About a year ago, Finley noticed an issue developing be-tween two of the coworkers on his team. It was likely not apparent to everyone as they never yelled at one another or were overtly hostile. However, they began to avoid each other and would not sit near one another at meetings. Finley noticed that the tension between the two had begun to affect their teams work. Finley decided it was necessary to figure out the underlying reason that the two were not getting along. Finley decided to talk with one of them, as they were close friends. After listening to the friend describe the situation, Finley provides friendly sup-port: Finley is available if they ever need advice or want to vent.

Despite Finleys best efforts, the issue persists. Finley worries that it may escalate and ultimately impact the teams success. Finley wonders about making their supervisor aware of the situation in hopes of finally resolving the conflict. However, Finley worries about the consequences of involving the supervisor and ultimately decides to try to act as a mediator, arranging a conversation with both coworkers. At the end of the meeting, the two coworkers only agree to continue avoiding one another as much as possible.

Questions

1. How would you have handled the conflict be-tween your two coworkers? Should you have tried to resolve the conflict or stayed out of it altogether?

2. At what point, if any, would you escalate the situation and bring it to your supervisors attention?

3. As a team member, do you believe you have a responsibility to act as a mediator to ensure the conflict does not impact the teams success?