Question

A florist who has been in business for several years finds himself facing several problems simultaneously. First, he has a large order for a wedding in three days and just found out that, due to an unexpected frost, the tulips the bride was adamant had to be in the bouquets are not going to be available. Second, his top employee has informed him that she has to schedule a surgery in two weeks and has to take the following six weeks off. Then he heard a rumor that the building where he rents his shop is for sale, meaning he may have a new landlord and higher rent. Finally, the largest refrigerator in his store is making funny noises, and he suspects it will soon stop working. If this happens, he may lose inventory. Prioritize the problems described by putting the most immediate problem first and the least pressing last. Explain the order you chose. Then suggest actions that could be taken to address the problems.

Answer 1

Problems mentioned in order of priority:

1. Refrigerator making noise - I would make this a priority since this is the easiest to solve and it will prevent future and bigger problem. Scheduling for an appointment for a technician is as easy as a phone call and this is the first thing that I would do. Choose the soonest possible appointment to have the refrigerator checked and ensure it's working quality.

2. Large order for wedding in 3 days and tulips for bouquet is unavailable due to frost - This is the second problem that I will try to resolve since it is time sensitive and would help with the shops sales and reputation. I would check for tulips alternative first before calling the customer. Once I have a list of good alternatives for the tulips, a phone call should be in place to inform them of the situation. Ask or suggest an acceptable alternative to tulips and settle the number of orders. Ensure that the orders are feasible to be delivered fresh on the exact date and time that they need it to and negotiate if necessary if they have a request that cannot be provided in time.

3. Employee needs the next 6 weeks off for a surgery happening in 2 weeks time. This is not a priority since the large order is happening in 3 days, which means that the top employee would still be available for work. Documentations for the leave should be processed and approved as it is a medical leave provided that necessary proofs or medical certificates are given. If there is an expected peak season during the time that the top employee would be on leave, a seasonal worker can be hired to help with man power. But if there is no expected increase or bulk orders in the coming weeks, no change is necessary. 

4. Lastly, the rumors that the building will be sold. - This is the least important and least to be prioritized as  it is only a rumor. It may affect the business if it happens so once the large order is settled, there is no harm in trying to verify this rumor. I would check it with the building administration first to see if they can confirm what's going to happen with the building. If it is confirmed to be sold to a new owner with a possibility of rent increase, it is the time to consider planning for alternatives. An example is to scout for other possible store locations, to come up with accounting reviews to see how an increase in the rent would affect the total profit of the store or come up with plans to increase the profit if needed. But, until any of the said rumor is proven to be true, there is no necessary action that needs to be taken.