Page 18 - CL How to Read a Case Study

Teaching

Paragraph 3 Note

'You must be an Engineer,' said the balloonist.

'I am,' replied the man, 'how did you know?'

'Well,' answered the balloonist, 'everything you have told

me is probably technically correct, but I've no idea what

to make of your information and the fact is, I'm still

lost. Frankly, you've not been much help at all. If

anything, you've delayed my trip by your talk.'

Stereotyping

What are the characteristics of being an engineer?

Dictionary Balloonist

• Natural Curiosity. ... Unfortunately, for the woman in the
• Logical Thinking and Reasoning. ... balloon her perception of the
• Communication Skills. ...
• Attention to Detail. ... characteristics of an engineer
• Creativity and Innovation. ... appears to be somewhat different
• Team Player. ... from that of dictionary listings. Her
• Mad Math Skills. ... view of engineers tends towards
• Problem Solving Skills.
them being:

• Literal
• Technical
• Factually correct but
• Do not see the bigger
picture or its ramifications
• Do not have any idea of
time or brevity and
• Probably have no idea of
overall cost other than
those associated with their
compartmentalised area

The balloonist’s barb is akin to defining all politicians as liars.
Undoubtedly, some are. One just has to look at the Trump