A $26-$year$-$old man named Larry and his fianc$$e$,$ Joan, visit his parents for Christmas. Larry$$s parents, Jack and Alice, have met Joan before, and they like her very much. Generally, it is a positive situation all around. During dinner, Jack announces to Larry and Joan, $$We have a big gift for you this Christmas.$$ He continues, $$We want to entrust the business to you, Larry and Joan, and have you move to Billings and run it$.$ Larry gasps for air and says, $$Oh$,$ uh$,$ thanks.$$ Joan says, $$I don$$t think that would work well for the two of us$.$ Alice asks, $$More pie, Larry?$$ and $$Joan$,$ would you like some more turkey?$$ Alice continues to fill the awkward silence by saying, $$Jack$,$ what do you think about this new gravy?$$

The typical patterns for each person are as follows:

Larry generally avoids conflict and likes his parents.

Joan is younger than Larry, and she wants to find meaningful work on her own.

Jack is forceful, and he is used to having people who are always going along with his ideas.

Alice avoids conflict, and she deflects it whenever it arises among others.

Questions

What are the different positions in the scenario? What are each person$$s interests?

How might the parties perceive their goals to be incompatible with each other?

How might people perceive others who interfere in the accomplishment of their goals?

What are some suggestions that you would make to help this family discuss the ramifications of the gift of the family business?