Dissonance, Behavior, and Communication

Jack is a 36-year-old leader within a major hospital. As a leader, he prides himself as a professionalwho supports his team and helps each of them to meet their chosen goals. From a personal standpoint, he focuses on eating healthy, exercising regularly, and playing on his church's basketball team but for the past year, his focus on healthy living has declined because of professional responsibilities. During a follow-up visit to his physician for laboratory test results, he is told by his primary care doctor that his cholesterol is 286, HDL 30, LDL 85, and triglycerides 500. The primary care doctor explains the meaning of the test results. The primary care doctor explains that Jack will need medication to control his cholesterol and lipids, writes prescriptions, and explains that his condition is one of a chronic nature and will likely require lifelong treatment. The risks and benefits of treatment are explained while Jack sits quietly in disbelief. Jack takes the prescriptions and leaves the office convinced that this is a joke. He tears the prescriptions in pieces and throws them in the trash. Jack knows that his recent lack of focus related to his healthhavetaken its toll, along with his family history. He vows to exercise more and eat a better diet but also wonders how he can turn his bad habits into good ones without neglecting his team. (Self-Concept Case Study, 2010) Please address the follow questions.

1. What actions by Jack suggest his self-esteem may be negatively impacted by his diagnosis?
2. What positive direction might Jack explore to help with the acceptance of his diagnosis? How can he motivate his team to get involved in the process?
3. Identify the potential causesinJack disturbance of self-concept. Cognitive Dissonance
4. How can the behaviors related to self-disclosure and time play a role in helping Jack to accept and live with his diagnosis? What role does communication play in Jack's overall acceptance? As a leader, how can Jack engage his team in this new healthy lifestyle while respecting his privacy?