The reading this week offers a perspective on organizational conflict. Here is the scenario for you.
- Your leader is the COO, and she has given you a directive to start running 3 shifts in the clothing manufacturing facility. You know this is a good idea but also know the CEO was opposed to it for budgeting reasons and the belief employees wouldn’t want to work an overnight shift.
Your task is to write a memo to both of them, the COO and CEO, knowing your boss wants to move forward and you know it would make a positive difference in the company, but you also don’t want to upset the CEO or appear you are going against his wishes.
Taking what you have learned in this course, how would you approach this situation for a win-win that provides a reasonable solution for their mutual consideration?
Write a memo using either this template provided for you Download this template provided for youor create your own using any free memo template available through Microsoft Word or online. In your memo, cover the following salient points:
- Quick summary of the situation.
- Your proposed plan. What suggestions will you make to appease both executives? For example, offer it as a pilot program, survey employees, etc.
- Why the overnight shift option would work (benefits to company and employees)
- Next steps to gain buy in.
A memo is usually one page long and never more than two pages. Use headers to break up the text. Be strategic and provide a compelling case. Go for the win! Your job may depend on it.