Malik’s first day as a new manager ended up more challenging than he expected. While having to adjust to a new workplace and new colleagues, he had an interesting management challenge thrown at him. Toward the end of the day, one of his employees came to him, looking frustrated and exhausted. Malik had heard that this employee was going to be one of his best, a high- potential employee who would be a great asset. On this day, the employee did not look to be an asset to anyone. Without providing much history or detail, this employee explained to Malik that she is planning to quit her job. She is exhausted and frustrated, she explains, because the work seems to be at once too much and too little. She feels overworked, but at the same time, she does not feel any excitement about her work. She doesn’t feel she is being challenged to learn skills that will help her to reach the ultimate goal of owning her own business. Unfortunately, Malik has to leave for the day before you can get more information. What should he do? Answer these questions, and formulate a plan of action.

QUESTIONS

1. What might be the factors that are causing this employee’s dissatisfaction?

2. Which of these factors could be addressed with improvements in the way the organization handles development as described in this chapter?

3. What should Malik do tomorrow with regard to this employee?

4. What long-term changes should Malik suggest for this organization, if it appears that this employee is not the only one with these complaints?