Question

Tomas is generally easy-going but he has a problem with a co-worker named Shane. A client called the company angry that their order wasn’t fulfilled correctly. Instead of taking responsibility, Shane shifted the blame to Tomas, who had taken care of his part of the order. Which would be the best way for Tomas to resolve this conflict?

a. Confront Shane directly.
b. Report the issue to a supervisor.
c. Seek a mediation session.
d. Document the situation and share it with colleagues.

Answer 1

To resolve the conflict with Shane, Tomas should communicate with him calmly, using open-ended questions and focusing on problem-solving. If no resolution is found, Tomas should then report the issue to his supervisor or HR department, avoiding escalation among other colleagues.

Step-by-step explanation:

When faced with workplace conflict, such as the situation between Tomas and his co-worker Shane, it's important for Tomas to approach the problem with a goal of resolution rather than confrontation. Choose your words carefully so as not to inflame the situation further. Tomas should stay as calm as possible and listen to Shane's side of the story, ensuring that he avoids suggesting that he is right and Shane is wrong. An effective approach is to focus on solving the problem, not blaming the other person. Tomas might consider asking open-ended questions to gain insight into Shane's perspective and to restate what he has heard to affirm his understanding and avoid misunderstandings.

If the conflict cannot be resolved directly, it may be best for Tomas to speak with his supervisor or HR department. This should be done by documenting the situation objectively and privately reporting the issue, rather than sharing it with colleagues, which could escalate the situation. The key is to remain open and respectful throughout the process and to remember that the goal is to find a solution that restores harmony and allows for effective teamwork moving forward.

Answer 2

The best way for Tomas to resolve this conflict with his co-worker Shane is to report the issue to a supervisor. This allows for a neutral party to address the situation professionally and objectively, without direct confrontation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best way for Tomas to resolve this conflict with his co-worker Shane is to report the issue to a supervisor. By bringing the problem to the attention of a higher authority, Tomas can ensure that the situation is addressed professionally and objectively. This approach avoids direct confrontation with Shane and allows for a neutral party to assess the situation and take appropriate action.

Reporting the issue to a supervisor is an effective way to hold Shane accountable for his behavior and shift the responsibility away from Tomas. It also prevents the conflict from escalating further and maintains a professional working environment.

In addition to reporting the issue, Tomas may also want to document the situation and share it with colleagues. This ensures that there is a record of the conflict and provides evidence, if necessary, to support his case.