Management Communication N4-Interviewing Revision 2025

Read the scenario below and answer the questions that follow.

Your self-image (the way you see yourself) is linked to how you value yourself. Self-esteem is having confidence in your worth and ability. Be careful of the beliefs you hold about yourself. You probably compare yourself to others. Having a realistic view of your strengths and abilities will bolster your confidence and the way you see yourself overall. What you think of yourself is what matters most.

Question. Name the behaviors which may suggest your friend has a poor self-image.

The following behaviors may indicate that a friend has a poor self-image.

1. Feelings of Inferiority
   A person with a poor self-image often feels that they are not as good as others. They may believe they are less intelligent, less attractive, or less capable, even when there is no real evidence to support this. These feelings of inferiority can make them avoid challenges or opportunities because they fear failure or rejection. Over time, this mindset can prevent personal growth and success.
2. Critical of Themselves
   Someone with a poor self-image tends to focus on their weaknesses rather than their strengths. They may constantly criticize their appearance, abilities, or decisions, believing they are never good enough. For example, they might say things like, “I always mess things up” or “I’m just not smart enough. ” This negative self-talk reinforces their low self-esteem and prevents them from recognizing their achievements.
3. Often Introverted, Shy, or Anti-Social
   A person struggling with self-image may withdraw from social situations because they fear judgment or rejection. They might feel uncomfortable in group settings, avoid making new friends, or hesitate to speak up in conversations. Their low confidence makes them believe that others will not like them or that they have nothing valuable to contribute. This isolation can lead to loneliness and make their self-esteem even worse.
4. Sometimes Appear Aggressive, Domineering, or Bully to Compensate
   While some people with low self-image become withdrawn, others try to hide their insecurities by acting aggressively. They may try to control situations, intimidate others, or even engage in bullying behavior to feel a sense of power. This aggressive attitude is often a way of masking their deep-seated feelings of inadequacy. By putting others down, they try to boost their own sense of worth.
5. Tend to be Jealous, Suspicious, and Critical of Others
   People with poor self-image often compare themselves to others and feel jealous of their success, appearance, or abilities. Instead of celebrating others’ achievements, they may become resentful and overly critical. They may also be suspicious, believing that others are out to get them or that people do not genuinely like them. This negative outlook can damage relationships and make them feel even more isolated.
6. Take Offense Easily and See It as a ‘Personal Attack’
   A person with low self-esteem is very sensitive to criticism, even when it is constructive. They may overreact to simple comments or misunderstand jokes as insults. For example, if someone suggests they improve a project, they might take it personally and believe that they are being told they are not good enough. This hypersensitivity can create conflict in relationships and make communication difficult.
7. Does Not Accept Constructive Feedback
   When someone has a poor self-image, they often struggle to accept advice or constructive criticism. They see feedback as proof of their failure rather than an opportunity for improvement. Instead of learning from mistakes, they might become defensive, dismissive, or upset. This unwillingness to accept feedback can prevent them from growing personally and professionally.
8. Becomes Emotional or Loses Self-Control Under Stress
   Low self-esteem can make it difficult to handle stress. A person with a poor self-image may become easily overwhelmed by pressure, reacting with anger, sadness, or frustration. They may struggle to stay calm in difficult situations and might lash out at others or break down emotionally. This lack of emotional control can affect their ability to handle challenges effectively.
9. Set Unrealistic Goals
   A person with a poor self-image might set goals that are either too high or too low. If they set goals that are impossible to achieve, they are setting themselves up for failure, which reinforces their belief that they are not good enough. On the other hand, they might avoid setting goals altogether because they fear they will fail. In both cases, they limit their potential and prevent personal growth.

Question. Name all the dimensions of your self-image and elaborate on why you are proud of these dimensions. Start each sentence with an ‘I’ statement: For example, I feel that I …’

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Self-image is a reflection of how we perceive ourselves across various dimensions of our lives. These dimensions shape our identity and contribute to our overall sense of self-worth. Below is an elaboration on the different dimensions of my self-image, and the explanation why I am proud of each one.

1, Physical Self
I feel that I am proud of my physical self because I appreciate my appearance and take care of my body. I feel confident in my unique features and the effort I put into maintaining a healthy lifestyle. For example, I engage in regular exercise and eat nutritious foods to keep my body strong and energetic. Despite the societal pressure to meet certain beauty standards, I embrace my individuality and feel proud of how I look. I understand that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, and I choose to celebrate mine.

2, Psychological Self
I feel that my psychological self is an important dimension of who I am because it shapes my personality and interactions with others. I value my ability to be both outgoing and introverted, depending on the situation. I feel that my sociability allows me to build strong connections with others. For instance, in social gatherings, I enjoy making others feel comfortable by engaging in friendly conversations. On the other hand, I also embrace my introverted side, as it allows me to reflect, observe, and process situations thoughtfully before speaking. This balance between being social and introspective enhances my self-awareness and my ability to relate to different types of people.

3, Sexual Self
I feel that my sexual self is something I am proud of because I accept and embrace my gender identity. I understand the importance of my role in society, whether as a caregiver, provider, or simply as an individual who chooses to define their gender roles on their own terms. I feel empowered by my gender and appreciate the societal roles that come with it, such as nurturing others or taking on leadership responsibilities. I also feel proud of my personal expression of gender norms and the freedom I have to break stereotypes when necessary. I know that my gender identity is a personal journey, and I feel proud to walk my own path.

4, Skills
I feel that my skills play a significant role in how I see myself. I am proud of my communication abilities, which help me connect with others and express myself clearly. Whether in professional settings or personal relationships, I am confident in my ability to communicate effectively. I also feel proud of my practical skills, such as cooking, typing, and driving. These skills empower me to be independent and self-sufficient. For instance, I find joy in cooking meals for my family, and I take pride in being able to handle everyday tasks with ease and confidence.

5, Intellectual Self
I feel that my intellectual self is another dimension I value. I take pride in my intellectual abilities, including my capacity for critical thinking and problem-solving. I feel confident in my ability to learn new things and adapt to different situations. I also enjoy engaging in discussions, where I can express my ideas and opinions. For example, I love reading books and engaging in thought-provoking conversations that challenge my mind. My intelligence helps me navigate complex situations and allows me to make informed decisions in my personal and professional life.

Question. Besides knowing your strengths and avoiding comparison, name other ways to improve your self-image.

Improving your self-image is a continual process that requires conscious effort and self-reflection. Here are other ways to improve self-image besides knowing one’s strengths and avoiding comparison

1, Set Realistic Goals
Setting realistic goals is one of the most effective ways to improve self-image. When you set achievable, short-term goals, it allows for frequent experiences of success. These small victories build confidence and motivation. For example, breaking down larger tasks into smaller steps ensures consistent progress and provides a sense of accomplishment along the way.

2, Plan and Then Act
Having a clear plan and taking action toward your goals is crucial for maintaining a positive self-image. Planning helps you stay organized and focused; while acting on those plans gives a sense of purpose and control. For instance, if improving physical health is the goal, creating a workout schedule and following through reinforces the ability to take charge of your own well-being.

4, Adopt a Positive Attitude
Adopting a positive attitude plays a major role in improving self-image. By focusing on the good in every situation, optimism is maintained, even during challenges. A positive outlook encourages self-compassion, reduces negative self-talk, and allows for greater resilience in the face of setbacks.

5, Refrain from Making Negative Comments About Yourself
Refraining from making negative comments about yourself is essential for boosting self-image. Negative self-talk can create feelings of doubt and diminish self-esteem. Instead, replacing these thoughts with affirmations of strengths and abilities fosters a healthier self-view.

6, Take Pride in Your Achievements
Taking pride in achievements, no matter how small, is crucial for maintaining a positive self-image. Recognizing progress and celebrating accomplishments helps build self-worth. After completing a challenging project or mastering a new skill, reflecting on hard work and celebrating success reinforces belief in abilities.

7, Accept Compliments with Grace
Accepting compliments with grace is an important way to improve self-image. It’s common to deflect compliments, but learning to accept them with a simple “thank you” helps reinforce a positive view of oneself. Gracious acceptance builds self-worth and encourages a more favorable self-perception.

8, Judge Criticism
Being able to judge criticism carefully helps protect self-image. Instead of reacting defensively, taking time to reflect on feedback and deciding whether it’s constructive or unhelpful is key.

9, Control Your Emotions
Controlling emotions is vital for maintaining a positive self-image. Emotional regulation helps manage stress and avoids impulsive reactions that could lead to regret. For instance, practicing deep breathing or taking a break when upset allows for more composed responses, fostering emotional stability.

10, Remember Change Starts with You
Remembering that change starts with you is essential for improving self-image. Instead of waiting for external factors to change, focus on how personal growth can be achieved. Taking responsibility for actions and growth empowers individuals to shape their future and self-image.

Question. Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs theory is considered one of the most influential explanations on motivation and human behavior. Briefly discuss this theory as it applies to needs in the workplace.

Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs theory explains human motivation through a progression of five levels of needs. Its widely applicable in the workplace, as it provides a clear understanding of what motivates employees and how their needs can be met in the following ways

1, Satisfying Basic (Physical/Physiological) Needs
To meet workers’ most fundamental needs, employers should provide facilities that address basic physiological requirements. This includes offering a cafeteria or kitchen for meals, ensuring clean and accessible toilet breaks, and creating a comfortable work environment. When these basic needs are met, workers are less distracted and more focused on their tasks.

2, Provide Job Security
According to Maslow, the next level of needs involves safety and security. Employers can fulfill this need by offering job security through permanent positions, health insurance, and other medical benefits. When employees feel secure in their roles, they are more likely to invest their energy and commitment to the company, contributing to overall productivity.

3, Foster Social Connections
Maslow’s third level of needs relates to social needs, which include belonging and relationships. In the workplace, managers can create opportunities for social interaction and teamwork by organizing team-building activities, encouraging collaboration, and inviting staff to regular meetings. This helps employees feel connected, valued, and part of a supportive work community, which can enhance morale and cohesion.

4, Increase Self-Esteem
Employees’ self-esteem needs are critical to their motivation. To satisfy this need, managers can provide regular positive feedback, recognition, and rewards. Offering incentives such as awards, bonuses, or public recognition for hard work can boost employees’ confidence and motivate them to continue performing well. When workers feel appreciated and respected, their self-esteem improves, which can lead to higher engagement and job satisfaction.

5, Encourage Self-Actualization
The highest level in Maslow’s hierarchy is self-actualization, which involves realizing one’s full potential. In the workplace, employers can encourage self-actualization by providing opportunities for personal and professional growth, such as further education, travel, and exploring new career paths. Offering coaching, mentorship programs, and the chance to take on new challenges can help employees feel that they are growing and developing in their roles.