The Three Marvins Essay, Research Paper

Ed Rosendale

Managerial Leadership

The Three Marvins

Marvin Lowery:

I think the main things you have to look at in this case are; is Marvin a danger to himself, is he a danger to others in the workplace, what can you as a supervisor do to help the situation? It was stated in the brief that he has caused and accident due to carelessness. I think this proves that he is both a danger to himself and others. There is also the added concern of suicide. I think the best approach would be to talk to human resources about the types of counseling is available. You should also look into community groups that provide help for this specific type of situation. There are also religious organizations that help with bereavement, if applicable. When you have appropriate counselors and community services line up, I would then sit down with Mr. Lowery and discuss the situation. I would try to key in on the fact that you are concerned for Marvin. You know he is a good employee and you do not want to lose him. I would then present him with some options on counseling. Make him aware of the fact that if he needs more time, that leave without pay is available. I would then reiterate your concern for his well being and that of his coworkers. Let him know that for any help he needs, that you are there for him. Your first concern is for his welfare.

Marvin Fletcher

I would set up a time to talk with Marvin. I would start off by stating the fact that he is a valued employee. You understand the difficulty he may be having with his children, because both he and his spouse works. I would then let him know that you cannot continuously adjust his schedule to accommodate this. If this is going to be as frequent as it has been then Mr. Fletcher will need to use his sick time and/or vacation time to make up for it. You might ask him whether it is possible for his wife to pick up the kids more often. Reiterate that you understand his situation but you have the rest of the department to think about as well.

Note: Before you talk with Marvin you should look into whether flex time is feasible in your department. Since other employees have inquired about flex time, it is obviously something that could accommodate more then just Mr. Fletcher. This could end up solving several of your employees problems in the long run.

Rita Marvin

The first thing I would look at in this situation is whether or not limited disability is available. This would give you some idea about your options. I would also talk to human resources about part time work that would still maintain her health benefits. If this is available then Rita could just work less hours per week but still be entitled to all her benefits. You might also want to look at what other work she could do for the department that could better accommodate her situation. You could also look at options in other departments. If none of these options are available then your only recourse might be to put her on disability. If this is the case then you need to be up front with Mrs. Marvin about it. Let her know that she is valued as an employee and that is situations were to change that you welcome her back with open arms.

Note: If none of the aforementioned options is available then I would go to human resources and/or my supervisor and find out why. I would also look at ways that these things could be accommodated.

I think the key in all of these situations, is to let the employee know that they are valued, and an important part of the organization. You do not want to make any hasty decisions. You have to think about what is best for the employee and the department as a whole.