Assignments:
1. Using the SMART Framework, develop an action plan (specific, distinct objectives) to
accomplish any one goal in your life. Keep the goal short and simple so that it can be
achieved within a span of a year.
2. The dialogue below is a poor example of coaching. Rewrite it according to the guidelines
provided in the course.
Tom: Bob, can I talk to you for a couple of minutes? We’ve worked together for years. I have a
time management problem. I just don’t get enough done in a day. What do you think?
Bob: Yeah, me, too. That’s hard for all of us. I know your boss. It’s time someone made him
take control. Make him fix your problem. What’s with that guy anyway?
Tom: I’ve asked him for help, but he said everything on my todo list is important and that I need
to get it all done. He makes me feel even worse. What do you do?
Bob: Wow, your boss can be a real jerk! I’m glad I don’t work for him. Maybe you should take
a time management course. That’s an idea!
Tom: I’m already so busy. How am I going to find time to take a course?
Bob: I don’t know. I’m just giving you some ideas. Maybe you need to work more hours.
Tom: I’m already working 50 hours a week. If I work any more, I’ll just be taking time from
my family. What do you do?
Bob: I don’t know. We all have a time management problem. Maybe you just forget about it
for a while.
Tom: I suppose I just live with it like everyone else.
Bob: You’ve got about 10-12 people working for you, right?
Tom: I’ve got 12.
Bob: Dump some of your work on your people. Maybe they need to work harder. This place
never hires enough people.
Tom: They’re already as busy as I am. I guess I just live with this.
Bob: How big is your budget – about one million?
Tom: Yeah, about one million?
Bob: Tell you what, go hire another employee – someone who’ll work even harder for you,
OK? We need to get rid of the dead wood around here. Just do it.
Tom: I suppose. Whatever.
3. Search for a conflict between two famous companies/businesses. Write a report
explaining the parties involved, their interests and concerns, the nature and cause of the
conflict, how the conflict was resolved, what conflict resolution style was used, i.e.,
competing, collaborating, etc.