Here are some examples of power plays, consistent patterns of behavior that are designed to control another’s behaviors and which are common in the small group and in the workplace generally. For each situation, provide an appropriate three-part management strategy in which you: (1) state your feelings (remember to use I-messages), your annoyance, for example, at this behavior; (2) describe the other person’s behavior that you object to; and (3) state a cooperative response, one that both of your can live with and that saves each person’s face. Post your responses, then comment on your classmates’ posts.
- Fred continually interrupts you. Whenever you want to say something Fred breaks in, finishes what he thinks you were saying, and then says what he wants to say.
- Your close friend has helped you get a job in his company. Now, whenever he wants you to do something, he reminds you that he got you the job. Whenever you object that you have your own work to do, he reminds you that you wouldn’t have any work to do if it wasn’t for his getting you the job in the first place.
