Saturday, December 1, 2012

Conflicts In Communication


I work at an army child development center and recently we hired a new superior from another army base. I applied for this same position because I am overly qualified for the job I am currently working, so needless to say when they hired an outside person for the job with less qualification it left a nasty taste in my mouth. I have not should my frustration for this situation with the new supervisor because it is not her fault that I was passed up for the job.

In the few weeks that this new supervisor has been working at our facility, I have encountered numerous times when she has spoken rudely to me and accused me of not doing my job appropriately. Since she is my supervisor I always treat her with respect and try to explain my reasoning for what I am doing. I try to practice non violent communication with her in hopes that she will start to show me some respect as well.

After speaking with my fellow colleagues about this situation, we are all experiencing frustration with the new supervisor. We are all trying to find new ways to communicate with her, with showing her ways to be an effective communicator in return. We are trying to make the new changes not impact our working abilities and leave personal feelings at the door. 

3 comments:

  1. Stephanie,

    I applaud you on showing restraint, as well as using good and effective communication skills, even if your new superior is not doing the same. And judging from your other fellow colleagues, it seems that she also lacks basic people skills. I wish you all the luck, and hopefully through all of you and your colleagues excellent examples of positive and effective, as well as non-violent communications skills, she will learn what it takes to be a good supervisor. Great post & thanks for sharing.

    Sylvia

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  2. Stephanie,
    This is a tough situation. Those underlying feelings from being overlooked can creep up to bite you. I applaud your efforts to remain professional despite her inability to reciprocate. It might be tempting to jump on board with unrest among the rest of the staff but be very cautious as this momentum can get out of hand and cause your attitude to slip. Stay on the high road. You will keep your self-respect and earn it from others as well. Hang in!

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  3. Stephanie,
    I just happen to be look at post for week 6 and will come back later. That is sad you didn't get hired for the position. I went through something similar. All the other teachers were full time and I was a temporary but I had been at the Child care center for many years. A position came open and they hire another teacher who had been there longer than me but not as qualified as me. She also spoke Spanish. Update: today I heard she quit or went somewhere else. Things happen for a reason. I will check back later this week for week 6 postings. Hang in there! Also, are you from California too? If so where do you live and work, I live in Phelan, California, and I work at home.

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