Resolve a Perfume Dilemma

Wk 6

Perfume

Samuel Jones
CM513.95
th
13 November 2016
Defining the problem:
Confliction resolution skills in the workplace should be a necessary tool implemented
during the orientation process, for all employees and not just for management only. A successful
resolution should be arrived at by all concerned, thereby demonstrating their leadership skills and
capabilities. In this scenario, we are introduced to two employees of a Multi- National
Engineering firm. Donna claims being affected by the stench or aroma emanating from her
coworker Jessicas choice of perfume. The Multi- National Engineering firms manager will
meet with both employees who at present seem to be deadlock as to how this should be resolved.
Although there are numerous crucial redeeming elements in favor of both parties, the bottom line
is the successful resolution of this issue in the best interest of all stakeholders concerned.

Identifying interests

My interest/ manager:

a. Would you prefer a total work at the home situation as opposed to working with other
individuals?
b. How well do you get along with your other coworkers?
c. Did you at any time, address all of your concerns with the offending persons?
d. Have you successfully resolved your personal issues?
e. Are your personal problems interfering with your working relations?
f. If your perfume Jessica, creating and issue? Is there any reason that you cannot make the
necessary adjustment by using less perfume?
g. Do you have a medical certificate validating claims of allergies?
h. Will working here create health concerns for you in the foreseeable future?
i. Your 15 yrs. of exemplary performance as a hard worker and team player is duly noted
and appreciated.
j. Numerous complaints may require a revisiting of her existing contract.
k. Are you jealous of Jessicas exemplary work ethics and performance?
l. I have not received any complaint as was mentioned by Donna, from any other
employee.
(Donna):

1. 15 yrs. of exemplary performance as a hard and diligent worker is not respected

2. Longevity and high performance as a team player should have its benefits.
3. Prior complaints have not been addressed or resolved.
4. 100% work at home situation could be an option until personal matter and work
situation becomes resolved.
5. Therapy sessions for personal matters that disrupt working relations are already
tabled.
6. Why should Jessica be allowed such disruptive and unhealthy practices that offend
her coworkers?
7. A medical certificate attesting to poor health as a direct result of environmental
factors can be produced.
8. I am not Jealous of Jessica, Im just feeling devalued.

(Jessica):

a. In whatever I do I try to give 100%

b. Donna can become uncompromising and inflexible most of the time.
c. She has never shown medical reasons as to why I should stop wearing my favorite
perfume.
d. Donnas chronic complaints have underlying issues that need to be addressed instead
of criticizing each coworker regarding trivialities.
e. Working at home full time would be her best option since she is not a peoples
person.
f. Donna has never indicated to any staff member that she was experiencing difficulties
with certain habits and patterns.
g. No other coworker has expressed that my perfume wearing was an issue.

Range of solutions and evaluations against interests

Solutions most favorable for you and meets the following of your interests:

A positive conclusion should be the prevailing feature for any organization. Concerns
regarding issues, whether deemed authentic or otherwise, should be given opportunity for voice
and an amicable solution is sought and reached in the interest of all concerned
What does not meet your/ manager interests?

Not of interest to me as manager are

1. Donnas subtle manipulation of wanting to work at the home full time as an option.
2. The longevity of Donnas employment in the company.
3. Petty office issues such as fish and perfume odors, bright lights etc.
4. Petty Jealousy and feeling threatened by younger employees who possess fresh, bright
and innovative ideas.
5. If something is deemed a deterrent in the workplace then fix it providing it has validity

What meets or does not meet Donnas interest?

1. Having fifteen years work experience as a hard worker and pinch player.\
2. Donna feels her concerns should be given priority and validity. In light of the fact
that she has reported numerous infractions which she felt were poorly handled.
3. She should be allowed to work at a home full time instead of flex time, in light of the
office and personal issues.
4. Favoritism should not apply to newcomers just because they demonstrate a fresh
approach.
5. A medical certificate will give credence to her claim.

What does or does not meet Jessicas interests?

a. Poor health and allergies are no excuses for continuous complaints.

b. Because of her longevity, Donna should have handled situations more maturely.
c. Donna and Jessica can collaborate, share and hone skills from each other.
d. Donna did not speak with her regarding the perfume issue.
e. Donna seems to be a loner and prefers her own company as opposed to teamwork.
Solutions most favorable to both other sides:

1. Get-together with Donna and Jessica to establish a viable solution.

2. Alteration of personal enhancement codes especially in mitigating conditions such as

this; providing ones health is at stake.

4. Allow for weekly dialogue and conference interaction in order to alleviate tensions and
improve cohesiveness and staff morale.

5. Personal enhancement whether dress or otherwise should not be excessive.

6. Donna can work from home full time as an option, providing her high standard of work
performance is maintained

7. While working at home Donnas need to rectify personal negative issues that undermine
her workplace interactions.

The conclusions enumerated on above were determined with all stakeholders in mind. A
man convinced against his own opinion is still of the same opinion, therefore unless Donna
realizes and accept that 90% of the problematic behaviors are magnified by her perceptions of
others and that this need to be removed for resolution purposes, then problems will continue.