Why did Linda’s supervisor insist on ending the telephone group?

Question

As an employee of a private, nonprofit HIV/AIDS clinic in a rural North Carolina community, Linda Summerfield’s job was to provide direct services to people with HIV/AIDS as well as to connect them with resources. Aware of their needs, she also respected their need for confidentiality and anonymity in an area where issues surrounding HIV/AIDS were highly charged and prejudice was common. In 1999, Linda was also eager to help six men in her caseload who were struggling with uncertainty, loneliness, and isolation. Aware of their shared needs, she believed in the healing power of group work for such clients. Although initially reluctant, the six men agreed to “meet” via telephone and, despite their apprehension and some technical difficulties, after five weeks all agreed that the experience was helpful. But when meeting via telephone became unworkable, Linda faced decisions over whether and how or where to persuade the men to continue meeting.

Answer 1

Anita stated firmly and directly that Linda may not use the office any more at lunch time. Her stated reasons were that the office was needed by other clients during lunch time. She did not offer to brainstorm alternatives or to help Linda find the funds to purchase the needed technology for conference calling. Because Linda was the first one at the agency to try this methodology, it is possible Anita had not “bought into” the idea. Linda will need Anita’s help and advice if she takes on the risky prospect of locating a meeting site. Although we have little information about what Anita was thinking and feeling, it is possible that Linda had not done enough to convince her supervisor of the importance of the group. Perhaps if she discussed the issue with other staff members, Linda could find more information for creative solutions while also strengthening alliances in the workplace. Linda might be willing to negotiate about the lunch-time meeting with other staff in order to accommodate this particular group of clients.