The Dilemma at the Interchange

The consultant I invited to run the team workshop took an interesting approach.
Everyone was asked to share a story of how they felt. Jay's story (pseudonym to protect privacy) stood out.

Jay told the team that his friend Nora had convinced him to apply for a prestigious job. Against the odds, he got an interview. It was across the city, in a place he was still getting used to.

On his way, at the interchange, Jay got a call from Nora. He was alarmed by how Nora sounded, saying she was trapped in an escape room.

Jay was torn, having missed one train. He felt paralysed, caught between his desire for the job and his concern for Nora. It felt like an impossible situation.

The consultant explained how we're all affected by other people's emotions, and how feelings like concern for others can compete with our rational goals.

Overall, it was useful. It worked on many different levels and put a smile on my face.