• Task: Each week you will read a case study based on a small business and the four employees who work there. This narrative will help you see interpersonal relationships in action. 
• Purpose: Apply these stories in an activity that helps you see interpersonal theory in practice.   

Instructions

1. Read the story below. Use the theory you study in the textbook and apply them in the activity completed this week using the characters and story from the Bike Palace.
2. Complete the W02 Activity: Joesph's Big Idea in Canvas.

Joseph had been working at the bike shop for one month when he came up with an idea he hoped would impress his co-workers and his boss Mr. Vincent. He arrived at work Monday and cleared his throat. “I'd like to call a meeting,” he announced. “I have a big idea for Bike Palace.” 

Marco continued to repair a flat tire on a bike. Who does he think he is? Calling a meeting? He’s not my boss.  

Joseph repeated himself, louder this time. “I said I would LIKE TO CALL A MEETING.” Is Marco hard of hearing? Should I talk louder? Joseph wondered. 

It is very rude to shout, Maria thought from her seat over at the cash register. She kept reading her book. I have lots of ideas. Not that anyone ever asked me.  

Why is Maria ignoring me? I think she hates me. Joseph almost changed his mind about sharing his idea, but Mr. Vincent came out of his office.

“What’s going on here?” the boss said.  

Joseph adjusted his tie--the same tie he’d seen Mr. Vincent wearing last week. He hoped his boss noticed that he was trying to impress him, even if it was an uncomfortable item of clothing. He felt like he was choking. “I would like to have a meeting to share my big idea, with your permission, sir.” 

We rarely have employee meetings since my dad left me the store, Mr. Vincent thought as he took a seat. I’m not as good as my father was.  

“Go right ahead,” Mr. Vincent said, crossing his arms.  

Why is he crossing his arms? Is Mr. Vincent mad at me? Joseph wondered.  

Joseph's smile faltered, but he began anyway, “Most of our customers only come in when their bikes are broken. In school, I learned about upselling, which means selling more to current customers. What if we could sell a service to customers before their bikes break?” 

Upselling? Who ever heard of that? Marco rolled his eyes. It doesn’t take a school education to figure out that you don’t go bike shopping or get your bike repaired unless your bike is broken, he thought.  

“We could offer a service to maintain bikes, so they don’t break down. Customers would pay a fee, bring their bikes in twice a year, and we would check the tire pressure, brakes, and chain for wear. Customers would have bikes are in good working condition all year, and we could be fixing bikes more often,” Joseph said, then added, shyly, “I respect each of you, and I really want to help the store do better than ever.”  

That’s a terrible idea, Marco thought. If customers keep riding their old bikes, we wouldn’t sell any new bikes. He hasn’t worked here long enough to realize.  

I had already thought of that, Maria thought. You could also offer a monthly insurance plan if someone’s bike broke that we’d fix it for free. That would bring in even more money. But no one cares what I think.  

Is that a good idea? Mr. Vincent thought. I have no idea. My dad would know.  

Why don’t they look more excited? This is an amazing idea, Joseph wondered as he stared at the other employees.  

Bike Palace was silent, and no one said anything—at least not out loud.