Do the preparation task first. Then listen to the audio and do the exercises.
Preparation
Transcript
Jani: Thanks for coming, everyone. So, we're here today to define the timeline for our new project.
Emiko: Yes, Jani, that's a great idea.
Carolina: OK. What do you need from us?
Emiko: Hold on a moment. I think we need to decide between us what to do, to make sure it works for all departments.
Jani: Yes, exactly, don't worry. We're going to discuss this and make a decision together. Let's first think about the scheduling of each project phase. What do you think, Emiko?
David: Can I interrupt? I think we should first be clear about the process we'll use to make the decision. How are we going to do it?
Jani: Ah, yes. Good point. Well, I think the best way is for each of you to give your opinion and then we can discuss and make a decision.
David: OK. That sounds good.
Emiko: Yes, that works for me too. I know we're still planning the structure of the later phases of the project, but I think we should begin phase one as soon as possible. We can work out the rest later, as we go along.
David: I'm sorry, I don't think so. How can we start phase one if we're not fully clear on where the rest of the project will take us? We might make a wrong decision and waste time.
Jani: I agree with you on that point, David. However, we'll waste too much time if we wait until everything is planned before we actually start working on the project. I think we should take an agile approach.
David: Agile approach?
Jani: Well, it means that we start quickly and then adapt as we go along.
Emiko: That's right.
Jani: Carolina, you've been very quiet.
Carolina: Um … I'm sorry. I didn't want to interrupt. I'm listening … and thinking.
David: Do you agree we should get the plan right first, and then start with phase one?
Carolina: I'm sorry, David. I don't think I agree with you. It's important to have a good plan. But plans can change, even the good ones – and business changes often. We need to be flexible, and we also need to move quickly.
Jani: OK. So should we take a vote?
Emiko: Well, you're the project leader. Let's go with your decision.
Carolina: Yes, I'll follow your lead, Jani.
David: Well, I guess that's decided then. We'll follow your agile approach, Jani. Start quickly and keep planning the later stages of the project.
Jani: Yes, that's right.
David: I still don't think this is the right decision, but I'm happy to go with the majority. We should add some space into the schedule later for additional work this 'flexibility' will need.
Jani: Don't worry, David, we will. OK, so it's decided then. We'll start phase one as soon as possible, and in the background we'll continue planning the later phases and adapt them as we go along.
We discuss our ideas in a meeting, provide arguments and make a decision by majority.
Decisions at my workplace depend on the situation compatibility.
How are decisions usually made where you work? Well, we always try to listen to everyone's opinion (just like in the audio), and then we vote to determine the majority's opinion. If someone disagrees, we also take their opinion into consideration.
The decision is taken together.
We have a meeting every week to analyze some data from the market and a lot of economic variables that help us to make a decision in how to invest. Additionally, some colleagues bring some ideas or concerns about each points of view about of the economy of the country and market expectations in short and long term.
At my work we make decisions together during the online meetings via Zoom or similar software. The process is similar with the one shown in the dialogue
In workplace I make my decisiıon and then show it for my manager.
I usually have the independence to make my own decisions, but depending on the subject, I prefer to ask someone's opinion... or even discuss it with my manager, depending on her schedule (how busy she is at the moment).
Decisions at my workplace are usually made in different ways depending on the complexity of the situation. For simple conditions, I am able to make decisions on my own. However, for more complex situations, I usually seek guidance from my superiors and consult with them before making a decision.
Good listening, but really difficult for the students to identify who is speaking. They don't use each others' names. Will not use this again for this reason, or will use it with a different task