Refer to Case Study E Breakdown in team communication

Bilal is a conscientious and popular staff member who has worked in the team that you lead for the past two years. You have recently noticed that his performance has dropped. After an informal discussion with him, he has mentioned that he is feeling isolated and left out of team discussions. This is because two new members of the team who originate from the same country are talking in slang and sometimes revert back to their own language, leaving Bilal unsure of what they are saying. This is making him very uncomfortable in the working environment, because of this, he has started withdrawing himself from the team discussions, which is causing him to miss important information.

You will need to speak to the two members of the team who are making Bilal feel anxious and isolated.

This treatment is unfair and is discriminatory. As their manager, you must refer to the relevant workplace codes of practice, take appropriate action against the two members of staff and document the process.

Appropriate action should be:

• A verbal warning/written warning

• A plan of action for feedback within a two-week period.

This is a roleplay activity to be conducted in a group of three to four, with you playing the manager. You will need to meet with members of your team to discuss a breakdown in communication in your team.

Perform a meeting with two members of your team who are making one team member feel isolated and singled out during team discussions.

Ensure you follow the necessary requirements and codes of practice within your own organisation and make notes where necessary.