In your team's meeting with your prime client, you state, "We have been trying to get that data, both Arnie and I, since last October."

Your manager, George, gives you a stern look like "Don't air our dirty laundry in public." You say very little after the stare. How George behaved in the meeting is an example of
A) mind guarding.
B) self-censorship.
C) direct pressure.
D) shared stereotypes.

Answer: C
Explanation: A) Incorrect. During mind guarding, members protect the team from being exposed to disturbing ideas. In this case, George is protecting disclosure of information to a client.
B) Incorrect. During self-censorship, members keep silent about misgivings and try to minimize doubts. George did not censor his stern look.
C) Correct. During direct pressure, sanctions are imposed on members who explore undesirable viewpoints. In this case, George's stern look acted as a sanction.
D) Incorrect. During shared stereotypes, members dismiss disconfirming information by discrediting its source. Here, George did not call your statement (or your character) into question, but merely expressed disapproval in your disclosure.