Problems at the workplace or in personal life are normal as it is difficult to have the role, expectations, and personalities of every person working perfectly without differences. Problem solving skills are crucial to address the differences and conflicts to achieve the desired outcomes since problems can be major sources of stress. Problems can also lead to psychological issues, impacting the performance or outcomes in the workplace and in personal life (Kapur, 2018). This paper seeks to provide an example of a work-related problem, its scope and background, people involved and the attempted solutions, outcomes of the solutions, and application of a formal decision-making model to achieve a better outcome.
Comprehensive Introduction to the Situation
Background and Scope of the Problem
A few months ago, I experienced a strained relationship with a colleague in a machine shop. There was a change in the shift, and having a new partner proved more difficult than expected. The colleague was a Hispanic and ten years older than me. We worked a busy shift, and communication was crucial in providing satisfactory services to the clients. For the first week, I felt that the colleague was avoiding interactions between us. I am a very talkative person and like maintaining eye contact during communication as a sign of attention and engagement in the discussion while observing the other person’s moods and response to the issue at hand. The colleague always had a frowny face though, at first, I thought it was tension since we were strangers. Effective communication became a struggle for us, and it affected our working relationship and performance. The shift was characterized by missed deadlines, absenteeism of the colleague, and minimal collaboration, which resulted in delays in service delivery to the clients. The manager received complaints from clients, with the majority citing the possibility of the inconveniences being from the new staff member. Previously I had worked with a colleague from the same community, and we had maintained a very close relationship even at a personal level. Working with the new colleague was a stressful experience as all efforts proved ineffective in addressing the strained relationship.
Individuals Involved in the Situation
I was the key player in the situation as my communication style was ineffective in enhancing interaction with the workmate. My communication with the workmate was characterized by minimal feedback, less eye contact with the colleague, minimal consultation, and collaboration especially in terms of delivery of orders. The workmate was also involved in the situation, and their response signified a problem in our interaction. The manager was also involved in the situation as they received concerns from the clients. The manager was responsible for the hiring and scheduling of the shift. It was also the duty of the manager to address any issues and conflicts between the staff members. The clients were also involved in the situation as they suffered the poor outcomes associated with the strained relationship, including delays in delivery of services, poor experiences, and unsatisfactory services.
Attempted Solutions
The attempted solutions to address the strained relationship were influenced by past experiences, personal values, and beliefs. Personal values, which are defined as trans-situational goals serving as guiding principles, have been determined as significant determinants in decision-making (Nilsson & Lundmark, 2020). Two factors, including the value of sharing and the belief that gifts are a powerful tool in making amends with a person and cultivating friendships, influenced attempted solutions. I have always thought of gifts are a sign of care, love, and appreciation for the other person. Based on past experiences, gifting a colleague has always been fruitful in building a relationship. The gifts may include delicious dishes, jewelry, a notebook, pens, and work-related accessories. In this case, I gifted my colleague with a cup of coffee on various occasions. Also, I invited the colleague to lunch and dinner on several occasions, but they always cited other commitments. I believed spending time with them outside the work environment would improve the relationship by lessening the tension that may have been created by the demanding work environment. Other attempted solutions included incorporating jokes in our conversation to reduce the tension, complimenting their efforts to show appreciation for the workmate, and asking questions to gain attention and increase the contact. The last solution
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