Blog Post#2: Resolving Interpersonal conflict

The case of the puzzled young graduate

Your department head, Dr Chin Tua Pek, a typical traditional Singapore-Chinese boss in his fifties, wants to show his appreciation to his department members for working very hard to complete the ALARM project. He asked you, a fresh graduate who has been working in the company for the past six months and the most junior member, to book a suitable restaurant for a thank-you lunch. There are 8 members, including you and the boss, in this department.

You booked a table at Zendy, a restaurant serving fusion food in your boss’ name and informed him about the venue. Two days before the thank-you lunch, he called you to his office and asked why you had not informed the rest of the department about it. Looking puzzled, you told him politely he had not informed you to do so. He glared at you. Not wanting to further incur your boss’ wrath, you declared you would inform the staff immediately.

On the day of the lunch, the boss did not appear happy when he looked at the menu. When you informed everyone at lunch that Zendy was voted the trendiest restaurant in Singapore in 2010, he smiled, nodding politely. After lunch, you and the other members of the department left after thanking the boss for the treat. Just as your boss was about to leave the restaurant, he was called by the waiter to pay for the lunch.

For the whole of the following week, your boss did not speak to you.

(250 words)

What should you do?

When writing the blog post,

1)Give a title
2)Give a concise background of the problem/conflict:
• identify place or situation where conflict occurs;
• state the people involved in the conflict;
• include organizational structure if necessary
• explain how the problem arose;

3)Establish the dilemma faced by the person; and

4)Ask what action needs to be taken so your group members could help answer it


When you respond to your blogging group’s posts, you may wish to use the following steps:
1. Cool off.
2. Arrange for a meeting place and get people involved to attend.
3. Clarify information/situation b y asking the right questions and practice active listening.
4. Agree what the problem is.
5. Accept responsibility
6. Brainstorm possible solutions
7. Negotiate and come up with one that satisfies the parties involved.

Underlying the steps is the application of your EQ.