Mini-Game
Intervention
Objective
To discover the dangers of intervening when an employee's attitude becomes highly negative.
Problem
Mr. G showed up this morning with a dramatic change in his attitude. Normally positive and pleasant, he is sullen and uncooperative today. Already indications are that his attitude may hurt the productivity of others. Supervisor Joe has always been proud of the quality of his relationship with Mr. G. He is certain that this problem is personal and not connected with the job. Joe feels he has three possible alternatives for dealing with the situation, and he would like your advice. Which should he choose?
Immediate intervention through a private talk. Nip the problem in the bud by moving in before group productivity suffers.
Give Mr. G two or three days to solve his problem before intervening. Even if productivity suffers, he has a right to solve his own problems. He has been an excellent employee. Why take the risk of offending and possibly losing him?
No intervention. Mr. G will eventually solve his own problem, and Super-visor Joe should do nothing in the meantime. Supervisors have no right to invade the privacy of employees, no matter what happens to productivity.
Players (For Classroom Role-Playing Situations)
Use all four management roles, plus Mr. G. All five participants form a panel in front of the class. The role of Mr. G should be assigned in advance to a perceptive student.
Procedure
The panel will discuss the three choices for a minimum of twenty minutes. Mr. G plays the key role. He should sit with the panel but remain silent until all players have discussed and voted for one of the three choices. Then Mr. G announces the alternative he feels is best. He should assume that the problem he faces is personal and not connected with his job. If you make the same choice as Mr. G, you win.
Postgame Discussion
Discussion should center on the way Supervisor Joe might intervene without offending Mr. G. The key should come from the individual who plays the role of Mr. G. What were his feelings as the problem was discussed? What kind of intervention would he have accepted? When would he be most receptive to intervention?