Case: Eugene

Please read the following case and use the questions at the end as a basis of discussion in the appropriate forum.

Eugene and his brother Frank were both born in Canada but their parents were immigrants from Western Europe who held on to the traditional values of their native country. Eugene and Frank always noted how they were raised in a much stricter and more old-fashioned environment than that of their cousins who were still in the "old country" but where things had become more modern.

The brothers, from an early age worked in the family "rare books and manuscripts" business while going to school. Eugene, as the eldest was given business responsibility early. The hours he had to spend in the business were painful to him as they took away from his time in sports -- his greatest interest. Ironically, Frank, who loved the old papers and the history they represented was often encouraged by their parents to go out and enjoy himself.

It was always the intention of the parents that when Eugenegraduated from college, he would become a partner in the business and eventually would take over on the father's retirement. Any objections raised by Eugene were always the cause of a family fight and ended with Eugene stifling his rebellion. That's how he ended up in Business Program, though he really wanted to study coaching and team management. Frank, who had his pick of programs, chose to enrol in a marketing degree program.

Two days before Eugene's graduation, their dad suffered but managed to survive a serious heart attack. It happened on the very day that Eugene had decided to tell his parents that he would pursue a career as a personal trainer.

A week later, when it was clear that the father would survive, his doctors advised immediate retirement and Eugene was called to the hospital bed. Before going in to see his father, Eugene, who knew what was coming, told his mother that he did not want to take over the business; he wanted to become a personal trainer. "That news would kill your father," Eugene's mother responded.

1. Where did the parents go wrong?

2. Where did Eugene go wrong?

3. Where did Frank go wrong?

4. Who needs to act next?

5. Could you do what you are recommending if you were Eugene's place with your own family.