FSMD 347 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN FASHION MERCHANDISING ASSIGNMENT 9 INTERPERSONAL SKILLS IN THE WORKPLACE (10 points possible) Part |. Problem Solving/Conflict Resolution Scenarios Instructions: For each of the scenarios below, brainstorm at least 3 possible methods of addressing the problem or conflict described, then select which of the three you think would be the best method for dealing with the problem/conflict. Finally, defend the method you chose over the other methods listed. Turn in the assignment to the assessments folder on the day it is due. Scenario One: Childcare Issues You are the manager of a store or a department within a store. One day one of your sales associates shows up at work with her young child. She explains that she had to bring the child with her for her shift because her childcare arrangements for the day fell through. She is apologetic but says that her only choices were to not come to work or bring the child with her. During the employee's shift, the child's behavior ranges from quiet to disruptive, including running around out on the sales floor and demanding his mother's attention while the latter is working with customers. A few days later, the same employee shows up to work with her child again. As before, she was unable to make childcare arrangements for the day and felt she had no choice but to bring the child with her to work. She says she is working hard to resolve the problem, however, and apologizes for the inconvenience. During the employee's shift, the child struggles to keep himself occupied, at times becoming noticeably disruptive. The following day, when a different employee arrives at work, she has her daughter with her. This employee offers no explanation for her actions. Childcare issues aside, both employees are good workers. What do you do? Solution 1: Solution 2: Solution 3: Which solution do you think is the best? Why? Scenario Two: The Team Non-Player You are the team leader for a group within a company, overseeing five other employees that help do the work of the group. Each employee has basic tasks they must carry out for their positions. In order for the group to function effectively, however, occasionally additional odd jobs or tasks must be carried out by a group member or members. Usually, team members volunteer to carry out these tasks according to their interests, skills, and time availability. However, one of your group members is rarely if ever among those who volunteer. Occasionally, you appeal directly to this person to help, but she always has a reason why she can't. Others in the group have taken notice of this pattern, and are starting to resent the individual and the situation in general. They are taking on additional tasks while this person doesn't have to. As a result, group members are becoming more and more reluctant to help out. If there is no penalty for not helping, why bother? The morale of the group is suffering, along with productivity. What do you do? Solution 1: Solution 2: Solution 3: Which solution do you think is the best? Why? Part Il. Application of Interpersonal Skill Areas Tips Interpersonal skill areas for the workplace: The following are crucial interpersonal skills areas for the workplace: Effective communication, assertiveness Effective listening Integrity Responsibility, accountability Manners, social awareness, self-management i I A Problem-solving conflict resolution Instructions: For either scenario one or two above, identify one of the tips | discuss in class, (or any you have identified) pertaining to one of the skill areas listed above that might be applied in coping with the problem/conflict scenario. Briefly explain the benefits of executing that particular tip. An example is given below; do not use this example. Scenario (one or two): Example scenario one Tip: Example: Choosing responsibility and accountability; seek help when needed Benefits of executing this tip in the scenario identified: Example: Finding out from a supervisor what the company policy is on employees' children in the workplace would help prepare the manager for his/her discussion with the employee in