Instruction
This assignment involves involves individually writing three different documents regarding an under-performing group member. A memo is directed to your instructor, an e-mail to the other members of your group, and an e-mail to the poor group member.
The Scenario
You are working in a group with four other technical communication students. The major proposal project is fast approaching, and you are concerned that one member, Xavier Ericsson, is going to drag down the group’s grade. Xavier has missed five out of the ten group meetings you’ve had so far. When confronted about it, he always has what seem like reasonable excuses. He had soccer practice one night, his girlfriend’s car broke down on another, and a third time he had to help his uncle, Axel Geirsson, with some sort of massive recall of defective rain jackets at the family’s outdoor outfitters store. In class, he basically does what he’s asked to do, but the work he does outside of class is either late, poorly done, or both. Even though your group charter says that a group member can only miss 3 meetings before he or she is kicked out, everyone has continued to make exceptions for Xavier because he seems like such a nice guy.
It is 1:30 am and you have just received a text from Xavier, telling you that his section of the project has now been added the group’s shared Google document. You’ve been waiting for his section since around 6pm, so you’re happy to get it. But, when you log in, you see that he has not read the instructions carefully and most of what he’s written will have to be redone. He was supposed to use data to argue that the Writing Center needed to hire more tutors. Instead, he’s argued that the Writing Center needs more money to buy computers. You’re not sure how he got this, except the teacher mentioned that the Writing Center needed more computers one time during a lecture. Maybe he never read the assignment sheet. He wasn’t at the group meeting when you went over it. After taking several deep breaths to calm down, you decide it is time to take action.
The Documents
You will draft three documents addressing the issues with Xavier. Each one has a different audience and purpose.
DOCUMENT #A: Write an email to your other group members. The purpose is to propose a meeting to talk about Xavier’s poor work habits. You haven’t really talked to your group about the issue up until now. Keep in mind that some of them may be frustrated, but some of them may not think it’s a big deal. Some may even think Xavier’s doing a great job. You’ll have to be diplomatic but also convince them that a meeting needs to happen.
DOCUMENT #B: Write an email to Xavier. You have decided that you are not going to revise his work for him. You need to explain to him firmly but politely that he needs to redo his section. Remember that he seems to be very busy outside of class; the “excuses” he’s making may be real. You want to make it clear that he needs to do the work without offending or angering him.
DOCUMENT #C: Write a memo to your instructor. The purpose is to make her or him aware of the issues you are having with Xavier and to request advice about what to do next. You need to make your instructor understand that the situation really is a problem and that you are doing your best to solve it. You want to come across as thoughtful, willing to take responsibility, and ready to do what needs to be done. The danger is that you may seem like you’re just complaining about a fellow student without being willing to do anything to address the issue.