Case: Julia has just completed her Bachelor of Science in health care administration at FGCU. After eight years as a front office worker in a medical/surgical office, Julia was appointed head practice manager of the facility. After a meeting at which her promotion was announced, Julia found herself surrounded by three friends/coworkers offering their congratulations and other comments.

"I'm really happy for you," said Sammy, "but I suppose this means our carpool is affected. You hours are bound to be less predictable now."

El said, "and the lunch bunch, too. Management commitments, you know." The emphasis on management was undeniable. Julia was not at all sure she was happy with what she was hearing.

Jae offered, "Well, maybe now we can get some action on a few age-old problems. Remember Julia, you gripe as much as we do."

"We've all griped a lot, " Sammy agreed. "That's been a way of life around here." His tone changed and his customary smile faded as he added, "Now Julia's going to be in a position where she can do something, so let's hope she doesn't forget who her friends are."

Sammy, El, and Jae all looked at Julia, waiting for her to respond. For an awkward 10 seconds or so, nobody spoke. Julia did not know how to respond to her friends and co-workers. At last, one of the physicians passing by spoke and asked ''what is going on''? Nobody responded and the small group silently went their separate ways.

Question (paragraph answers)

1. What possible advantages does Julia have in becoming supervisor of the group of which she has long been a member?
2. What possible disadvantages may present themselves to Julia?
3. How does an internal promotion affect relationships with former coworkers?
4. Should Julia continue to carpool and lunch with her coworkers? Why or why not?
5. Should Julia approach the lead physician with the gripes and age-old complaints she and her coworkers have from the past eight years? Why or why not?
6. Considering the reactions of Julia's coworkers of her becoming 'management', what do you recommend Julia's first course of action should be? Why?
7. If Sammy, El, and Jae become resentful of Julia's promotion to the point of being uncooperative, what alternatives can Julia pursue?
8. How might unintended personal biases and friendships here intrude on Julia's ability to be an effective practice manager?
9. How can Julia most effectively use both management and leadership skills in her new role as the practice manager? What combination of the two wouldwork best in this setting?
10. Explain/discuss which leadership style(s) Julia would need to use to be effective in this new practice manager situation.