Scenario $1$: Conflict Between Two Employees

Chris has always been a good employee but is currently going through a divorce which is affecting her work. Pat and Lee $($Chris$\text{'}$s coworkers$)$ recently told Nancy $($their manager$)$ that Chris has been spending an unusual amount of time discussing personal issues with other employees and has had a few emotional outbursts when Nancy was not in the area. One outburst was witnessed by a customer. Although everyone is sympathetic to Chris's situation, they are tired of covering for Chris.

Last week Nancy had a coaching session with Chris. She kept it positive and felt that it had gone well. Chris has been much more careful about her lunch hours and hasn't had any long conversations about her personal problems.

However, it now appears that Chris is not only avoiding long conversations, she's simply not speaking to her coworkers, particularly Pat. She blames them for complaining to Nancy and not being sympathetic about her divorce.

Yesterday, Nancy was in the break room and heard Pat tell Chris to "grow up and get over it$."$ In return, Chris burst into tears, said "I hate you all," and ran out of the room.

Discussion Questions:

What conflict management style $($accommodating$,$ avoiding, compromising, collaborating, competing$)$ might work best in approaching this situation?

What would you advise Nancy to do next?