Question

1. Do you think Franklin and Vince demonstrated a high level of social intelligence? Why or why not?

Marcia Brady is naturally extroverted and always ready to approach her co-workers to offer help. Franklin Pierce is more of an introvert, but is ready to help if approached. Marcia and Franklin have both successfully completed four years with Hi-Tech Solutions, and management is very satisfied with both of them as they are equally talented and consistent performers.

They’ve always been on friendly terms, but Marsha now feels that Franklin is not as cordial as he used to be. She noticed some behavioral changes with him. During general conversations she notices that Franklin makes odd remarks, such as “You’re famous. Everybody in the company knows you, but even my office mates don’t notice if I’m there or not.”

One morning Vince Mehta, General Manager for Hi-Tech Solutions, is shocked to find a letter of resignation from Franklin. Knowing that they were friends, Vince called Marcia and asked if she knew that Franklin planned to quit. Marcia was stunned and said that she had no idea, but mentioned that he had been acting differently.

As he did not want to lose such a capable employee, Vince took Franklin to the Starbucks in the building for an informal discussion.   Franklin, after some hesitation, shared his thoughts with Vince.

Franklin said, “I might as well not be here. When I go by myself to Starbucks the other people from the office don’t even recognize me. But if I am accompanied by Marcia, I get well treated. One day, Marcia and I entered the building together and the Security Guard wished us a good morning. The next day, when I arrived alone the same Security Guard didn’t say a word. Even in meetings held in the office the points raised by Marcia get so much more attention I have given up and just keep silent. Marcia and myself have the same qualifications. We graduated from the same college, in the same year, both of us with honors. We have the same years of experience in this organization. Moreover, I have more responsibilities than Marcia. If I am ignored or unrecognized by the company, I can’t continue here.”

Answer 1

Social intelligence is the capacity of a person to understand themselves and others and know how to behave in a society . In this case Vince behaved with high level of social intelligence because instead of acting in official manner, he tried to understand the problem of Franklin in a friendly manner so that Franklin could be persuaded to stay. Franklin did not behave with high social intelligence because he did not understand the problem is in him and he needs to open up like Marcia which would help him be recognised. Instead of this he starting feeling insecure and hence did not exhibit high level of social intelligence.