As a manager of a project based group for XYZ Corporation you have 7 direct reports and it's time for Performance Reviews. At least 3 or 4 team members are involved in each project. Last year after performance reviews, you allowed two of your employees to go on the "work at home" program for personal reasons. This year, two more are requesting to be able to work from home. You are supportive of the work at home program and in your opinion; the two employees that work from home are the most productive on your team. The two members of your team who want to be placed on the work at home program are the least productive team members.

Your boss does not support the work at home program and this has created conflict in your relationship with her. All 7 employees have the same $80,000.00 annual salary and you have $23,000.00 in your budget for annual raises to be divided any way you deem fit. The other 3 very good employees work from the office and while they do not wish to work at home, they would like the opportunity to work flex hours. The two employees that are requesting to work from home are also expressing that it is unfair for anyone to work at home unless all employees are allowed to work from home. This is causing significant conflict between team members. Unfortunately, the two employees that are doing very well from home would need to resign if you required them to work from the office.

Your goal is to continue to develop your team, motivate them and resolve conflict.

Answer rating: 100% (QA)

Conflict Management Dealing with conflicts of different nature tends to be a professional practice f... View the full answer