Using the Idea Lab to Find an Optimal Solution - Essay Example

The Idea Lab was used to find a solution to an interpersonal situation at work, where an older employee was experiencing irritation and stress resulting from a younger employee's constant preaching of ideal conditions and references to religious metaphors. This situation had grown to the extent that the older employee was experiencing difficulty reaching his previously set quality of work, and his worsened moods meant that the general workplace environment was affected. Other co-workers did identify the situation and were also affected as they had to interact with both.

It was identified that the older employee claimed that he had no issue with any religious affiliation or doctrine, but felt that religion should be personal, and should not overpower one's behavior and style of speaking at work; since the workplace is a multicultural atmosphere. He felt that having to constantly hear religious metaphors reduced the professional element of the workplace.
The younger employee on the other hand confessed to finding great strength and inspiration from religion. He claimed that he never meant to hurt anyone's sensibilities but the religious metaphors were understood easily by all and helped him make his point. He also believed that there was no harm in using religious metaphors to promote positive and productive attitudes.

Given the situation where neither is at fault, but the matter is more of a clash between personal attitudes, it was difficult to arrive at a solution easily. Also, since religion can be a matter of emotional investment for the players as well as onlookers in a given situation, it needed to be dealt with carefully to neutralize the matter, and not aggravate it.

By using the Idea Lab, it was found that the optimal solution would be to have the two employees in question discuss their differences in a neutral and supportive atmosphere; possibly with the manager involved as a mediator. Once both understand each other's perspectives and attitudes, it would be possible to encourage them to come to a solution that both could live with so that the atmosphere in the workplace would become amicable again. At this point, it is necessary to note that this process must be carried out with care so that no one's feelings are hurt as that could spark off a more serious situation if other employees entered the debate. It is also essential that the mediator keeps his / her opinions out of the discussion and encourages mutual respect and civility intending to come up with a solution that works for everyone.

This process is more detailed than the one that was followed by the manager when resolving the problem discussed in the previous report, since that process did not consider the implications of applying the taken decision beforehand; nor were the facts or assumptions. The manager had also not considered who should be willing to show commitment to the final solution when deciding on how the resolve the problem. Read More