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Managing Sticky Situations at Work

Managing Sticky Situations at Work

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152 <strong>Managing</strong> <strong>Sticky</strong> <strong>Situ<strong>at</strong>ions</strong> <strong>at</strong> <strong>Work</strong>Janice glances down <strong>at</strong> the résumé in front of her. ‘‘One thing we allthought was interesting was the fact th<strong>at</strong> your research topic dealt withfabric durability.’’‘‘Gre<strong>at</strong>. I’m fascin<strong>at</strong>ed with the molecular structure of differentfabrics, particularly the synthetics. My research uncovered areas ofstudy th<strong>at</strong> have a unique relevance to this industry, particularly withregard to stain resistance. I worked with a team of eight researchers.We used st<strong>at</strong>e-of-the-art technology and probed the question fromall angles. Last summer I delivered a paper in Montreal which was wellreceived.’’Janice says, ‘‘Th<strong>at</strong>’s all very interesting. How was it working with <strong>at</strong>eam of people?’’Wanda continues the interview talking about her experienceswith her team and wh<strong>at</strong> 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 th<strong>at</strong> 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?’’‘‘Th<strong>at</strong>’s right. How did you manage all your household duties whileyou were away?’’‘‘I am a bit confused about th<strong>at</strong> question and how it rel<strong>at</strong>es to mywork and my skill as a scientist. It frustr<strong>at</strong>es me th<strong>at</strong> most of this interviewhas been rel<strong>at</strong>ed to my family responsibilities instead of myresponsibilities in the lab. I’m curious to know if I’m missing something.Tell me wh<strong>at</strong> 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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