This is a pivotal moment for Jeff. Janice’s question was a good one: “How are we going to get these numbers to where they need to be?” Jeff could have responded to this question in many different ways: by offering new solutions, by brainstorming with his boss, by saying he would brainstorm with his team and get back to Janice later, or by responding honestly, “I don’t know.” Jeff didn’t do any of these things. Instead, he reverted to the pattern of behavior that has served him well up until this point—to feel pressure, take it on his shoulders, and promise to fix it.
