Question

Questions – 

Jenna has recently been promoted to the supervisor position of a small business unit of a wire and cable manufacturer. Since she has been promoted from the line, she is eager to learn about the different types of powers she has or can develop as a supervisor. Provide some suggestions.

 

Imagine you are a production supervisor at a hand-tool manufacturer such as Snap-on Tools. Your boss says, “I know you were looking forward to your trip to Hawaii next month, but we will be stepping up production and three new employees will be joining your group. I wish you would consider staying to make sure everything goes smoothly.”

                  a. What is the nature of the conflict in this situation? In other words, what two goals are impossible for you to achieve at                       the same time?

                  b. List as many solutions as you can think of to resolve this conflict.

                  c. Which solution do you prefer? How could you present it to your manager?

Answer 1

Answer (a) : Here Jenna is going to have intra personal conflict, which means she will try to achieve the two incompatible goals ,first is her plan for a trip and the second one is to stay and do what her boss has asked her to do.But these two goals are not possible at the same time. She can choose only one of the two option. Saying no to her boss may have negative effect, and the reason is known to everyone . Also she will miss experience of onboarding and training new employees . As the company is stepping up the production , the presence of supervisor is crucial. On the other hand , if she miss the trip to HAWAii, she might feel demotivated, boring & least interested at workplace. This can affect her productivity which will not be good for the company.

(b) Solution

Jenna has got recently promoted and she has greater resonsibility to carry on. She has to learn many things that her job demands.She has to explore many new things , experience the job role as a supervisor , learn the tactics to handle subordinates. Since the production of a comapny is stepping up and new employees are also onboarding, Jenna will get the good experience as a supervisor. She can go to trip later on once the production steps up and the new employees adapts to the workplace. This is one of the way to resolve the conflicts.

Another solution to resolve this conflict is to say no to her boss. Saying no is not an offence. An employee spends 25 to 30 years of his life working. The work will always be there,so going to trip will be a memorable event for Jenna which will refresh her mind and enhance her productivity and which great enthusiam she will take over her work.

(C) I would prefer first solution as Jenna has to face new challenges as a supervisor she has lot many to learn. Trips could be postposed by a month or a two once the production and new employees are settled.Manager would be happy with her decision and it will have a positive impact on her career.