During the same period, top management initiated a push for improving productivity. Bill found it necessary to put additional pressure on all his workers, including Manuel. He tried to be considerate, but he had to become much more performance oriented, insisting on increased output from every worker. As time went on, Manuel began to show up late for work, and actually missed two days without calling Bill in advance. Bill attributed Manuel’s behavior to extreme stress. Because Manuel had been such a good worker for so long, Bill excused the tardiness and absences, only gently suggesting that Manuel should try to do better.