Managing Sticky Situations at Work

Sticky Romantic Situations in the Office 137‘‘But, I really like sales. I’m not sure I’d be happy in anotherdivision.’’Calvin straightens up in his chair. ‘‘I sense that leaving would distressyou a great deal. That is something I really don’t want to beresponsible for.’’She turns toward him. ‘‘But if we are really right for each other, itwould be worth it. I’m willing to take the risk if you are.’’He laughs. ‘‘Who could turn that down?’’ He adds, ‘‘You know, ofcourse, you don’t have to leave. Who knows, I might find somethingelse.’’ He pauses. ‘‘Let’s just see where things take us. There are plentyof other options. I could see you working in the marketing and promotionsdivision. That would be a logical step anyway, and it wouldmean less travel. I’d like that,’’ he says with a laugh. (Suggests otherresolutions.)Melissa raises her brows. ‘‘Yes, that might be a good option. So longas I can work with people. I’d hate to be shut away in front of a computerall day, that’s all. And, actually, I enjoy the travel. But, I mustadmit, it has been a bit much. My cat misses me a lot.’’ (Respondingto the idea of change.)They both laugh. ‘‘So,’’ he says, ‘‘how about dinner tomorrownight?’’‘‘Let’s wait until the weekend. I want to give all this a bit morethought. I can’t quite get used to the idea of dating you.’’They agree.ANALYSISIt took great courage for Calvin to broach Melissa the way he did.Not being a Bold, he had trouble getting right to the matter. Oncehe did, however, he clearly told her how he felt. He put the burdenof the situation on himself. She responded positively. He invited herto talk on several occasions. As the conversation went on she seemedto soften to the idea and showed a willingness to take the risks. Calvin’sgoal was to share his feelings and determine how she felt. Heaccomplished that. He did not want to lose her in his division, buthe recognized that if their relationship turned romantic, their work situationwould need to change. Being a Sympathetic, he listened to herfeelings and was ready to do whatever it took to make her comfortable.At the end of the conversation, he risked asking her to dinner, butshe put him off. It made sense for her to want to give the idea of datingher boss more thought.