Implementing change is always difficult and there will always be people who wish to maintain the status quo. In this episode we see Marcus as he informs the team of an imminent change, but everyone is annoyed. Steve and Sanjay object to spending time bringing others up to speed. Marcus invites everyone to write their negative thoughts and put them in a box, but that doesn't help. Steve has a rethink and suggests that with the combined skills of the...

It is important that organisations respect the diverse backgrounds of their employees and work with them to maximize skill sets to use diverse backgrounds for the good of the business. Carol returns from vacation to find that Marcus has hired two non-English speakers, to develop diversity at work. Carol and her boss Serena have concerns about their minimum English and the consequent perceptions of Cutting Edge Corporation appearing unprofessional....

For a team to work effectively together there must be relationships built of trust, understanding and mutual respect. Marcus sets up a speed socializing exercise to give staff an insight into building long lasting relationships. Steve is chosen as the relationship expert to comment on the relationship' skill level of the group as they undertake role-plays. Tammy and Sanjay's awkward interaction escalates when Steve refers to him as a narcissist. Tammy...

Making a positive first impression is vital. In episode one Carol greets new clients but struggles with their name pronunciation. Michael and Wendy are not welcoming, so Carol gives her staff tips on smiling and positive facial expressions. When the clients complain about Mana's presentation, Carol agrees and puts her down then coaches her - all in front of the important clients. They are unimpressed and leave. Don't ignore people INSTEAD: Make everyone...

Anger can erupt from anyone at any time and having strategies in place to control and manage that anger is very important. Marcus runs a training session to help staff manager anger, and invites Serena as the anger management expert, which makes Carol angry. Marcus uses a toy crocodile and some boxing kangaroos to get the messages across, but when Michael and Sam are asked to demonstrate their anger management skills the role-play escalates into an...

It is important that every workplace is one where we respect our fellow colleagues and are treated with respect in return. In this episode Serena is concerned that the culture lacks basic elements of respect. Some team members confront Carol about her racist and insensitive comments. Meanwhile Sam and Sanjay ridicule Serena, which she overhears. Carol also overhears and is both amused and shocked. Serena is devastated. Carol sees the perfect opportunity...

It is important for every business to have an appropriate social media policy that is understood and adhered to. In this episode Carol is concerned about excessive use of Facebook and Twitter at work, and initiates a social media policy, which Serena has observed is missing. Sam presents the new social media policy for the office, and they discuss inappropriate use. At the same time Michael's personal use of a dating app in the meeting triggers an...

Performance appraisals can be difficult if one party expects a result far different to their actual appraisal. In this episode Carol expects to be showered in praise at her forthcoming appraisal with Marcus, but is shocked to find Serena will be sitting in. When they question Carol's extremely high self-assessment, she becomes defensive and angry, especially when Marcus announces no bonus and a pay cut! But will management also be taking cuts? Carol...

Serena questions the decision making process for the cutbacks. Instead of considering the weakest performer, Marcus has hired two new weaker people. Serena is shocked by the random choice toy and arm wrestling competitions used to make decisions. She offers the DECIDE formula and Michael is reinstated because the decision to fire him was unethical. Marcus makes unbelievable decisions. Instead of selecting a person to leave based on performance, he...

Effective negotiating skills need to be learnt, practiced and perfected to ensure that you are in a position to negotiate the best outcome for every project and contract. Steve and Paul Garrison negotiate a large contract to provide services to Paul's company. Steve wants to provide a cost effective service based outside Australia but Paul disagrees. Steve acknowledges the concerns but nearly loses the deal when Serena is brought into the equation,...