Reference no: EM132290792
Assume the role of shipping supervisor at Apex Company. One of your employees, Jason, has been an excellent performer for the past five years. However, during the past two weeks, Jason has not seemed himself. He operated a forklift when a careless accident caused about $2,000 in damages. Moreover, Jason punched in late twice. When you discussed these incidents, he apologized, attributing his tardiness to car trouble. Normally outgoing and energetic, he appears tired and edgy. Usually one of the liveliest contributors at meetings of your group, he said nothing at yesterday’s safety meeting. During afternoon break on the loading dock today, Spud, another employee, made a joking comment about Jason’s favorite college football team, which had been beaten handily by its cross-state rival this past weekend. Jason responded angrily with an expletive, then got up and left the area. Another employee commented, “What’s been eating Jason, anyway?” Everyone shrugged their shoulders. You decide to have a coaching meeting with Jason.
It is about two hours later. Jason just walked into your office. You stand, acknowledge him, and close the door behind him. Jason takes a seat, and as you move to sit down, he says, “So you wanted to see me about something.”
1. In the space below, write the opening statement you will make to Jason that pinpoints the reason for the meeting.
Assume following your statement, a discussion with Jason lasts for several minutes. He is soft-spoken and avoids eye contact. Then he looks you in the eye and says, “I’m glad I have this chance to talk with you. I feel like so much is going on with me lately. I guess I’ve just taken on more than I should . . . and I don’t know what to do about it.”
2. In the space below, write the statement you will make to Jason that demonstrates reflecting.
Assume the discussion continues. Jason is quite talkative now, volunteering information about financial problems brought on by a house addition, his son’s college expenses, and a recent auto accident that cost him $750 to cover the deductible on his policy. To meet his financial needs, Jason tells you he has been moonlighting for 30 hours weekly as a security guard at a local hotel. He has gotten little sleep the past two weeks. He now worries he can’t sustain the pace because his job performance at Apex is being affected. He says, “I know I haven’t been much of a contributor around here lately.”
3. In the space below, write the statement you will make to Jason that demonstrates affirming, but also reinforces the need for him to improve performance.
During the remaining discussion, Jason commits to making his present job performance his number one priority, despite his short-term financial needs. You discuss several alternatives that would allow him to do both, two he proposed: reduce his hotel hours, with most of them being worked on weekends, and getting a loan from the company credit union or a bank. A third idea—taking his two-week vacation now, would allow him to work his full hotel hours for two weeks—was one you suggested he consider. You tell him you will look into waiving the normal two-week vacation notice. You also suggest he consider making an appointment with the company’s EAP office, and arrange for financial counseling. Jason expresses interest in this.
You agree to let Jason know tomorrow about the vacation matter and to be available as needed to discuss things further should Jason need to talk. You note Jason picks up his hard hat that was placed on the floor and says: “Well, I feel much better having talked with you about this. It’s taken a lot off my mind, and it’s helped me think some things through. Thanks for being so patient.”
4. In the space below, write the statement you will make to Jason that demonstrates confirming/summarizing and closes the meeting.