Question

Rhonda is having a difficult conversation with a colleague. Which of the following statements
indicate that Rhonda may be oversimplifying the conversation?
1. "I think you are right that sometimes it would be better to slow down."
2. "You never follow the guidelines."
3. "This always happens when I ask your team to do anything quickly."
4. "Either you adhere to protocol or there will be consequences."

Answer 1

Statements 2, 3, and 4 indicate Rhonda may be oversimplifying.

- 2 ("You never follow the guidelines.") — absolute language/generalization (“never”).
- 3 ("This always happens when I ask your team to do anything quickly.") — absolute language (“always”) and sweeping attribution.
- 4 ("Either you adhere to protocol or there will be consequences.") — false dichotomy/either-or framing that ignores nuance.

Statement 1 is balanced and not oversimplifying.