In the case study from the textbook, the manager is faced with an employee who suddenly begins criticizing the management policies of the hospital as well as some of his own decisions. This sudden behavior has Glen, the manager, confused and stressed and he seeks advice from the hospital Vice President of Human Relations.
Three main points from the case study, as I read it, outline the issues involved. One point is that Willis, a Physical Therapist, has begun to criticize the management of the hospital. He has begun discussing many aspects of management with his supervisor, Glen. A second point in the case study is that Glen, the supervisor, believes he is doing everything that is required by the hospital executives, and there is not much that he can change. The criticisms from Willis are beginning to take on a personal aspect. Finally, a third point of the case study is that Willis has been taking management courses at his college and is just bringing lesson learned from the courses to his workplace.
In this case, Glen can work with Willis to modify his know-it-all attitude by explaining that while classroom theories are good foundations for management, they are not always the answer in practice and they may not apply to all work situations. An affiliative style of leadership might work in this case since that style works well with conflict resolution .
If I were Willis, I would use my newly acquired knowledge of management to observe and learn, relating the theories of the classroom to real-world experience. I would attempt to find out the history of some of the management policies and then make proposals to the upper management for possible change based on best practices learned in the classroom.
Glen’s growing aggravation with Willis are understandable. Most people do not appreciate having their decisions second-guessed, especially by subordinates. This is a valid reason for being aggravated. However, as a supervisor, Glen should learn to engage Willis a little more and not let his ego get in the way of creating a good work environment .
I would rate the value of this reading as a two as it pertains to me because it emphasizes that lessons learned in the classroom may not always apply to the work environment. Changes in the workplace happen slowly and need the support from upper management, trying to change things from the bottom will usually be met with resistance.
Works Cited
Cardinal, R. (2013, April 16). 6 Management Styles and When Best to Use Them - The Leaders Tool Kit. Retrieved from Leaders in Heels : http://leadersinheels.com/career/6-management-styles-and-when-best-to-use-them-the-leaders-tool-kit/
Winter, J. (2016). 3 Ways to Deal With the Office Know-it-All. Retrieved from themuse.com: https://www.themuse.com/advice/3-ways-to-deal-with-the-office-knowitall
