Shelley Is a Senior Manager in Government

Shelley is a senior manager in government. Her team of employees appreciates her as a boss because, even when she does a great deal of the work, she shares the credit with her team. She and her team are therefore shocked when Shelley is bypassed for a promotion and the much-less-competent male manager gets it. According to Deborah Tannen's research, the fault lies with Shelley saying "we did it" instead of "I did it." What effect does Shelley's behaviour usually have?

A) It makes workers more productive and no one wants to see that changed.
B) It camouflages Shelley's considerable accomplishments.
C) It establishes team spirit, a valuable asset in short supply.
D) It makes Shelley seem weak and frivolous.