Create a factual yet compassionate message pertaining to the need for an unpopular action. Take into consideration reactions that people have expressed and use empathy, recognizing the challenges of the situation.

Create a document featuring potential project or program roadblocks and how you will navigate them.

Create a cross functional, interdisciplinary, or multilevel employee involvement team to address problems from different perspectives and to discover new solutions.

Create a concise email to your reports explaining the reasoning behind certain goals. Invite feedback from a variety of stakeholders before sending.

Create a clear and comprehensive vision statement pertaining to a change effort in your unit. Analyze the methods used by a speaker you find inspirational and motivational and apply several of those methods to your message.

Create a 30 second speech about a U-M initiative in which you are involved. Tailor the language to different audiences.

Convey an innovative idea in a team meeting or to your supervisor.

Contact dissatisfied clients directly. Listen attentively and paraphrase the client's responses back to them for clarification. Offer solutions or areas that you will address with your team.

Consult with colleagues across the university about ways that they collect feedback pertaining to client expectations and service.

Consult with a team you are involved with about an unrealistic deadline. Ask them to direct you through the current work process to identify any bottlenecks or disruptions. Offer constructive feedback about the process and any changes that need to be made.