Developing speaking skills

A:

Good afternoon. May I come in, sir?

B:

You are welcome, Brian. Is there anything you would like to ask me about?

A:

In fact, yes, there is. The point is that I want to obtain a book which is directly related to the problem I am working at. But it is not available in the library. May I ask you to help me find it, if you be so kind?

B:

Sure. However, it could be much easier for me, if I knew the problem you are working at and the title of the book you are searching for.

A:

Oh, definitely! I am deeply interested in efficient human resource management. And the book I am looking for is “Managing People in the Work Place”.

B:

I know the book. I have it at home. You may borrow the book from me at any time you wish to study the problem more thoroughly. By the way, why have you chosen this very topic for your investigation?

A:

That’s the whole story! But to cut a long story short, I must state the fact I really enjoy working with people. I would appreciate an opportunity to study the rules and strategies of efficient staff management for the sake of being a skilled and experienced manager in future.

A:

You know, if you want to manage people, you have to become not only a qualified specialist but also a diplomat. You should feel for people to make them hold you in respect. Also, you mustn’t forget that it is necessary to create comfortable psychological climate and good working conditions for your would-be employees for them to feel confident in the future.

B:

And what about freedom in decision making? Should I let them develop their own view concerning this or that problem and the way to solve it?

A:

Definitely, you should. In any case, try to be objective.

B:

I see. Well, I have to learn more about human resource management.

A:

Can I first ask you about the type of work your company is engaged in?

B:

…………………………………………….………………………………….....

A:

Do you advise organisations in aspects of team-building? I mean, do you propose efficient ways of organising performance in a firm?

B:

Exactly. We are constantly asked for professional help.

A:

Would you be then so kind as to tell us of some problems managers face while managing human resources?

B:

The first problem I should mention is high level of unemployment these days. So, managers may hire externally able people but then the people appear to lack skills and qualification. The next aspect is, ………………........................

A:

What would you advise in this respect?

B:

The only way to control the situation is to create your own working team, to train it, to delegate duties to the members of the team and to try to concentrate on a particular area. Each team, I think, must ……………………………….....

A:

Are there any ways of training managers to develop effective teams?

B:

Of course, there are some. For instance, managers may meet together to discuss advantages and disadvantages of organisation progress. …………………….. But every step must be taken with the sense of culture.

A:

I see. And what steps would you suggest to take to make human resource management efficient?

B:

You should cooperate with people. The first step ……………… The second one ………… The third aspect …….. Try to evaluate your subordinates, I would rather call them associates, positively but be objective. I mean, award those who deserve it and train those who need training to raise their qualification and perform successfully.

A:

Thank you ever so much for such an informative interview. ……………… Good-bye.

B:

My pleasure. Good-bye.

A:

Sorry, I will be very much obliged to you if you answer some of my questions.

B:

O.K. I’m at your disposal …………………………………………..……………

A:

My staff never seems to listen to me, so they always get things wrong. Can you offer me some advice as to ………………………………………………………

B:

I’m looking for………………………I am in the business of finding people for jobs rather than jobs for people ………………………….……….……………..

A:

Well, I see. You are bringing in people who are looking for a job and try to place them…………………………

B:

…… I concentrate on employees’ strengths and try to correct their weaknesses.

A:

I see. You are very experienced in this area ……………………………….…....

B:

Don’t mention it.

Managing Director and Director of Human Resources

Persons, applying for a job

You are planning to open a new department at your plant. You should hire new persons to head this department. Choose five or seven people and prepare for your meeting carefully. Create different situations and listen to their views.

Everybody gives his/her own opinion in the situations offered by Managing director and Direc­tor of Human Resources.

Use the following words and word combinations: authoritarian, available, to cohere, commitment, in compliance with, to confront, decisiveness, to delegate, empathy, encouragement, find out, goal, implement, in order to, interpretation, to lead, objective, respect, reward, skill, to solve the problem, to anticipate, to assess, to challenge, to comprise, efficient, to ensure, forecast, to involve, need, to observe, outcome, staff.