On this week the conflict that I experienced with a colleague was as follows: there are many reports that are due at the end of the month for our child care center. I along with another colleague rely on each other for certain parts of the report to be completed before submittal. On this week my colleague indicated that I had given her the incorrect information the day before the report was due. I followed up with her when I had not received my portion of the report only to find this information out on the day of. However, I knew that I had not given her the incorrect information, because I only had in my hand what she was lacking.
Instead of arguing with her I decided that I would make another copy and drive the information over to her and put it in her hand rather than fax it to ensure that she received her copy and I would at that point make a copy of the report that I needed to complete my month end report. This is not the first time that this colleague has indicated that I had not given her what she needed so I was very frustrated that she waited until the last minute, but I also know this about her.
STRATEGIES:
1. I could have used the cooperative strategy and asked her if she needed help. I saw when I arrived that she had a lot going on and may have been overwhelmed but would not ask for help. I should have offered help.
2. I could have also used reciprocity – if I help her this time without her having to ask if she is missing documents or needs help the next time she will ask and she will also ask me if I need help to ensure that we both complete our reports in a timely manner.
Carmen,
ReplyDeleteSounds like a tough situation. It might be helpful to sit down and talk about this issue sense it has happened before. A healthy discussion talking of ways to avoid this the next time reports are due. This would be frustrating to me as well.
Hi Carmen,
ReplyDeleteI can definitely see how this is frustrating, especially as this is not the first time it has happened. I think that your actions show that you are willing to work with her and help resolve this conflict; you are going out of your way to make sure that things get done! I agree with Gloria, maybe a discussion with your colleague could help you come up with some strategies to make sure the report gets done in a timely manner. Maybe if she realizes how much you rely on her and how you are willing to help her she may be more responsive. Good luck!
Carmen,
ReplyDeleteThis situation can be frustrating, especially when you know that you are doing your part and being told that it is not being done due to the lack of participation on someone else's part. Maybe everyone as a team could sit down and come up with a plan that would benefical to all the parties involved. This way it can cut done on the tension and eliminate people getting angry with one another. It better to be proactive with the situation before it gets worse.
Wow Carment this reminds me of when we had partners in high school to work with to get assignments done and you did your part but your partner was a slacker and that is frustrating! I think you handled it well. Maybe you guys need to have lunch and discuss this upfront.
ReplyDeleteCarmen,
ReplyDeleteIt has been great being in class with you. I pray that all goes well and we will hopefully see each other in the next class..Hold on we are coming down the wire!!