Scenario:
A high school ballplayer buoys the spirits of a teammate who struck out at a key moment by emphasizing the latter’s game-winning hit last week and noting that even the greatest big-league hitters fail about 7 times out of 10. He may privately suspect his teammate has only mediocre baseball talent, but by putting the best side to his comments and not sharing his doubts, he makes the teammate feel better, building his confidence so he can face tomorrow’s game in a more optimistic frame of mind, and boosts the teammate’s image in front of other players who can hear his reassuring words.
1. How strongly do you approve of this tactic?
2. How effective is this tactic likely to be in the longer run?
3. How ethical is this tactic?