, presenting you in different scenarios requiring you to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively and professionally.
Formal citations and a bibliography are required unless otherwise stated.
Christensen, G. J. (2005) Letters … We Get Stacks of Letters and Business Notes. Retrieved on Jan 30, 2015, from http://www.csun.edu/~vcecn006/lettr.html
Groopman, J., (2002). Dying words. The New Yorker. Retrieved on Feb 10, 2015, from http://jeromegroopman.com/ny-articles/DyingWords-102802.pdf
Sittenfeld, C. (1999). Good Ways to Deliver Bad News. Retrieved on Feb 10, 2015, from http://www.fastcompany.com/36993/good-ways-deliver-bad-news
University of Minnesota (2015). Chapter 17: Negative News and Crisis Communication. Business communication for success. Minneapolis, MN: University of Minnesota Libraries Publishing. Retrieved on January 29, 2018, retrieved from: http://open.lib.umn.edu/businesscommunication/chapter/17-1-delivering-a-negative-news-message/.
Xerox (2015). Writing an Effective Business Letter. Retrieved on Jan 30, 2015, from http://www.office.xerox.com/small-business/tips/business-letter/enus.html
Yen, Y. (2008, Nov 11). Laid off? No, you’ve been ‘simplified.’ Retrieved on Jan 30, 2015, from http://archive.fortune.com/2008/11/10/technology/layoff_terms.fortune/index.htm
