Saying What Needs to Be Said: Role-Plays
24 Pages Posted: 21 Oct 2008 Last revised: 10 Nov 2021
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Saying What Needs to Be Said: Role-Plays
Abstract
This case was designed to build expertise in conflict management and assertiveness by allowing students to practice saying what needs to be said in challenging situations. Grounded in the pedagogy of experiential learning, the case consists of three role-play scenarios that exemplify three challenging business situations. In each scenario, two individuals are faced with a possible difference in perspective or goals. The role-play requires students to assume the role of one of the individuals, and each scenario requires another student to initiate the discussion.
Excerpt
UVA-OB-0756
SAYING WHAT NEEDS TO BE SAID:
ROLE-PLAYS
One of the greatest challenges we face in cultivating interpersonal competence is being centered and skillful in the midst of difficult and upsetting professional encounters. Each of the three role-plays in this case offer an opportunity to practice saying what needs to be said even in challenging situations.
Note: Please read the instructions before turning the page.
Instructions
1. This case is designed for use in three-person teams. There are three scenarios included in this case, and the team should only work with one scenario at a time. For each scenario, one person will play the role of the initiator, one person will be the respondent, and one person will be an observer. Upon beginning, team members should remove any binding or staples from the case and separate the scenarios. Put aside all but the one on which your team is working at a given point in time.
2. For each scenario, there are role instructions for the initiator and the respondent, and a checklist on which the observer can take notes on the interaction she or he is watching. For example, with Scenario 1, one team member reads the initiator role, a second member reads the respondent role, and the third member takes notes and prepares to lead a short debriefing session. Take five to seven minutes to engage in the role-play, and five to seven minutes to debrief, using discussion points from class.
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Keywords: conflict management, interpersonal behavior, leadership, organizational behavior
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