Instead of approaching management about her concern she started talking amongst other coworkers and it got back to my classroom and started an argument between her and the lead in my room.
How this all could have been prevented if the coworker could have spoke to management, or even asked our room if someone could switch with her. In the end I agreed to be the closer, because I didn't mind, and I wanted to keep the peace. In the future I suggested we all talk to each other first if we have an issue with scheduling, that way it wouldn't cause confusion and everyone wouldn't be upset about hearing things from other people.
Great post!! Unfortunately you find this a lot; often times people tend to talk "around" the issue to those who have no power, rather than going directly to the source. Some call me confrontational, but I'm not. I believe in getting to the point so as not to waste my time or the other persons time. In your situation, I applaud you for wanting to be the peace maker. However, had that been me, I think I would have politely informed the co-worker that she needed to take that up with the scheduler and request that in the future she not bring that confusion to your classroom. I'm hoping there were no students present. Too often, we allow our emotions to get the best of us including our common sense decision making skills and what we end up with are situations such as the one your co-worker created. But again, you did GOOD!
ReplyDeleteShakira,
ReplyDeleteIt is sad that people still do not know how to deal with frustration and create conflict because they do not approach the right person. All this she said/he said could have been avoided by talking to management. I commend you for becoming the cool headed one and volunteering to be the closer.
Shakira,
ReplyDeleteThis is a great example of women working together. This happens so often in the workplace. and I think you hit the nail on the head, Just communicate directly with each other. It puts an immediate stop to gossip and fixes the problem. thanks for the share.
I have been in a situation a long time ago with a coworker who hated to close as well. She actually was a good communicator, because she asked around to those about changing their schedule and she found someone to switch with her. She went to management and had it changed. It kept the peace with not gossiping or being frustrated with others at the job. NVC has really good strategies that would have worked in both situations as well.
ReplyDeleteHello Shakira,
ReplyDeleteI agree especially when working closely with others in a classroom going to one another first is always important. Generally as you stated others in the room don't mind help one another out since we all come across times when we need one another.