You are the manager of a small computer programming firm with only seven employees. Rupert Johnson, a programmer who has worked for the company for five years, has developed the habit of coming in to work anywhere from ten to thirty minutes late most days. The other employees have come to you to complain about Rupert’s constant tardiness, saying that it is unfair that they have to take up his slack in the morning routine. You have promised to call Rupert in and talk to him about the problem.
When you call Rupert into your office to talk to him, he opens up to you and explains that about a month ago his ex-wife unexpectedly gave him full custody of his seven-year-old son. She literally left the boy on his doorstep one Saturday and disappeared. Rupert admits that he has been struggling to get into a good routine with his son. The child’s school will not let students arrive before 7:30 am and even if he gets the boy to school at that time, the morning commute and traffic will always make him a few minutes late.
Using SMART goals to come up with some goals for Rupert. How can he solve his problem?
Specific: Rupert needs to find a solution to his morning routine that allows him to arrive at work on time.
Measurable: Rupert needs to ensure that he arrives at work on time every day.
Achievable: Rupert can explore different options such as finding alternative transportation, adjusting his morning routine, or reaching out for assistance if needed.
Relevant: Solving this problem is crucial for Rupert to maintain his job and avoid causing inconvenience to his colleagues.
Time-bound: Rupert should aim to find a solution within the next two weeks.
Based on these SMART goals, Rupert can consider the following possible solutions:
1. Explore alternative transportation options: Rupert can research different modes of transportation that can help him avoid morning traffic, such as carpooling, public transportation, or finding a different route to work. By leaving earlier or using different transportation methods, he can aim to arrive at work on time.
2. Adjust morning routine: Rupert can analyze his morning routine and identify areas where he can make changes to save time. For example, preparing his son's lunch and clothes the night before, waking up earlier, or delegating some tasks to his son if age-appropriate.
3. Seek assistance: Rupert can consider reaching out to friends, family, or neighbors for help in getting his son to school on time. If feasible, he can explore options for carpooling with other parents from the same school, which may alleviate the time pressure.
4. Communicate with the school: Rupert can talk to the school administration about his situation and explain the difficulties he faces in dropping off his son on time due to traffic. He can inquire if there are any alternative arrangements or exceptions that can be made in his case, considering his circumstances.
By implementing these SMART goals and exploring different solutions, Rupert can work towards finding a routine that allows him to arrive at work on time while ensuring his son's well-being and school schedule.