Respond by to at least two colleagues in one of the following ways: Compare the greatest challenge your colleague has identified to the one you posted.Explain whether you think your colleague’s strategy for addressing the situation is likely to be effective and why. Response to Jeanie Supervisor’s Role The Phoenix House case study is unique in that both the mother and the staff want what is best for Daniel, but cannot agree on how to get there. The supervisor’s role is to support the staff and at the same time be an influence on the process (Northouse, 2018). The supervisor will need to influence the group to reach a positive outcome or a common goal (Northouse, 2018). Daniel’s mother may better understand the situation he is in should the supervisor further discuss it with her (Plummer, Makris, & Brocksen, 2014b). Daniel’s safety is a concern, and the supervisor should follow the correct ethical conduct, and request his mother to let him engage in an outpatient program, where safety is not a concern (Plummer et al., 2014b). Skills The leadership skill that might help the supervisor resolve the issue is an indication of a strong leader. A supervisor should effectively bring employees together as a team, motivate them for their best abilities, encourage relationships among them, and resolve their concerns (Northouse, 2018). The leadership skill of social perceptiveness is also a skill that could be used to resolve the issue. Social perceptiveness is understanding the primary concerns of others, what motivates them, the issues at hand, and how change can affect them (Northouse, 2018). Due to Daniel’s mother seeing his situation one way, and the staff seeing it another, the conflict must be resolved (Plummer et al., 2014b). Resolving conflict can be difficult, but is handled effectively the level of stress will be reduced, there will be more problem-solving skills applied, and strengthen the relationships of everyone involved (Northouse, 2018). Problem-solving skills are necessary for a leader to take on the problem and correct it to satisfy Daniel, his mother, and the staff (Northouse, 2018). Challenging Aspect The most challenging aspect for me if I was the supervisor in this role would be getting Daniel’s mother to see the concerns we have for Daniel. Looking for an alternative solution to the situation could be difficult, but presenting more than one way to resolve the issue, could reduce the stress (Northouse, 2018). Daniel’s mother may acknowledge a different resolution would be better for him should she be presented with the option. Leadership Skills I Would Use The leadership skills I would use are showing empathy, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills. Showing empathy not only to Daniel, but to the staff, and his mother may reduce the tension already present. Problem-solving has to be part of the puzzle, as Daniel is not in a good environment, and a resolution is necessary. Interpersonal skills will help to work with staff, Daniel, and his mother (Northouse, 2018). References Northouse, P. G. (2018). Introduction to leadership: Concepts and practice (4th ed.). Washington, DC: Sage. Plummer, S.-B., Makris, S., & Brocksen, S. M. (Eds.). (2014b). Social work case studies: Concentration year. Baltimore, MD: Laureate International Universities Publishing [Vital Source e-reader]. Response to Hilda Analysis of he Supervisor’s Role in the Phoenix House Case Study Daniel is a 13-year-old client assigned to the Phoenix House by his mother. The supervisors feel Daniel is not meeting the requirements of the program. The supervisor’s concerns were discussed with his mother, and she is adamant that he remains in the program (Plummer, Makris & Brocksen , 2014). The programs social workers reported their concerns to the program supervisor. The supervisor’s leadership role is to create the best possible outcome for all involved. This includes Daniel, the social workers, and the program. Leadership skills are an essential component of being a great leader. Administrative skills are needed to resolve Daniel’s issue. Administrative skills are a need in order for a program to function and meet expectations (Northouse, 2018). The supervisor needs to identify if Daniel meets the requirement of the program. Daniel’s mother is over-reacting and using the program as a baby-sitting service (Plummer, 2014). If Daniel does not meet the program requirements the supervisor can recommend other programs in the area that are more suited to his needs. A second skill needed by the supervisor is handling conflict between Daniel’s mother and the program workers. Both feel they are doing what is in the best interest of Daniel. The workers believe the drugs were not Daniel’s, and he does not belong in the program. The mother believes the drugs were his and even if they were not, the program will still help him. The mother also feels she has a right to the services offered by the program (Plummer, 2014). The supervisor needs to produce the best possible outcome for Daniel, the social workers, Daniel’s mother, and the program. The skill of handling conflict can be complicated and is never easy (Northouse, 2018). The supervisor’s outcome may not appease everyone involved. This aspect would be the most difficult for me to handle. The mother is not looking out for her son’s best interest. The program staff is looking out for Daniel’s best interest, but the approach to the mother could have been handled better. Now the mother has her guard up and is angry. Staff training in a situation like this is needed. A meeting with an angry guarded mother is also needed. Review of the program requirements and the social work code of ethics needs to be completed. A meeting with Daniel personally is one final aspect that is needed. All of these steps are needed for the supervisor to completely evaluate and resolve the conflict. The steps are in addition to the daily workload and will be difficult to complete. Explain How You Would Use Leadership Skills to Proceed if You Were the Supervisor. I would use leadership skills to educate and train staff. As a good leader, I want to be able to demonstrate and teach good leadership skills to my staff. I want to be more than a leader that resolve issues all day or attends the meeting. I want to be an educator and an advocate for my organization, staff, and clients. References: Northouse, P. G. (2018). Introduction to leadership: Concepts and practice (4th ed.). Washington, DC: Sage. Plummer, S.-B., Makris S., Brocksen S. M. (Eds.). (2014b) Social Work Case Studies: Concentration Year. Baltimore, MD: Laureate International Universities Publishing [Vital Source e-reader].
