Tiana White has just finished a meeting with Tina Garr, her vice president, when she runs into Mary Briones, a peer departmental manager, in the hallway. 

Mary. You’re frowning. What’s wrong?

Tiana. Nothing. I’m fine. 

Mary. You look stressed. You don’t seem like the regular enthusiastic Tiana I know. Do you want to come into my office to talk about it?

Tiana. Keep this between us, but Tina is impossible to read. Sometimes she’s warm and approachable. Other times, she acts as if I’m a stranger. I just tried to discuss with her my desire to take on more responsibility, because I just earned a master’s degree and I’ve worked here for four years. I wanted her advice on what I could do to get promoted.

Mary. Those are valid questions. What did she say?

Tiana. She said, “You have too many projects right now. You shouldn’t even be thinking of moving up.” No explanation, no sugar coating. Then she said she had to go to another meeting. That’s when I left. 

Mary. No wonder you look dejected. Is there anything I can do to help?

Questions 

1. How could Tina have better handled the situation? 

2. Is Mary displaying the interpersonal skills of a strong leader? How will these skills help Tiana?