Communicating effectively can often help us manage conflict and overcome challenges in the workplace
Communicating effectively can often help us manage conflict and overcome challenges in the workplace. Review the following scenario and answer the questions below.
Your bags are packed for a family vacation to Jamaica, and you leave in three days. Then, your co-worker calls the office to say she can’t come to work this week because her child has the flu and she has no one to babysit. Your supervisor says you have to cover that co-worker's shift AGAIN for the fourth time in two months. Unfortunately, if you cover the shift, you will miss your vacation, and you will lose the money you spent on it. How would you manage this workplace obstacle using the skills and tools you’ve been learning throughout this course? As a reminder, those skills are communication, technology, productivity, and self and social awareness.
Sample Solution
- Communicate effectively with your supervisor. Be clear and direct about your situation. Explain that you have already been covering your co-worker's shifts and that you are not able to do it again this time. Be prepared to offer solutions, such as asking if someone else can cover the shift or if there is any way to work from home.
- Use technology to your advantage. If possible, use video conferencing or phone calls to communicate with your supervisor. This will allow you to have a more personal and productive conversation. You can also use email or instant messaging to follow up on your conversation and to keep your supervisor updated on your situation.
Full Answer Section
- Be productive and efficient. If you are able to work from home, take advantage of the opportunity to be more productive. This could mean setting aside specific times to work on your tasks or finding a quiet place where you can focus. You can also use productivity tools, such as task management software or time tracking apps, to help you stay on track.
- Be self-aware and socially aware. Be aware of your own emotions and how they might be affecting your communication with your supervisor. Try to stay calm and professional, even if you are feeling frustrated. Also, be aware of the social dynamics in your workplace and how your actions might be perceived by others.
By following these tips, you can effectively communicate with your supervisor and manage this workplace obstacle. You can also use the skills and tools you've learned throughout the course to be more productive and efficient, and to be self-aware and socially aware.
Here are some additional things you can do:
- Be empathetic. Try to understand your supervisor's position. They are also under pressure to get the work done, and they may not have any other options.
- Be flexible. If you are able to compromise, such as offering to work a few hours from home, this could be a win-win solution.
- Be positive. Try to focus on the solution, rather than the problem. This will help to create a more productive and positive atmosphere.
By following these tips, you can hopefully resolve this situation in a way that is fair to everyone involved.