The Reluctant Workers - Essay Example

? The Reluctant Workers Identify and analyze three of the core skills that were at play in the case of the reluctant workers referencing the ten skills described in Chapter 4 Team building Team building refers to the effort by which a group of people examines its process of working together and thereby acting by establishing an atmosphere that supports, values, and encourages individual contributions from members of the team. In this case, the energies of team members are applied in solving group tasks, enhancing task effectiveness, and in maximizing application of members’ resources and skills in achieving the team’s purpose (Kerzner, 2010). In the case of the reluctant workers, the project manager, Tim Aston asserts that he cannot motivate his junior staff in achieving the purpose of the team. Some members of the team abandon meetings while on progress, and others go home early before the scheduled time. This forces Aston to reschedule activities since team members do not cooperate. Management support Management support refers to the assistance accorded to staff members by managers at work. Its aim is to assist the workers in solving some problems that might affect their performance at work and in overall life. In the case study, Aston informs the director of project management of his constant effort in requesting members of his team to visit him so that they can share the problem together and seek ways of solving and assisting them (Kerzner, 2010). However, he thinks that members of his team do not need assistance since they do not want to communicate with him yet he is willing to offer assistance. Effective administration and communication In any institution, there must be administrators who oversee day-to-day operations of the organizations and ensuring that things go on smoothly. Therefore, administrators perform very useful roles by ensuring that institutions achieve set goals. In the case study, Aston claims that the accounting department manager does not want an employee in that section to shift to project management section (Kerzner, 2010). This is despite confession of the employee of his interest in project management. The manager seems interested in achieving his departmental goals at the expense of the overall goal for the company. Thus, the boss of the worker who had interest in project management kills his interest and dream, and this might lower morale and appreciation of the employee. There is also poor communication between the workers and the managers. Moreover, Phil Davis, the director of project management seems not interested in solving issues raised by the project manager, and this constitutes poor administration (Kerzner, 2010). Therefore, effective administration and communication is vital for the success of any organization. Proper planning Planning entails the process of thinking as well as organizing activities necessary for the achievement of a given goal. Proper planning is required in carrying out and implementing activities that lead to the attainment of the goal. In the case study of reluctant workers, planning is a challenge. For instance, Aston asserts that in the week that the test was scheduled, some departments and individual workers planned different activities. The customer’s top management planned on flying specifically for firsthand observations. Moreover, two members of his team had planned program vacation for the week and could not participate in the test (Kerzner, 2010). The scenario clearly indicates poor planning of events and activities in the company. Poor planning can lead to underachievement of the set goals and targets. 2 .Analyze the way in which Tim Aston, the young project manager, was exercising his skills with respect to his project staff and the functional managers. Discuss Tim Aston's effectiveness in light of the three core skills you identified. Tim Aston was exercising his skills quite properly with regard to project staff as well as with functional managers. First, he organizes a meeting with his boss where he cites challenges he faces while carrying out his duty (Kerzner, 2010). He tells him of his frustrations while on duty thereby, seeking his assistance. However, the director of project management never offered a solution to his problems. Consequently, on noticing that an employee in the accounting department is interested in project management, he consults with fellow manager on the need of shifting the worker from accounting section to the project management section. However, the manager declines the request. These actions and responses towards Tim’s effort clearly show that the functional managers were sabotaging his efforts. Moreover, his boss’ assertion that Tim needs to read about human behavior clearly indicates that the boss undermines his skills, capability, and thinks the problem lies with him. With regard to his staff, Aston roots for a consultative leadership whereby team members consult him on issues and problems affecting them (Kerzner, 2010). He looks forward to assisting the staff in dealing with their problems even though the workers seem not interested in sharing their problems. With regard to team building, Aston’s action of seeking advice from his boss on ways of improving team building is effective. This is because it assists in ensuring team cooperation and coordination for achievement of goals. By seeking advice on team management, Aston will create the spirit of oneness and cooperation among the team members, and this will boost morale and performance (Kerzner, 2010). Consequently, Aston’s stand on the need for the management to support workers is effective since it gives workers the ability to air their problems and share ideas, perceptions as well as views concerning issues affecting them and the company (Kerzner, 2010). This promotes understanding and trust between the workers and the company management while boosting the morale of workers. It also creates a sense of care and love among workers who feel that the management loves and cares for them. Further, Aston’s action of informing his boss on the need for proper planning of company’s activities is effective since it reduces chances of clash of actions and events. Moreover, it promotes cooperation and consultation among managers of various sectors, and thereby ensuring the achievement of goals (Kerzner, 2010). However, he does not have emotional intelligence since he thinks he can join the older subordinates who have stayed in the company longer than him and gain confidence and trust from them right away while giving orders and directions (Kerzner, 2010). Moreover, he lacks self-confidence since he seeks advice from his boss instead of tackling the challenges facing him. Consequently, he cannot act as a role model to team members, thus eroding their confidence in him. 3. Analyze the degree of support Tim was provided by his company: What kind of support did Tim require, and to what extent did he receive it? In pursuit of his work, Tim required support from his boss, fellow managers and junior staff members. However, he did not get full support from these groups since they never wanted to cooperate with him in order to achieve the set goals of the company. For instance, instead of the boss seeking ways of motivating Aston’s staff members, he leaves the entire responsibility to Aston yet he expects good results from the team (Kerzner, 2010). He also blames Tim for lacking proper human management skills necessary for team building and management. Consequently, the account department manager never cooperated with him when he requested for the transfer of one staff member who had interest in project management from accounts department to project management department. Moreover, his effort of establishing an effective and serious project management team fails since team members do not want to cooperate or seek solutions regarding problems they face at work (Kerzner, 2010). Therefore, Tim required cooperation from the company but did not get full support from fellow managers, his boss, and the junior staff. 4. Make recommendations to both the senior executives (the company) and Tim Aston, relative to personnel motivation and resource allocation, etc., in order for Tim to be an effective project manager. Recommendations to senior executives There should be appropriate and fair allocation of resources to every department and sector. This will ensure that all sections of the company get equally treatment and therefore, promote performance and accountability. Consequently, the company should ensure presence of a supportive environment, which is vital for the achievement and success of the company. Every sector of the company will achieve its goals in case there is a supportive and conducive environment for work. The company should also acknowledge the importance of personnel flexibility. This is because its recognition and acknowledgement increases workers’ satisfaction and boosts morale. The senior executives should always accord employee motivation high priority since it determines whether a company becomes successful or fails. Recommendations to Tim Aston Aston should acknowledge personnel motivation, and therefore accorded it a top priority while working on the project. This is because motivated workers will be very productive thereby, enhancing chances of meeting targets. Consequently, Aston should recognize the need for proper time management and work towards promoting it since it determines the success or failure of a project. Allocation of time and resources in team support and building should be his priority. Moreover, he should put more emphasis on team building since a proper and effective team ensures success of a project. Further, he should acknowledge existence of conflict in every organization and work towards limiting its causes and effects on the company. Finally, Aston should recognize and accept the importance of effective communication with his juniors and bosses. This is because success depends on the type and manner of communication with fellow company staff. References Kerzner, H. (2010). Project Management Case Studies. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Read More