Vocabulary
Acquisition
Anxious
Reporting Structure
Worst-Case Scenario
Visible
Rumors
acquisition
Definition
When one company buys another company.
Example Sentence
After the acquisition, many departments were merged to reduce costs.
Example Sentence
During an acquisition, companies often review benefits and compensation packages.
anxious
Definition
Worried or nervous about something that may happen
Example Sentence
I get anxious when there is no clear communication from leadership.
Example Sentence
Many colleagues feel anxious because they don’t know if their jobs are safe.
reporting structure
Definition
How responsibilities and lines of authority are organized in a company.
Example Sentence
I’m not sure who I will report to under the new reporting structure.
Example Sentence
Our reporting structure is now more centralized at the regional headquarters.
worst-case scenario
Definition
The most negative possible outcome.
Example Sentence
In the worst‑case scenario, they may close our local office.
Example Sentence
Even in the worst‑case scenario, my skills will help me find another job.
visible
Definition
Noticed or recognized by others, especially leadership.
Example Sentence
During a transition, it’s important to be visible to the new leadership.
Example Sentence
She became more visible by presenting in meetings and sharing results.
rumors
Definition
Unofficial information that may not be true and spreads from person to person
Example Sentence
He heard rumors that the benefits package might change next year.
Example Sentence
When I hear rumors, I always ask my manager to confirm the facts.
Vocabulary Practice
Word Bank
Match the word with the correct sentence.
1. Remote workers must work harder to stay _________________ to senior managers
2. They sent an email with an org chart to explain the new ____________________.
3. The board approved the _________________ after several months of negotiations.
4. I try not to focus only on the ____________________ scenario during this transition.
5. There are many __________________ about layoffs, but nothing official yet.
6. He sounded __________________ on the phone when he talked about possible layoffs.
The Conversation
Eliane: Hi Lucas, do you have a minute? I wanted to talk about the acquisition news and how you’re feeling about it.
Lucas: Sure, Eliane. Honestly, I’m a bit anxious. We don’t know what’s going to happen with our jobs or our benefits.
Eliane: I understand. A lot of people are feeling the same way. What worries you the most right now?
Lucas: I’m afraid they might cut positions or move our team to another country. And nobody has explained what the new reporting structure will look like.
Eliane: Those are valid concerns. At this moment, we don’t have final decisions from the new owners, but they said changes will be communicated step by step. Until then, our priority is to keep delivering strong results and stay visible.
Lucas: That makes sense, but it’s still hard not to think about the worst‑case scenario.
Eliane: I agree, it’s difficult. One thing we can control is how prepared we are. For example, I’m focusing on improving my English and learning new tools like Generative AI, so I can show I add value in an international environment. Have you thought about any skills you’d like to develop in the next months?
Lucas: Maybe I should work on my English too, and also my presentation skills. If we have to present to the new leadership, I want to sound confident.
Eliane: That’s a great idea. How about we set a small plan? You could start by preparing a short summary of our team’s results in English, and we can practice it together.
Lucas: I’d really appreciate that. It would help me feel a bit more in control.
Eliane: Good. Also, if you hear any rumors, please come to me so we can check the facts. I prefer we talk openly instead of letting anxiety grow in silence.
Lucas: Thank you, Eliane. It helps to know I can ask questions, even if you don’t have all the answers yet.
Eliane: You’re welcome, Lucas. We’re going through this transition together. As soon as I receive any concrete information about roles, benefits, or structure, I’ll share it with you. In the meantime, let’s stay focused and keep building our skills.
Lucas: Deal. Thanks for taking the time to talk about this.
Lucas: Sure, Eliane. Honestly, I’m a bit anxious. We don’t know what’s going to happen with our jobs or our benefits.
Eliane: I understand. A lot of people are feeling the same way. What worries you the most right now?
Lucas: I’m afraid they might cut positions or move our team to another country. And nobody has explained what the new reporting structure will look like.
Eliane: Those are valid concerns. At this moment, we don’t have final decisions from the new owners, but they said changes will be communicated step by step. Until then, our priority is to keep delivering strong results and stay visible.
Lucas: That makes sense, but it’s still hard not to think about the worst‑case scenario.
Eliane: I agree, it’s difficult. One thing we can control is how prepared we are. For example, I’m focusing on improving my English and learning new tools like Generative AI, so I can show I add value in an international environment. Have you thought about any skills you’d like to develop in the next months?
Lucas: Maybe I should work on my English too, and also my presentation skills. If we have to present to the new leadership, I want to sound confident.
Eliane: That’s a great idea. How about we set a small plan? You could start by preparing a short summary of our team’s results in English, and we can practice it together.
Lucas: I’d really appreciate that. It would help me feel a bit more in control.
Eliane: Good. Also, if you hear any rumors, please come to me so we can check the facts. I prefer we talk openly instead of letting anxiety grow in silence.
Lucas: Thank you, Eliane. It helps to know I can ask questions, even if you don’t have all the answers yet.
Eliane: You’re welcome, Lucas. We’re going through this transition together. As soon as I receive any concrete information about roles, benefits, or structure, I’ll share it with you. In the meantime, let’s stay focused and keep building our skills.
Lucas: Deal. Thanks for taking the time to talk about this.
Discussion Questions
1. How do you think Lucas feels during this conversation, and what specific phrases show his emotions?
2. What does Eliane do well as a manager when handling Lucas’s anxiety about the acquisition?
3. Is there anything Eliane could have said or done differently to provide more reassurance or clarity?
4. Which parts of the conversation helped transform fear into a more proactive attitude?
5. How can employees balance being honest about their fears with staying professional during times of change?
6. What are some other practical actions (besides improving English and skills) that employees can take after an acquisition?
7. How should managers respond when they don’t have concrete answers but employees are asking tough questions?
8. What are the risks of letting rumors spread in the workplace, and how can teams manage them?
9. In your own company, what kind of communication would you want from leadership during an acquisition?
10. How can you personally prepare to talk about your value and results if new leadership asks you to explain your role?
2. What does Eliane do well as a manager when handling Lucas’s anxiety about the acquisition?
3. Is there anything Eliane could have said or done differently to provide more reassurance or clarity?
4. Which parts of the conversation helped transform fear into a more proactive attitude?
5. How can employees balance being honest about their fears with staying professional during times of change?
6. What are some other practical actions (besides improving English and skills) that employees can take after an acquisition?
7. How should managers respond when they don’t have concrete answers but employees are asking tough questions?
8. What are the risks of letting rumors spread in the workplace, and how can teams manage them?
9. In your own company, what kind of communication would you want from leadership during an acquisition?
10. How can you personally prepare to talk about your value and results if new leadership asks you to explain your role?
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