MAKE ME A GROWN UP
PROGRAMME 2: TOM
BACKGROUND
Sixth-former Tom is 18 and lives in Kent. He did well in his GCSEs and wants a career in advertising. Academically, he is likely to make the grade but his attitude and behaviour present problems. He is arrogant, aggressive and perpetually in trouble at home and school. He disrespects authority and resents anyone who tries to tell him what to do. He breaks rules for the sake of it, picks fights and enjoys confrontations. He cannot handle criticism and struggles to control his temper. His body language tells people exactly how he feels. He is tactless and rarely apologises for his misbehaviour.
Lisa's interview with Tom fails to reveal any major underlying causes for his problems. Immaturity seems to be the main issue. Tom knows that he will have to 'buck up his ideas' to land an advertising job but is uncertain about what this entails. The mentoring team concentrates on helping him to:
- exert self-control and make constructive use of his people skills
- understand and change the effect that he has on others
- dress to impress in a work environment.
PSYCHOLOGICAL EXERCISES
Tom is a stranger to negotiation and compromise. He generally sets out to win and is determined to have the last word. The street exercise forces him to take account of other people's views, modify his behaviour, think before he speaks, and be diplomatic. It clearly demonstrates that negotiation is superior to confrontation in achieving goals. It also gives general advice on improving self-presentation, particularly communication skills. The role reversal introduces Tom to the concept of empathy. A salutary experience for him, it shows how other people's perceptions of an individual can affect that individual's chances of success.
THE MAKEOVER
Tom needs a look that is acceptable in a corporate environment. Gok provides that look whilst giving some general tips on what to look out for when buying a suit for work. The makeover shows that dressing smartly for work does not mean relinquishing personal style and identity. It also illustrates the positive effect that a smart appearance can have on self-esteem.
THE FINAL CHALLENGE
The final challenge taps into Tom's desire to work in the advertising industry. There are some significant changes in how Tom thinks and behaves but the challenge reveals that change is a gradual and continuous process – Tom still finds it hard to ask for help!
