Managing Sticky Situations at Work

Sticky Romantic Situations in the Office 131recognized. Dr. Jordan feels he must take action even if it means a battlewith the hospital administration and perhaps some board members.He feels if it comes to them or him, he will survive.PERSONALITY OVERLAYWe do not have very much information about the personalities ofthe two lovers. We suspect surgeons, however, have a high dose ofTechnical in their personalities. The risk Dr. Stewart is taking byopenly having an affair with a colleague, suggests some Bold in himand perhaps some Expressive. Dr. Mosley is taking less risk. Her personalityis more difficult to determine. Dr. Jordan delayed takingaction when he first learned of the affair. This caution suggests a Technicalpersonality.SAY IT JUST RIGHT CONVERSATION‘‘I called you two into my office to talk to you about a matter thatconcerns me. It’s no secret that the two of you are involved in aromantic relationship.’’ (Specifies the problem immediately.)Stewart sits up. ‘‘Whose business is that of anyone’s?’’‘‘Unfortunately, it has become the business of the hospital. I’ve hadcomplaints from staff within our department, and I recently heard acomment from a board member. I’m distressed that this behaviorreflects badly on our department. Already I see morale dropping. I’mcurious to know what ideas you might have to resolve this problem.’’(Invites them to talk.)Mosley sighs. ‘‘I think people should focus on doing their jobsand leave us alone. That’s in the best interest of the patients and thehospital.’’‘‘Of course it is,’’ said Stewart. ‘‘What we do affects no one but us.’’‘‘That’s where you’re wrong. Because both of you are highlyrespected physicians in this department, it affects everyone. Larry,I’m not judging you, but your wife works on the fourth floor. Howlong before she hears about this? I’m worried that she could causemajor problems for our division.’’ (Joins feelings with facts.)‘‘Leave her to me.’’‘‘What would you have us do?’’ Mosley asks. ‘‘Resign?’’Dr. Jordan fiddles with his pen. ‘‘I’m not asking either of you toresign just yet. I’m interested in learning what you think can bedone to resolve this problem.’’ (Persists in inviting them to help