THE POWER OF Choice principles offer a perspective for managing the many decisions you have to make—and the many obstacles you will encounter—in the course of managing a demanding and fulfilling career. More than a prescriptive set of actions, they serve as a compass that guides your response to circumstances and helps you create the environment you want to work in.

The scenarios in this part of the book are examples of real‐life situations encountered by professionals who consider themselves, or are considered by others, to be different from the majority of their colleagues in some significant dimension. Some details have been altered to protect confidentiality, but you will recognize their dilemmas.

After each example, I ask several questions about what's happening in each scenario and what would be an effective response given the person's challenges. I encourage you to think about these questions before jumping ahead to my analysis and recommendations. Doing so will build your Power of Choice “muscle” and help you to think critically about the best approach for your own circumstances.

In addition to offering a perspective on each example, I also comment on how you might more broadly apply the principles used in that particular situation. My comments aren't intended to offer the definitive way to respond. The purpose is to help you anticipate and choose responses that will help you manage your career by design, not by default.