1. As a planner, what communication techniques would you review to prepare for the meeting with Brad and Barbara?
2. How would you open the interview?
3. Assuming you didn't know any of the information about Brad and Barbara, what data gathering questions would you ask?
4. Assuming that you knew the information, how would you question the couple about their goals?
5. Would you take sides on their differing goals? Why?
6. What approach would you use for the meeting? Would you be closer to a counselor or to an advisor?
7. Suppose that before the meeting, Brad and Barbara said they weren't sure that you were the right person for the position and that they might interview others. How would that influence the interview process? Give some examples.
8. Suppose you found yourself doing most of the talking. What might that mean? What would you do?
9. How would you end the meeting?
10. What are Brad and Barbara's goals?
11. What type of information would you ask them for in their first meeting?
Brad and Barbara made an appointment to see me concerning their own financial situation. They were a newly married couple in their early 20s. Barbara came from a family whose parents had children early in their lives; the women were full-time mothers until their children were in college. Barbara had no career ambitions of her own and wanted to have children. Brad was an artistic person who had graduated with a B.A. in English. He was thinking of a career in the arts but didn't yet know which area. He wanted time to pursue the alternatives and have children later when he is in his 30s. Brad and Barbara seemed to get along well, and both showed unusual understanding of their and their spouse's personalities.