The case compiled by McShane and Neale (2021) introduces the issue of poor team management caused by internal conflicts in Arctic Mining Consultants, a firm involved in mining activities. Given the current challenges, Tom Parker, as a field technician and coordinator, should do everything possible to create an environment of equality. This can be successfully implemented through a suitable leadership style that does not imply a rude attitude towards subordinates. The method of encouraging staff is an important aspect of effective team management, as evidenced by the example from the case under consideration. When criticizing Millar and disappointing him by not allowing him to change jobs, Parker moves away from employees, stopping their initiative and suppressing the slightest autonomy. Moreover, an open bias towards one individual subordinate characterizes the coordinator as an inexperienced leader who lacks the crucial skills of reservedness and flexibility. Therefore, creating equal conditions for colleagues’ work and using adequate leadership solutions that motivate the initiative of the staff are relevant opportunities for solving the issue at Arctic Mining Consultants.
To implement the indicated changes, the firm can organize appropriate training courses for managers and identify appropriate areas for professional development. In addition, proficiency testing of the coordinating staff may be carried out to encourage productivity and eliminate errors in the workflow. Based on the training they have completed, individual leaders should go through a probationary period during which specific shortcomings and problems are proposed to be corrected. If the team copes with the tasks set successfully, this indicates the effectiveness of training and advanced qualifications of coordinators. In case of poor outcomes, the issue of personnel changes can be raised at the senior level.
Reference
McShane, S. L., & Neale, T. (2021). Case 1: Arctic Mining Consultants. In S. L. McShane & M. A. Von Glinow (Eds.), Organization behavior: Emerging knowledge. Global reality (9th ed.) (pp. 572-573). McGraw Hill.