GEC Scenario #45: Qualifications Tightrope

You work in a small production engineering team in a large multinational firm. Your group has been asked to recommend process improvements for one of your company’s manufacturing lines in Germany. During a recent site visit, you present some of your team’s preliminary findings. After the meeting, one of the German plant managers pulls you aside and questions your team’s qualifications. You and your colleagues have an impressive array of degrees and range of prior experiences. How would you respond? 

1. Respond by emphasizing your own title, qualifications, and record of success.
2. Tell the manager you will send him a summary of your team’s qualifications and prior achievements.
3. Reassure the manager that your team is highly qualified and has a strong record of success.
4. Tell the manager you will send him copies of your team members’ resumes.
5. Politely acknowledge the manager’s concerns but take no further action.
6. Tell the manager that your team is highly qualified and his inquiry is inappropriate.
7. Suggest that the manager take up the issue with your supervisor.