Assumptions

Scenario Two

Celeste is a wife and mother of two young children. She is in her mid-30s and has decided to go back to work. Her husband, a college professor, works an extra job, and so is tired all the time and does not spend enough time with the family. Celeste wants things to slow down for him. She will put the children in daycare. She'll have a 45-minute commute. The extra money will help Jim give up extra commitments. Economically, they will remain about the same but the burden will now be shared more fairly. She expects these changes will make the family happier.

Assumptions

1. If Celeste returns to work, Jim will quit his second job and spend more time with the family.

2. Jim will want Celeste to return to work.

3. The children will be happier in daycare.

4. Celeste will like the 45-minute commute to work.

5. Jim will slow down and have more energy.

6. Jim will give up his extra commitments.

Scenario Validations

Celeste should discuss the idea of returning to work with Jim to get his thoughts on the situation. At this time, she can actually talk to Jim to see if he will slow down, spend more time with the family and give up some of his prior commitments.

If this is the case, then Celeste can possibly take a test drive to time her commute to see if it is a 45-minute drive. Then, Celeste and Jim should talk to their children to get information on how they feel about being away from Mommy everyday while she is at work. How this will affect them? Is it possible for her children to be happy in daycare?

Scenario Alternatives

Celeste can try to find a skill, service or business so that she could work from home. The business may be a daycare center so that she brings money into the household, while providing a way to raise her children in the process. Jim can review his commitments and eliminate some that are not so important. The couple can set up and plan days that are just for family and be committed to the plan.

Scenario Three

Maria, an instructor of interpersonal skills for managers, has had three sessions with a particular organization. She was told that Neil has not been able to keep a team together for more than three months at a time. She notices that, in her workshops, he lounges with a bored expression and reads the sports pages while she is speaking. She concludes his arrogance and hostility are hurting his performance. She writes him a memo about his behaviors (reading, looking bored, not bothering to contribute and the negative effect it has on the group). She asks him to eliminate these behaviors because she believes his power and prestige will grow.

Assumptions

1. Neil is bored because he reads the sports page while Maria speaks.

2. Neil is arrogant and hostile and it is hurting his performance.

3. If Neil eliminates his poor behavior his power and prestige will grow.

4. Neil's bad habits have a negative effect on his group.

5. Maria concludes that it is Neil's fault that his groups can not stay together for more than three months.

Scenario Validations

Maria should speak with Neil and ask him what has been happening with his groups. Maria should find out why Neil seems to be bored and hostile. Maria should speak to some of the members in Neil's groups to see why they could not stay together.

Scenario Alternatives

Neil could not be aware of his behavior; maybe Maria could just have a mutual discussion with Neil and in a positive way inform him of his behavior instead of criticizing him.

Scenario Four

Assumptions

Jeffrey's situation personifies the situation of middle managers in many organizations. His feelings of frustration and lack of appreciation from upper management are clearly evident. I'm sure Jeffrey feels that he is doing a good job but, that his efforts are taken for granted or go un-noticed. This is further exasperated by the addition of a new staff member with the same qualifications who is supposed to help him.

Jeffrey is contemplating accepting a job with another company where he feels his capabilities will be admired and celebrated. His feelings of self worth and ego are