Linda, an administrative professional in the Marketing Department is upset because, for the third time in as many weeks, she is forced to give up part of her weekend for work.  This time it was for packing gift bags for a special event that everyone wanted to get out of.   Linda is particularly angry with Thuli, whose turn it was to work on the weekend, but she uttered the magic word ‘family’.  Thuli says she has plans with her family and it is like a ‘get out of jail free card’.  Linda complains to you, “I don’t resent her or her devotion to her family, but I do resent it when my team constantly expects me to give up my personal time because I don’t have kids.  That is my choice and I don’t think I should be punished for it.”  You have been asked to handle the situation.

Work out a conflict resolution plan for Linda and Thuli.

1. What are the first steps in resolving this conflict?
2. What arguments might each side present?
3. What alternatives might be offered?
4. What do you think is the best solution?
5. How could the solution be implemented with the least friction?