Homework answers / question archive / Sasha looked into the storeroom mirror and thought to herself, “You’re looking bad, kid

Sasha looked into the storeroom mirror and thought to herself, “You’re looking bad, kid

Management

Share With

Sasha looked into the storeroom mirror and thought to herself, “You’re looking bad, kid. Somehow you’ve got to get your life straightened out. You’re on a treadmill, and you don’t know how to get off. But it’s a bad time to be thinking about myself right now. It’s time to meet with my boss, Francesca. I wonder what she wants.” Francesca began the meeting with Sasha in her usual open manner: “Sasha, I’m concerned about you. For a long time you were one of the best medical billing specialists in our hospital. You received compliments from me and other department heads who had contact with your department. Now you’re hardly making it. You’ve so irritable, so lacking in enthusiasm. And a lot of your work contains glaring errors and is also late. The reason I’m bringing up the subject up again is that your performance has gotten worse. What’s your problem?” “I wish it were only one problem, Francesca. I feel like the world is caving in on me. I work here about 35 hours per week. I’m trying to upgrade myself in life. As you know, I’m taking two courses in a business administration program. If I can keep up the pace, I’ll have an associate’s degree by next spring. But it’s a grind.” “How are things at home, Sasha?” “Much worse than they are here. My husband works, also, and he’s getting fed up with never seeing me much when he comes home. I’m either working late at the office, in class, or studying at the library. Thursday is the one weekday night I’m home for sure, and that’s Tony’s bowling night.” “Our son Deon isn’t too happy either. He’s only five, but the other day he asked me if Daddy and I were getting divorced. Deon doesn’t see us together much. When he does see us, he can feel the tension between us.” “So, you’re under pressure at the office and at home,” said Francesca. “Add school to that list. I’m having a dreadful time getting through my business statistics course. If I flunk, my chances of getting a degree are set back considerably.” “Do the best you can, Sasha. I’m sympathetic, but I need better performance from you.” As Sasha left Francesca’s office she said, “Thanks for being candid with me. My problem is that my boss, my husband, my child, and my professors all want better performance from me. I wish I knew how to give it.”

Case Questions

1. What suggestions can you offer Sasha for working her way out of her problems?

2. Why is this case included in a chapter about improving productivity and managing stress?

3. How well do you think that Francesca handled the interview?