Scenario: The Annual Budget Actors: Chris Hall and Dale Morgan Situation: Chris Hall is the director of research and development for a large pharmaceutical manufacturer. Chris has six direct subordinates: Sue Traynor (Chris's secretary), Dale Morgan (the laboratory manager), Todd Connor (quality standards manager), Linda Peters (patent coordination manager), Ruben Gomez (market coordination manager), and Marjorie England (senior project manager). Dale is the most senior of the five managers and is generally acknowledged as the chief candidate to replace Chris when Chris is promoted. Chris Hall's Role. You have received your annual instructions from the CEO to develop next year's budget for your area. The task is relatively routine but takes quite a bit of time. In the past, you've always done the annual budget yourself. However, this year, because your workload is exceptionally heavy, you've decided to try something different. You're going to assign budget preparation to one of your subordinate managers. The obvious choice is Dale Morgan. Dale has been with the company longest, is highly dependable and, as your probable successor, is most likely to gain from the experience. The budget is due on your boss's desk in 8 weeks. Last year, it took you about 30-35 hours to complete. However, you had done a budget many times before. For a novice, it might take double that amount of time. The budget process is generally straightforward. You start with last year's budget and modify it to reflect inflation and changes in departmental objectives. All the data that Dale will need are in your files or can be obtained from your other managers. You have decided to walk over to Dale's office and inform him of your decision. Dale Morgan's Role. You like Chris Hall. You think Chris is a first-rate boss and you've learned a lot from her. You also consider yourself Chris's heir apparent. To better prepare yourself to take Chris's job, you'd like to take on more of Chris's responsibilities. Running the lab is a demanding job. You regularly come in around 7:00 AM and it's unusual for you to leave before 7:00 PM. For four of the last five weekends. vou've even come unusual for you to leave before 7:00 PM. For four of the last five weekends, you've even come in on Saturday mornings to get your work done. However, within reasonable limits, you'd try to find the time to take on some of Chris's responsibilities. As you sit behind your desk reviewing a lab report, Chris walks into your office. Source: Robbins & Hunsaker (2012), Training in Interpersonal Skills (6th Ed), p.173