Question

Conflict and Negotiation.

Paul, 33 years of age graduated with a Master’s degree in Geology from McGill University in 2002. Since graduation he had worked for a small oil exploration company in Newfoundland. He enjoyed the work, his boss and peers but there was limited opportunity for advancement. He was recently married to a girl from Ontario and just discovered he was about to be a father. Paul decided it was time to explore new employment opportunities. A short time later he responded to a job ad in the local newspaper for a major shale gas exploration firm in Western Canada. After a number of interviews and a visit to Edmonton, Alberta, accompanied by his wife, he was offered the job. The salary and benefits were considerably better to those in Newfoundland and he would have 3 employees reporting to him. He and his spouse decided to relocate to Edmonton, Alberta.

The job was exciting and after an excellent orientation program which among other things took Paul to head office in Houston, Texas for training, he was introduced to and given an opportunity to meet and ask questions of the company’s senior and executive management. Paul was impressed and he settled in to his new responsibilities. His boss, an older and well respected geologist, was located in Calgary. He told Paul to call anytime if he needed direction or advice, otherwise they would see each other at least quarterly during regularly scheduled meetings.

Jake, the General Manager in the Edmonton office and 66 years old was a rough and tough oil man originally from Houston. There were about 60 employees in the office all of whom reported directly to Jake except Paul and his staff. Jake was obviously well respected by his employees. Paul needed input and comments from field supervisors and technicians to complete his work. Jake told his staff to work with Paul and give him any information he required. In addition Paul was asked to attend weekly meetings with all staff in order to stay on top of gas projects in Northern Alberta, BC and Saskatchewan.

Jake chaired the weekly meetings. He had a loud, brash nature and was often curt and dismissive to his staff. Paul often felt uncomfortable in these meetings but was content to just listen. As time went on Paul asked Jake if he could add exploration items to the agenda. Jake agreed and for the next meeting Paul suggested a few agenda items. For several weeks Jake overlooked Paul’s agenda items. There were a number of excuses including no time etc. but Paul was getting upset. He wanted to say something but was reluctant to confront Jake. Once when he did mention the problem at a weekly meeting Jake embarrassed Paul by suggesting there were more important agenda items which needed priority consideration. In one instance Jake cut Paul off in mid sentence as he proposed an exploration project near Fort St. John. Jake interrupted and simply said it was not a viable project. Paul was hurt.

A few weeks later Paul attended a Quarterly exploration meeting in Calgary. His boss asked how he was getting along with Jake. Before he could respond, his boss told Paul he was lucky to work with Jake. He and Jake were good friends and Paul would learn a lot. Paul did mention the weekly meeting and his difficulty having discussion on exploration items. He wondered if he should continue to attend. His boss said not to worry, a little conflict is common in the oil and gas business and disagreement often brings out the best ideas in people. Paul reluctantly agreed. Later that evening the company hosted a dinner for all senior management. Paul was invited to attend. Jake was there. He was charming but a little cool toward Paul. There was no evidence of his terse and dismissive nature so prevalent in Edmonton. The next morning as Paul drove home he was bristling and convinced he had to take steps to mange the problem with Jake. He decided to …………………………

1. Jake is a bully but well liked by his peers and employees. His respect appears to be earned from successful years as a hard hitting “oilman”. In this situation Paul may need someone to mediate this conflict. Of the following possibilities and under the circumstances who might be acceptable as in informal mediator? a) Jake’s wife b) Paul’s boss c) Company CEO d) Legal counsel e) VP HR in Calgary

2. In a maximum 1 page report outline in point form what you feel are 5 or 6 steps Paul can take to eliminate this unnecessary conflict and allow the Edmonton office team to function effectively.

Answer 1

Answer-)In this case, I think here Company CEO will only be able to mediate this conflict because 1-) As jake is of 66 years older and has a very rough personality ,he might not listen to his wife. 2-) Paul's Boss is Jake's friend ,so definitely he will take Jake's side.3-) As this is a private and informal conflict ,a legal counsel won't be able to help much.4-) VP HR in Calgary might not be able to help they both are in EDMONTON and the hr is in Calgary. So she might now know the details of the case. Here only the CEO would be able to help being an informal mediator and can sort out problems.

Answer-2) Five steps which I think that Paul can take to eliminate this uneccesary conflict is -

1-) Gather all the information about the conflict, from where it arised and how many times Jake has cut paul.

2-) The reason why conflict arised. - Looking at what triggered the conflict and what is the conflict based upon.

3-) Finding alternative solutions - Looking at the various options that could mediate the conflict. For example - Tolerating jake's bullying or raising voice against him in front of office Employees, or having a mutual agreement.

4-) Agreeing with both the parties- After some options vare selected, it is important that Jake and paul sit and talk or have third mediator between them who can choose the best option that both agree.

5-) Having a oral agreement - Jake and paul can after that have a oral agreement to abide by. They would have their own decisions which they have to follow.

It took some research to answer the questions If you can help me with a upvote I would really appreciate it.

THANK YOU.