Module 1 Workplace Challenge

THE NEW SUPERVISOR

Amaka has recently become supervisor of a small hospitality team.

Three situations happen during the same week.

SITUATION 1

Her close friend asks her to approve an early departure even though another employee was denied the same request because the team is short-staffed.

SITUATION 2

A new employee makes a mistake while following a process nobody properly explained during onboarding.

SITUATION 3

An employee privately reports that another worker has threatened them.

Consider:

1. What should Amaka handle herself? 2. Where must fairness guide her decision? 3. Where should she recognize a system or training failure? 4. Which situation may require escalation? 5. What would poor supervision look like in each situation?

GUIDED RESPONSE

Situation 1: Amaka should apply legitimate workplace criteria rather than friendship.

Situation 2: The employee may need coaching, but the supervisor should also recognize that unclear onboarding contributed to the mistake.

Situation 3: A credible threat is not simply an ordinary disagreement. Amaka should follow the appropriate safety/reporting/escalation process.