During my schooling life in National University of Singapore, I joined the Business Club. As programme head of the Business Club, I am responsible for all the activities organised by my club. Recently, I was put in-charge of the Valentine’s Day sale whereby my club would be selling gifts to students. My president, Fiona and treasurer, Ryan were the consultants for this project.
Fiona being the president always takes pride in her work and performs consistently. However, when she is very stressed up, she may vent her anger on her subordinates. Ryan who is also captain of the tennis team is trying very hard to cope with both the work from the club and his team.
Two days ago, we had a meeting to discuss details for the Valentine’s Day sale. An argument broke out between Fiona and Ryan as Fiona insisted on selling more than one item during the sale so that consumers would have more choices, while Ryan insisted that we do not have the time and manpower to cope with a sale consisting of more than one item. A serious verbal conflict occurred as both of them were not willing to give way to each other. Fiona believed that Ryan did not prioritise his work and only focused on tennis. On the other hand, Ryan was upset by Fiona’s criticism and wants to leave the project group. This made the meeting an unpleasant one, leaving me with the dilemma of who to side with.
What should I do as the details for the sale must be finalised by next week? Who should I side with as I feel both of them are valid in their own way?
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ReplyDeleteHey Li Yun,
ReplyDeletePersonally, I could actually talk to the 2 person separately. I would do that to find out their points and views on the details of the sales, as it is in a rush.
During the meeting, I would also persuade Fiona to apologise to Ryan, and make her realise that Ryan's point of view is also valid. I would also encourage Ryan that he is doing his job well, and that Fiona said those harsh words in a moment of anger.
After I have met the two of them, and collated their ideas, I would then try to come up with a best solution (accomdating both Ryan and Fiona), and hold a meeting to ask for their comments. This will serve as a chance for the two to explain and talk to each other.
I will do it this way, as time is pressing and as the program head, I feel that I would be able to make decision appropriately.
As consultants, both need to learn how to place the more important and pressing needs ahead of their personal emotion.
kristin =)
Hey Li yun,
ReplyDeleteInstead of siding either one, it's better to have a neutral stand. Although time is pressing, you still need to give them time to cool down, probably one day will do.
After that, persuade Ryan not to leave the project group and explained that Fiona is stressed. People tend to say things that offend others when they actually do not mean it, so probably you can explain that to Ryan first. This is so that the group would not break up.
After that, find a chance to talk to Fiona. Tell her that you understand her emotions, and gently reproach her for her hurting words. If you are on very good terms with her, you can suggest her to apologise, as an apology can help to make the situation better.
After that, hold a meeting in which you will decide what should be done and seek their agreement on the decision.
Hopefully this can help to alleviate the situation. :)
Munting
I think that i will talk to both of them personally after the argument and find out the main problem that both of them are concern about. I will bring across the point to bryan that given fiona's character, she said those harsh words in a fit of anger and doesn't mean it. As both of them may think that each other has a bias opinion, i will discuss with the rest of the member in the committee and seek their opinion in the above matter. When we reach a consensus, I will try to ask fiona and bryan to talk with the talk again and hear us out. This way both parties will be more agreeable to the final decision.
ReplyDeleteHello Li Yun,
ReplyDeleteI do agree with Kristin that you could talk about this matter with the two of them seperately. However, you might want to wait for a day for them to cool down before approaching them.
You can try peer mediation if the two of them have cooled down and are willing to hear what each of them has to say. It would be great if you could get them both to talk to each other about their feelings and the assumptions that they made about each other. In addition, this could open up each other's views on their individual working style.
However, if all else fails and the deadline is coming up soon, you might want to talk to them separately and get them to put themselves in each other's shoes to better understand the situation.
:)
Cheers,
Min Huey