It's honorable to want to improve upon yourself.
John is told that he did not meet the requirements for promotion by his manager, Bill.
John wants to react to the bad news.
John tells Bill that he simply has to try harder and vows to improve his skills and performance for next time.
John tells his boss that he's biased and the reason for the lack of promotion is that the whole system is corrupt.
Bill feels great about Avignon John as an employee and is glad to see he's such a self starter.
Bill is taken aback and insulted at the accusation and is incensed at John.