Answer Key
Staff II – Comprehension Check
- “People who are offended by profanity often don't speak up because they fear they won't be viewed as sufficiently hard-core or tough.” Which of the definitions best matches the meaning of SPEAK UP? [speak without fear]
to speak up – speak without fear or hesitation - “This guy might be struggling with some TURF ISSUES”. What does it mean? [he is afraid that you will be better than him and take over his job]
One other thought: this guy might be struggling with some turf issues, raised by your having been brought in to take over part of his job. turf - the range of the authority or influence of a person, group, or thing - When a co-worker interrupts you, you should say, with a strong and confident tone, something like [A moment, please! I'm not finished.]
When your co-worker starts to interrupt you, say something like, "One moment, Fred (or whatever his name is), I'm not finished." Say it with a strong and confident tone. - Which of the options best completes this sentence? “No one should have to work in an F-this, F-that environment...” [if they're not comfortable.]
No one should have to work in an F-this, F-that environment if they're not comfortable. - There is a mistake in this sentence: “Is it worth to try to do anything about this, or should you just try to tune it out?”Which part of the sentence has the mistake? [Is it worth to try to do]
Is it worth trying to do anything about this, or should you just try to tune it out? - Speaking to a bullying co-worker, you need to let him know you are [in control]
For bullies, everything is a control issue, so you need to let him know that you are in control. - "Well-placed profanity has its place, if used sparingly.” Which of the words best matches the meaning of SPARINGLY? [economically]
sparingly – economically - Salty talk will make your work group seem unprofessional to higher-ups. Who are they? [people who work above you]
higher-ups - a person in a position of higher authority in an organization; superior - “People are WORKING UNDER PRESSURE a lot of the time.' Which of the expressions best fits the sentence? [stressed out]
About 80% think workplace profanity has increased over the past five years, especially in environments where people arestressed out a lot of the time. - WorldWIT surveyed 40,000 employees and found out that 80% think [number of obscenities at work have increased]
Earlier this year, WorldWIT, an online network of professional women, surveyed its 40,000 members and found that about 80% think workplace profanity has increased over the past five years.