1. Mumtaz has just completed her fast-track graduate programme and is now looking forward to a Development Centre which will determine the next promotion step. She is anticipating an international assignment. She is already gaining a reputation for hard work and creative ideas and exudes confidence. She is acutely aware that she has been the only female Asian on the programme. The organisation's dominant culture is white and male. A letter arrives from the HR Department with the news that the Development Centre falls in the middle of Ramadan, a time when she needs to fast and partake in regular prayer. She knows that the socialising aspects of the Development Centres are important and that a formal lunch is prepared for each of the three days.

She is unsure whether she should inform her line manager of her anxieties, but she decides to arrange a meeting.
■ Role-play the meeting in triads: playing the part of Mumtaz, the manager and the observer.
■ Take turns playing different roles, with different outcomes.
■ Discuss the feelings, attitudes and behaviours that were being portrayed.

2. Jordan is a highly successful salesman who works for an international IT organisation. As part of the rewards package for sales staff, exotic prizes are offered to the best sales teams. Jordan is part of the North West team, which has exceeded its targets over the last quarter. The team is currently in the lead to win a trip on the Orient Express and a weekend in Venice.

The announcement is made and the team has won the prize. There is great joy and celebration in the office, especially as each team member can take their partner on the trip. Jordan is gay but has not 'come out' at work. He wants to include his partner, but is uncertain of the reaction of his colleagues. At the pub that evening he broaches the subject to two of his work colleagues …
■ Role play the meeting with one observer.
■ Take turns playing different roles, with different outcomes.
■ Discuss the feelings, attitudes and behaviours that were being portrayed.