Role Play - Empowerment Model

Alison is an HR Manager and has called Leah into her office to discuss an increase in unexplained absences and recent performance issues. Leah is an Accounting Supervisor.

Alison: Leah, thanks for coming in today. Please, sit down.

Leah: (Sits down. Looks tense)

Alison: I’m glad we have this opportunity to touch base and explore how things are going for you.

Leah: OK. (Says in a hesitating way)

Alison: Leah, you have a solid history of outstanding performance with our company and you have certainly played a significant role in our success.

Leah: I’m glad my hard work has been noticed.

Alison: It certainly has. That’s why I’m concerned about some recent changes in your behavior. You’ve been out of the office a lot and you seem distracted when you are here. You’ve also been getting a lot of phone calls that are clearly upsetting to you. As much as I’m concerned about your job performance, I am also concerned that something else may be going on.

Leah: (Silent. Looks down and away from Alison)

Alison: I don’t need to know the details of your personal life, but we do need to have a better understanding of what’s going on. If there’s some problem I can help you with, I’d certainly like to do that.

Leah: It’s amazing how together I’ve always been at work, even though my life is a mess. I guess I just can’t keep it separated any more.

Alison: Leah, I’d really like to help.

Leah: (After a long pause)…Well, I’m having some trouble at home. My husband and I aren’t getting a long very well.

Alison: I’m sorry to hear that.

Leah: He is unpredictable and controlling. He’s the one who calls me 30 times a day and even sends me threatening faxes. He’s very suspicious of me and wants to know what I’m doing all the time.

Alison: This must be really hard for you.

Leah: (Nervously)…He’s like another person when he gets angry.

Alison: That must be scary for you. Would it help to tell me more about what’s going on?

Leah: We got into a horrible fight last night. As usual, it was over something small. He accuses me of things and it always explodes into a huge argument. Then he started throwing books and anything he could get his hands on, and the more I tried to calm him down, the worse he got.

Alison: That must have been awful for you. Leah: (Tearfully, she nods)

Alison: (Hands Leah a tissue) What do you want to do?

Leah: I don’t know. Maybe I should just go home and apologize. I just seem to bring out the worst in him. You know, last night he even threatened to come here to work and hurt me in front of everyone.

Alison: Although going home to apologize is an option, what are some other avenues you could take?

Leah: I don’t know.

Alison: OK, here’s how I think we should proceed. First we’re going to alert company security so they can help us figure out a plan to keep you and everyone else safe at work. Also, I can put you in touch with people who can help you sort through all of your options and support you through this really difficult time. I’d like to start by giving you the phone number of our Employee Assistance Program. They have trained professionals who can offer you guidance and help explain what your options might be. Ultimately, though, the decision is yours.

I also have the number for a local organization that helps women in this situation. In addition to other services, they can help you find a safe place to stay.

Leah: I can’t leave my things – they’re all I have. Besides, he’ll find me wherever I go.

Alison: If you want to get some things out of your home, we can contact the local authorities so that you can do it safely. After all, your safety is very important!

Leah: This is all happening so fast.

Alison: Yes, I’m sure it feels that way. You’ve been carrying this burden for a long time. I’m glad you shared it with me, though. I think we can get you the help you need. There are some options that we can leverage here at the office too. That might include changing your office phone number or even giving you the opportunity to re-locate to one of our satellite offices. But, you don’t have to make all those decisions immediately. Remember, we’ll do everything we can to help.

Leah: Thanks. I can’t imagine what it would be like to not be afraid.

Alison: Here are the phone numbers I promised. The office next door is available. You can use it to make the phone calls in private.

Leah: Thanks, Alison. I’m glad I told you what was going on.