Question

In 100 Words state if you agree or disagree with the summary of scenario part 2 provided.  PLEASE reframe from using Overuse of ambiguous terms such as it, this, and they should not be used.

Scenario Part 2: Work place unrest

Part two provides additional information based on talking with your people.

Jill: You met Monday afternoon and had a positive and productive discussion. She reiterated what HR had said to me concerning email and talking to Jill. Jill felt she was not challenged job wise and that her and Jack were not getting along. She told you about what she considered bullying the day that people thought she was sick and Jack ordered her into the conference room. Jill stated she was not sick and Jack wanted to send her home and would not let up. She also discussed her working relationship with Jack that they were sometime at odds as she is a type A personality. Jill ended the conversation with that she wants to be challenged and work things out with Jack.

Jack: You met with Jack right after he got back from vacation. Jack was a little taken back concerning the incident as he stated that Jill turned around waived a finger saying “you’re pissing me off” and ordering her into the conference room. Jack stated that he was concerned as were others in the work area because Jill had just gotten back from Africa and was sick. He said that he did order her to the conference room. Jack went on to say that Jill was having a hard time finding her role and continually asked what her job entailed. Jack thought he was patient in trying to explain her role to include finding her more challenging work. Jack also stated that he is looking for other work because her main project is about done.

Tami: You talk with Tami in private who was in the area when the above confrontation occurred over Jill being sick. Tami stated both Jill and Jack got out of control. You brought up this point up (both out of control) to both Jill and Jack and they both nodded in acknowledgement. Tami was nervous and really did not have much more to say other than Jack and Jill were at odds with each other.

SUMMARY:

After reading the second part of the scenario, I would change a few things in my strategy. First, I would refer both Jack and Jill to mediation. Mediation is the best plan of action considering Jill is still very taken back by what has happened. This action is logical considering Jack does not feel he is in the wrong. This would allow them to work on their issues together. Mediation would also take allow for them both to be heard from a nonbiased party. Mediation would give them both a way and a place to work through their disagreements. I would ask both Jack and Jill to go to EAP to help them learn better communication skills.

I would also meet with Tami again to find out more of why she is so nervous. I would investigate this further. When bullying occurs it makes everyone uncomfortable. Tami’s demeanor is unsettling to me. I want to know more and would investigate this with other employees discretely. I would also ask Tami if she thought that Jill was sick that day. This was not answered in the second part of the scenario. Bullying is still a possibility.

After mediation, EAP, and more investigation I would continue to monitor the situation. I would continue to meet with the employees until I felt the investigation was exhausted and all possible issues were overcome.

Reply to HR:

Greetings,

After initial interviews with Jack and Jill I have a few insights into the situation. I have met with another employee as well, Tami. There are somethings in my conversation with Jack, Jill and Tami that I would like to investigate further.

While speaking with Tami she was very nervous about the situation with Jack and Jill. I will be investigating this further. Tami did not state that Jill was sick that day. I would like to ask the other employees if Jill was sick that day and their take on the interaction between Jack and Jill.

As for now, Jack says that the Jill became aggressive when he asserted his authority. Jack stated that Jill was ill and she had just returned to work from vacation to Africa. Jack admits to ordering Jill into the conference room. However, this was after Jill became confrontational with Jack.

Jill adamantly states that she was not sick that day. She further expresses that Jack was bullying her. Jill also expressed that she is unchallenged. Jack confirmed that Jill’s current project is finished and that he is having a difficult time in finding her challenging work. I will take over this task to provide Jill with more challenging work.

I believe the best plan of action for Jack and Jill would be for them to attend mediation. This would allow them both to work on their struggles together and find resolve. I further suggest that Jack and Jill use the EAP program to assist them with emotional regulation in the work place.

I will continue to monitor the situation and report when I have any new information.

Answer 1

I agree with the summary shared for the scenario 2. They need to sort things out by sitting with each other and discussing their issues openly. At the end of Jill's statement, she says she is ready to work it out with Jack which negates the possibility that Jill complained just to get a transfer. Secondly, it is important to investigate Jack's behavior by knowing more from Tami and others. We need to evaluate if Jack's reaction was a one-off thing or has it occurred in the past as well. The action plan is well-drafted and covers the means of resolution (mediation) and long-term plans to avoid emotional outbursts at the office (EAP training). Lastly, the email to HR is well written and covers all information required by HR at this moment. It is good to let HR know that the investigation is ongoing however steps to resolve the conflict have been identified,

Note - In the email to HR, you may wish to add a possible timeframe you are looking at to close this issue. For example - Investigation with Tami and others would be completed next week.