*Please read the following scenario, imagining you are Chris, and describe at least 3 important points that you would be sure to account for in your conversation as you delegate to Dale. Be specific in describing how these would inform your approach to this task.

Actors: Chris Hall and Dale Morgan

Situation: Chris Hall is the director of research and development for a large pharmaceutical manufacturer. Chris has six direct subordinates: Sue Traynor (Chriss secretary), Dale Morgan (the laboratory manager), Todd Connor (quality standards manager), Linda Peters (patent coordination manager), Ruben Gomez (market coordination manager), and Marjorie England (senior project manager). Dale is the most senior of the five managers and is generally acknowledged as the chief candidate to replace Chris when Chris is promoted.

Chris Halls Role. You have received your annual instructions from the CEO to develop next years budget for your area. The task is relatively routine but takes quite a bit of time. In the past, youve always done the annual budget yourself. However, this year, because your workload is exceptionally heavy, youve decided to try something different. Youre going to assign budget preparation to one of your subordinate managers. The obvious choice is Dale Morgan. Dale has been with the company longest, is highly dependable and, as your probable successor, is most likely to gain from the experience. The budget is due on your bosss desk in 8 weeks. Last year, it took you about 30-35 hours to complete. However, you had done a budget many times before. For a novice, it might take double that amount of time.

The budget process is generally straightforward. You start with last years budget and modify it to reflect inflation and changes in departmental objectives. All the data that Dale will need are in your files or can be obtained from your other managers.

You have decided to walk over to Dales office and inform him of your decision.

Dale Morgans Role. You like Chris Hall. You think Chris is a first-rate boss and youve learned a lot from her. You also consider yourself Chriss heir apparent. To better prepare yourself to take Chriss job, youd like to take on more of Chriss responsibilities.

Running the lab is a demanding job. You regularly come in around 7:00 AM and its unusual for you to leave before 7:00 PM. For four of the last five weekends, youve even come in on Saturday mornings to get your work done. However, within reasonable limits, youd try to find the time to take on some of Chriss responsibilities.

As you sit behind your desk reviewing a lab report, Chris walks into your office.

Source: Robbins & Hunsaker (2012), Training in Interpersonal Skills (6th Ed), p.173.