Scenario Analysis - Filling you toolbox - Essay Example

In the workplace worries scenario illustrated in this paper, I can use the problem solving tool as discussed by Hicks (2010). Hicks discusses that there are seven steps in resolving issues in the workplace. The first step is on identifying the issues – to clearly identify what the problem is, while noting that different people may have different views on what the actual issues are (Hicks, 2010). In applying this step to the current issue, I need to identify the actual issue in this scenario.

The way I see it, the issue is about the uneven distribution in workload. The low pay and the heavy workload in the nursing profession is already an identified given in the current health care practice. My role as a manager would now be geared towards using the tools I currently have in order to ensure the effective running of the paediatric care unit. Short of increasing the salary of the nurses and addressing the nationwide nursing shortage problem, the only means left in my arsenal are the solutions which are within my power and authority to effectively and realistically implement.

By identifying the problem as improper work distribution in the paediatric unit, I am able to set it apart from the other problems which nurses perceive as their issues. The next step in the problem-solving process is to understand everyone’s interests. These interests are the needs which I would like to satisfy based on any given solution; in some cases, we often get do not take notice of our genuine interests because we have become obsessed or fixated with one particular solution (Hicks, 2010).

It is important to note that the best solution which can be applied is one which would satisfy everyone’s individual interests and in order to come up with the best solution, the manager and the subordinates need to actively listen to each other, to put aside their differences, and to find a common ground which would satisfy all their needs (Hicks, 2010). In this case, my