Managing Sticky Situations at Work

128 Managing Sticky Situations at WorkRoberta leans back in her chair and stretches upward. ‘‘I nevermeant to make you feel nervous and uncomfortable. But, I won’t pretendthat I don’t find you attractive. I’m stimulated by the way youthink. It’s too bad, well, forget it. Igetwhatyou’resaying,andI’llbehave myself.’’‘‘Behaving ourselves is one option, but I also suggest we set someparameters.’’She laughs. ‘‘That sounds just like you. Okay, what do yousuggest?’’‘‘First of all, before you say anything to me, ask yourself if you’dsay that if my wife were in the room. I will do the same thing. Wecan keep each other in check that way. Secondly, I suggest we do nottravel together, at least for a while. That means I won’t be able to takethat trip to Boston next month. I’m sure Jennifer would love theopportunity to go. How do you feel about these ideas?’’ (Looks forresolution.)A frown crosses Roberta’s face. ‘‘I don’t mind the ‘wife’ test. But, Ineed you on that Boston trip. We’ve got to talk about how toapproach the downsizing on the East Coast. Jennifer can’t do that.Maybe we could go separately. I’ll leave two days ahead of you. Wecould also stay in two different hotels.’’‘‘But we’ll be eating dinner together every night,’’ says Dave witha sigh.‘‘Not necessarily. My cousin lives nearby. I’ll go see her and spendsome time there. That will give you several days on your own.’’‘‘Okay. That might work.’’ He pauses. ‘‘You’ve heard a couple ofmy parameters. What parameters might you suggest?’’Roberta shrugs. ‘‘Well, maybe we need to limit our contacts at theoffice. I probably drop by your area too frequently. How about wework out a regular meeting three times each week?’’Dave grins. ‘‘Is that something you really think you can do?’’‘‘Let’s give it a shot.’’‘‘Okay. How about first thing in the morning, Monday, Wednesday,and Friday?’’‘‘That works. Anything else?’’‘‘That’s it for now. Thanks for listening to me and for helping meresolve this issue. I want to keep working here. I’d hate for anythingbetween us to jeopardize that.’’ He rises to leave.‘‘Ditto there,’’ Roberta says.