I recently had a conflict with my supervisor about my schedule change. I try my hardest not to be a confrontational person but when I feel that I am not being treated fairly I will speak up for myself.
About two weeks ago I moved to a new area and the traffic is really bad which would cause me to be in traffic on my route home for work. A month prior to my move I asked my supervisor if I could change my work schedule so that I can get off at 3:30 pm instead of four so I could get a head of traffic. I was willing to take a thirty minute lunch instead of an hour so that I can still have a 40 day work week. The advantage about my job is that I scheduled client’s appointments at my discretion. I see my last client at 2:30 pm which would not be an issue if I changed my work schedule. Instead of approving my schedule my supervisor sent back her suggested schedule for me in which I would come in later to work and get off work late in the evening after the workday traffic.
It made me very upset because being a fiancé’, student, and expecting mother, I really did not want to get off any later. I turned the schedule that my supervisor suggested for me down and continued with my normal work schedule. I generally made it home about 6:00 pm.
About a week after getting home late I went back to my supervisor and asked her why she did not approve my schedule change. She indicated that my caseload was extremely high and she was not sure if I can see all of my clients in a timely manner if I got off early. I then explained to her that I see my last client daily at 2:30 pm. I went on to explain to her how I got my calendar set to where I do not see client’s on Fridays which give me time to do paperwork. After Identifying to her that I was able to manage my caseload, without hesitation my supervisor approved my schedule change.
This experience has helped me understand that in order to resolve a conflict you have to come up with the best rationale to fix the problem. Because I went back to my supervisor to see what the problem was, I was able to resolve the matter. Being able to fix the problem allowed me and my supervisor to have a better understanding of one another. Now she come to my office and asked me things about my caseload instead of making assumptions. We now have a great working relationship which make the workday much smoother.
Nequiatuia, I am glad it turned out great for you. I wish my staff would come to me when they need changes and I am willing to help if they explain to me how the change would not affect our work loads. Great communication!
ReplyDeleteNequiatuia,
ReplyDeleteYour story is a great example of mutual understanding and compromise that came from the challenge of conflict. By openly communicating both points of view and reasoning behind the views, each were able to understand what needs are to be met from the other. I believe that if we fully explain our own own needs and remain empathetic to others, in turn we can reach common ground and avoid unnecessary conflicts in communication.