Problems often come in bunches. As the HR Director of a large health system, you are beset with a wide variety of difficult situations. You have been served notice by a union representative that they are expecting contract negotiations to start and therefore you need to start preparing. You anticipate this will be a major challenge due to anticipated demands for increases across the board.

You also have other items to deal with, including:

• A disciplinary action to oversee concerning a nurse accused of stealing drugs.
• A board committee is seeking direction on establishing new policies on smoking and obesity.
• Implementation of a diversity program for the faculty is requiring a lot of your attention.

How would you go about handling each of these situations and what approach would you use?