This past summer I worked as a head lifeguard at the local YMCA. In addition to my regular responsibilities, I volunteered to make the bi-weekly staff schedule. Not only were we heavily understaffed, but the available team members were typically occupied with the swim lessons that dominated the summer’s budget. My task was to split the responsibilities for two pools, a water park, and weekday lessons between thirty lifeguards and roughly six swim instructors while accommodating availability and time off. It was not uncommon for two employees to request off the same day, but occasionally I was faced with up to nine unavailable staff members, causing me to repeatedly have to scratch a potential working schedule. Reusing a previous schedule …show more content…
In order to overcome these various challenges, I developed a system that I followed every time I made a schedule. The system consisted of color coding the guard shifts, swim lessons and the date’s staff were not able to work. I would first schedule all the swim instructors for lessons according to the need at each pool, followed by everyone for guard shifts, and color coding the shifts as I proceeded. The process of scheduling consisted of constant rechecking while being aware of multiple interdependent factors. I successfully utilized my problem-solving ability to overcome the ever-changing challenges of scheduling on a regular basis. I would use this skill as a member of the MSC Business Associates Finance Subcommittee to help overcome any challenges that we as an organization may face whether foreseen or not. A potential challenge may be a committee budgeting for two events, only to find out that their projected budgets will only allow for one event. I would sit down with them and brainstorm possible alternatives and solutions to their problem before consulting with other members of the subcommittee and committee about the potential solutions. Once we have developed one to three ideal solutions, I would present the options to whomever is heading the event. go back to the person who brought the problem to me and let them know what their options are and allow them to choose. My dedication to finding the best possible solution instead of settling for the easiest solution is a skill that will assist MSC Business Associates in reaching its full