Application Exercises

$6\mathrm{.}7$ Avoiding Logical Errors $(\backslash (\backslash$longleftrightarrow $\backslash )$ LO$6\mathrm{.}4)$

For each of the following sentences, identify what you consider to be logical inconsistencies. Explain whether these inconsistencies relate to unsupported generalizations, faulty cause$/$effect claims, either$/$or logic, slanting the facts, or exaggeration. Then revise the sentences to eliminate the logical inconsistencies.

A$.$ Jim's Old Fashioned Burgers provides the best management training program in the industry.

B$.$ The training consists of five stages: manager$-$in$-$training, second assistant manager, first assistant manager, restaurant manager, and regional director. The training places you on the fast track to success; advancing from one stage to the next takes from as few as three months up to just two years.

C$.$ Many trainees eventually become upper$-$level executives, showing that hands$-$on training is better than getting a business degree.

D$.$ Eventually, approximately $10$ percent of trainees become regional directors. Employees from this elite group are those who show perseverance and determination to reach their professional goals.

E$.$ Because just $5$ percent of Jim's employees are selected for the training program, your acceptance in the program shows that you have great leadership potential.

F$.$ We encourage you to apply for the training program so that you avoid staying in the same position without making career progress.

G$.$ Restaurant managers make approximately $\backslash (\backslash$$ $35,000\backslash )$ to $\backslash (\backslash$$ $40,000\backslash )$ per year. The annual salary has grown at approximately $5$ percent per year during the past three years, far outpacing income growth for restaurant managers at McDonald's or Burger King. So reaching the restaurant manager stage places you in a better economic position than you would be in at competing restaurants.

$6\mathrm{.}8$ Displaying a Can$-$Do$,$ Confident Tone $($ LO$6\mathrm{.}5)$

For each of the following items, rewrite the sentences to achieve a better can$-$do$,$ confident tone.

A$.$ Even though I do not have any supervisory experience, I think I have excellent leadership skills.

B$.$ I have excellent leadership skills and will certainly increase profitability as I am promoted through the ranks of the training program.

C$.$ I might be a good candidate for the training program since I work so hard.

D$.$ We feel that next year's annual profits could increase if the economy picks up and if we are able to fill all of our management positions.

E$.$ We believe that improving customer service is one way of driving increased revenues.