Managing Sticky Situations at Work

Sticky Situations in Meetings 107SAY IT JUST RIGHT MEETINGThe architect and the contractor rode up in the elevator together toReuben’s office. FJ came in five minutes later. Reuben convened themeeting.‘‘I realize our last meeting got off on the wrong foot. I’ve talked toeach of you separately, and everyone agreed we should start over. Thistime, let’s begin by hearing from FJ. We are all anxious to understandhis vision for the project before we begin.’’FJ spends the next 10 minutes talking about what he wants toaccomplish with the building renovation. Both the architect and contractorask questions. When FJ finishes, Reuben says, ‘‘Because noneof us have worked together in the past, let’s spend a few minutestalking about how we like to work and what value we bring to theproject.’’Following this discussion, the group members talk about the nextsteps. They each describe what they need in order to begin workingand they plan a follow-up meeting at the site.ANALYSISReuben does not expect the group members to agree on everything.Each comes to the project with differing needs and artistic orientations.His second attempt at the meeting, however, enabled the groupto orient itself around the client’s mission. During that second meetingthey also discovered each other’s strengths and abilities. Havingalready ‘‘stormed’’ they may very well move into the Norming Stagewithout further storming. Once they begin disagreeing with respect,in other words, listening to each other’s suggestions and searchingfor creative solutions, they will have moved into the Performing Stage.STICKY SITUATION #13:CLIQUES THAT SABOTAGEEight months ago, Karl began as the executive director for asmall nonprofit whose mission is to provide camping experiencesfor underprivileged children. Camp Free For All began six yearsearlier when a generous woman in the community opened herprivate home to children during the months of June and July.During the early years the camp grew and began winning anumber of grants. The camp now partners with a local park for