What is the first action you should take if a unit clerk's assignment to work for Mr. Jones is deemed unsatisfactory and she should not be assigned to him again?

• A. Request a formal written evaluation from Mr. Jones.
• B. Ask Mr. Jones to explain in what way her work was unsatisfactory.
• C. Immediately replace the clerk.
• D. Ask the clerk to defend herself.

Answer: (B)

The essential first move is to obtain specific feedback from the supervisor to understand exactly what was unsatisfactory. By asking Mr. Jones to explain in what way the clerk’s work fell short, you get concrete details—such as missed steps, quality issues, errors, or communication problems—that point to what needs to be addressed. This targeted information helps decide whether the issue can be resolved with coaching, training, or a better-matched assignment, and it creates a fair, documented basis for any future actions.

Jumping straight to formal evaluations, replacing the clerk, or having the clerk defend herself bypasses the necessary facts and can lead to unnecessary tension or improper conclusions.