Assignment task:
I remember working at a job where the head chef was generally a nice guy but he never wanted to work. He had been at that job for so long that he was comfortable doing nothing. He was always nice for the most part and would occasionally step in to help cook but other than that he just sat in his office. He was also very stingy with time off, I had to beg to get a week off for my wedding and honeymoon. He did not use any good skills that would build confidence but instead used criticisms to shame us to doing it right. There were a few times that some of the cooks would get into an argument and instead of separating them and letting them go outside and take a smoke break, he would instead send them both home and making us instantly behind because we were now short staffed.
I think really no skills were required for the decisions he made because he didn't want to make hard decisions. He would always delegate them to the sous chef who was already stretched thin. I think I would definitely have jumped in more to help and if some of the employees started arguing, I would let them take a break but I definitely would not send them home because it would only put more stress on everybody else.
1. Have you had a similar experience with team conflict? If yes, was it managed differently? Describe the similarities and differences.
2. Do you agree with your peers' assessments of their situation? Why or why not?
3. Recommend a different approach the manager could take to resolve the conflict in this situation.