Final answer:
To ensure a smooth meeting, welcome the employees, listen attentively, avoid taking sides, ask open-ended questions, restate what you heard, focus on a solution, consider seeking help if needed.
Step-by-step explanation:
To ensure that the meeting runs smoothly, as the COO, you should:
- Welcome the employees to the meeting and create a calm and respectful atmosphere.
- Listen attentively to both Sam and Chris as they express their sides of the conflict.
- Avoid taking sides or suggesting that one person is right and the other is wrong.
- Ask open-ended questions to understand each person's position.
- Restate what you heard to show that you were listening and to prevent misunderstandings.
- Focus on finding a solution to the problem rather than blaming anyone.
- If the conflict cannot be resolved, consider seeking help from your supervisor or HR department.