Managing Sticky Situations at Work

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Sticky Interview Situations 151legality. She realizes if she refuses to answer the questions, it willdestroy her chances to go further in the interview process. If theHuman Resources interview goes well, she’ll move on to talk to scientistsin the division. But, if she doesn’t get past this hurdle, she’ll neverget that opportunity. The costs are high for her. She can get a job withanother company, but this firm offers the best benefits and the bestchances for promotion.Wanda sets limits. Wanda has gently asked the interviewer to focuson her professional knowledge and experience, but the interviewerdismissed this request. She decides that she will continue to steer theinterviewer away from the more personal side of her life. If she cannotdo so, however, she will point out to Janice that the questions makeher uncomfortable.Wanda determines the power sources. Wanda realizes that theinterviewer holds the power. Human resources decide who will passon to the next phase of interviews and who will not. Nonetheless,Wanda’s research project is uniquely suited to this manufacturingindustry. She recognizes that she has a lot to offer this company thatanother candidate might not. That knowledge gives her the confidenceto say it just right if she must.SAY IT JUST RIGHT CONVERSATIONJanice says, ‘‘We like people who have strong family values. Ourcompany is conservative that way. It must be hard for you as a professionalto manage your home and your family. I’m sure you had to giveup a lot. What made you decide to pursue a career instead of being afull-time mom?’’Wanda sighs. ‘‘That was a very personal decision. My husband and Ibalance our work and family. We do it together. I don’t think I couldbe happy if I wasn’t working with chemicals. I was the only girl in mythird grade class with a chemistry set. My work entails a lot of creativityas well. That’s what I thrive on.’’‘‘I suppose you have to be creative being a mom, too,’’ Janice adds.‘‘I have a son, and I’m constantly trying to figure out new ways toentice him to do his homework.’’‘‘I’m curious,’’ Wanda says, ‘‘what was it about my résuméthat seemed interesting to you when you called me for this interview?’’(She gently nudges the interviewer back to her professionalbackground.)
152 Managing Sticky Situations at WorkJanice glances down at the résumé in front of her. ‘‘One thing we allthought was interesting was the fact that your research topic dealt withfabric durability.’’‘‘Great. I’m fascinated with the molecular structure of differentfabrics, particularly the synthetics. My research uncovered areas ofstudy that have a unique relevance to this industry, particularly withregard to stain resistance. I worked with a team of eight researchers.We used state-of-the-art technology and probed the question fromall angles. Last summer I delivered a paper in Montreal which was wellreceived.’’Janice says, ‘‘That’s all very interesting. How was it working with ateam of people?’’Wanda continues the interview talking about her experienceswith her team and what she enjoyed about their contribution. Sherelaxes in the interview and feels more comfortable with the way it isprogressing.‘‘Tell me about your experience in Montreal?’’ Janice asks.‘‘After I presented the paper, I met scientists from all over theworld. These connections added new insights into my research andhelped me consider angles I had not thought about.’’‘‘It must have been hard being that far away from your family,’’ Janicesays.Wanda nods.‘‘How did you manage things while you were away?’’ Janicecontinues.‘‘By things, are you asking how I handled my absence from myfamily?’’‘‘That’s right. How did you manage all your household duties whileyou were away?’’‘‘I am a bit confused about that question and how it relates to mywork and my skill as a scientist. It frustrates me that most of this interviewhas been related to my family responsibilities instead of myresponsibilities in the lab. I’m curious to know if I’m missing something.Tell me what it is you are concerned about so we can proceedtalking about my work experience.’’ (Specifies the problem. Joinsfeelings with fact. Invites Janice to talk.)Janice responds, ‘‘I didn’t mean to offend you. We recently hiredsomeone we really liked, but she left the company after just twomonths. She was a mom who couldn’t balance her home life and herwork life.’’
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Managing StickySituations at WorkCo
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ContentsIllustrationsviiAcknowledgm
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AcknowledgmentsAs a disclaimer, all
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xiiIntroductionis the word that oft
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xivIntroduction4. You supervise a g
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Chapter 1The Say It Just Right (SIJ
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The Say It Just Right (SIJR) Model
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Chapter 2Personality OverlayAtthiss
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Personality Overlay 19BOLD PERSONAL
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Personality Overlay 21energy seems
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Larry is clearly a Technical person
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Personality Overlay 25‘‘John kn
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Personality Overlay 27Resolve the I
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Chapter 5Sticky Situations with Cli
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Chapter 6Sticky Situations with Sub
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Sticky Situations with Subordinates
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Chapter 7Sticky Situations in Meeti
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202 Appendix 14. True5. False6. Fal
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204 Appendix 1Strategic interviewer
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206 Appendix 2360 By Design®—Des
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IndexAdjourning Stage in groups, 10
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Index 211hot seat, 35-39How Good a
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Index 213Teenage Daughter Is Busted
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