Step 1: Determine the facts in the situation – obtain all of the unbiased facts possible
- Jack is an American student living at a youth center in Kenya.
- The youth center received gifts from an international donor organization for children under 14 years old.
- Jack was asked to assist in handing out these gifts.
- Four children did not receive gifts.
- These four children were given black hats, but not ceremoniously like the others.
- The children who did not receive gifts seemed upset and blamed Jack.
- Jack discussed the issue with the staff, who did not acknowledge the problem and seemed concerned that Jack might become a “children’s rights activist.”
Step 2: Define the problem and the stakeholders – those with a vested interest in the outcome
Problem: Four children at the youth center did not receive gifts and were given hats in a less ceremonious manner, causing them to feel left out and upset. Jack’s involvement in this situation could potentially impact his relationship with the children and the staff, as well as the success of his social venture at the center.
Stakeholders:
- Jack – The American student working on a social venture.
- Children at the youth center – Specifically, the four children who did not receive gifts and may feel resentful.
- Youth center staff – They are responsible for managing the center and may have concerns about Jack’s actions affecting their work.
- International donor organization – The organization that sent the gifts may be interested in ensuring they are distributed fairly and effectively.
Step 3: Determine and distinguish between the personal and professional motivations of the stakeholders.
- Jack’s personal motivation is to maintain a positive relationship with the children and the staff while ensuring the well-being of the children he is working with. Professionally, he wants his social venture to succeed and make a positive impact.
- The children’s motivation is to be treated fairly and not feel left out or blamed for something beyond their control.
- The staff’s motivation may be to avoid unnecessary disruptions and maintain control over the center.
- The international donor organization’s motivation is likely to see their donations used effectively and positively impact the children.
Step 4: Formulate (at least three) alternative solutions – based on information available, to have a win-win situation for your relationship and your venture.
Approach 1: Mediation and Involvement of All Parties
- Potential Solution: Organize a meeting involving Jack, the upset children, and the staff to openly discuss the situation.
- How does it solve the problem?
- Provides a platform for communication and understanding.
- Allows the children to express their feelings and concerns.
- Enables the staff to explain their perspective.
- Pros:
- Promotes open dialogue and empathy.
- Facilitates resolution and potentially mending relationships.
- Cons:
- May require time and effort to organize and conduct the meeting.
- Outcomes are not guaranteed, and some parties may remain dissatisfied.
Approach 2: Gift Redistribution and Ceremonial Hat Presentation
- Potential Solution: Redistribute the gifts to the four children who initially did not receive any in a special ceremony, ensuring they receive equal attention.
- How does it solve the problem?
- Addresses the immediate issue of the four children feeling left out.
- Restores a sense of fairness.
- Pros:
- Immediate resolution of the problem.
- Demonstrates fairness and inclusivity.
- Cons:
- May be seen as favoritism towards the four children.
- Could potentially create resentment among other children who received gifts initially.
Approach 3: Address the Issue Privately and Improve Future Procedures
- Potential Solution: Speak privately with the staff, expressing concerns about the incident and suggesting improvements in gift distribution procedures.
- How does it solve the problem?
- Avoids potential public embarrassment for the children.
- Focuses on preventing similar issues in the future.
- Pros:
- Maintains a more positive public image.
- Encourages the staff to consider improvements.
- Cons:
- Does not directly address the current upset of the children.
- May not immediately mend relationships.
Step 5: Seek additional assistance, as appropriate
Jack can seek advice from other experienced volunteers or mentors who have worked in similar environments or with youth centers to gain insights into how to handle such situations effectively.
Step 6: Select the best course of action
In this case, Approach 1 seems to be the most comprehensive and sensitive approach to address the issue. It allows for open communication and understanding among all parties involved. This approach aligns with Jack’s personal and professional motivations to maintain positive relationships with both the children and the staff while ensuring the well-being of the children. It also demonstrates his commitment to the children’s emotional well-being, which could positively impact his social venture in the long term.
Step 7: List the sequence of actions you will take to implement your solution.
- Schedule a meeting with the upset children and the staff to discuss the incident.
- During the meeting, encourage the children to express their feelings and concerns.
- Allow the staff to explain their perspective and any challenges they faced during the gift distribution.
- Facilitate open dialogue and empathy among all parties.
- Seek common ground and identify possible solutions, such as a special ceremony for the four children or procedural improvements.
- Work collaboratively to implement the agreed-upon solutions.
- Monitor the situation and ensure that the children’s emotional well-being is supported.
- Continuously communicate with the staff to maintain a positive working relationship and discuss improvements for future events.
**Chat GPT helped with this blog**