All employees should be expected to adapt to the reasonable requirements of the job and the workplace as necessary, but they always bring their individualism to the job as well. The effective manager will always remain aware of individual differences and respect these differences in the relationship with each employee.

CASE: PROMOTION

You have been employed in the hospital's business office for 12 years. Starting in a clerical capacity, you worked your way up through several jobs in the department. You consider yourself friends with all 14 other business office employees, and at least two of them are among your closest friends.

Recently you were appointed business office manager. You willingly accepted the position. You believe that although one or two persons in the department may feel some slight resentment over your appointment they are, for the most part, supportive. However, you realize that as a supervisor it may sometimes be necessary for you to do things that are inconsistent with your feelings for this group of people these people with whom you have worked for so long.

Questions:

1. Describe the effect of interpersonal communication when the supervisor is doing the talking.
2. Describe the effect of interpersonal communication when the supervisor is doing the listening.
3. Should you find it necessary to "pull away" to any extent from those people with whom you have worked for so long?
4. How do believe you should go about reestablishing a long-term relationship with your former coworkers?