Saturday, July 30, 2016
Conflict Resolution
I have been working for Head Start for four years and in the Fall of 2014 I got promoted to a Pre-K lead teacher. My first year was great. I was able to get additional resources to use in the classroom, go on unlimited field trips, and do a lot more other things. I was enjoying Pre-K and happy that I was chosen to be the lead teacher in this great state program. My second year was not like the first year administration got very strict and we could not do the same things that we did the previous year. I was not happy with this,but I still did my job and did not let this bother me. After all of this, my Head Start Director called me and said that they would have to decrease my pay due to human resources making a mistake paying the new Pre-K teachers too much money. My first response was you guys are just now figuring this out? It took you all a whole year to find this out? She told me to come by and sign stating that I agree to the changes. I told her I was not going to sign anything because I did not agree to this and I was always taught if you do not agree with something do not sign it. My mom drilled this in my head and my sister and she still does till this day. Unfortunately my pay still was decrease, but I took this matter to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and they could not do anything because the lady said that they were not discriminating because everybody did not get a pay cut. I asked could they take my pay after having this for a year and she said that sometimes it takes a year before they see what the problem is especially is they are getting audit. I was so upset, but I still taught my children to the best of my ability and did not let this get in the way of my job performance. I thought about my master's degree and told myself that this is my motivation to move forward in life. Pursuing a master's degree was the best decision I could have ever made and I remind myself daily and strive to do whatever it takes to keep pushing until I receive it. I am not mad at anyone because I know what my intentions are and what I need to do to get into a new position.
Conflict resolution is a way for two people to find a peaceful solution to a disagreement among them. Eventually, I was able to meet with the Head Start Director and she explained to me in detail why the agency had to decreased my pay. Although I still was not happy, she told me to continue doing what God chose me to do and do not think that my work performance was not being notice because it was. I was thankful for that.I am glad that we were able to sit down and discuss the matter effectively and resolve a conflict that was growing between us. I am still unhappy with the agency, but I just pray that something bigger will come open for me soon. I feel that the 3 R's played a great part in this respect, responsiveness, and building relationships because we were able to create all of these in the conversation that we had with each other. I learn to resolve conflict effectively by treating everybody involved with respect.
I have a question for my colleagues what are your input and advice regarding how you guys have learned to be more effective communicators as it relates to conflict resolution skills?
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Hi Vonecia,
ReplyDeleteThis was a wonderful post. You demonstrated respect and responsiveness throughout. You did not let the situation get you down, instead you kept pushing. Often time, certain situations will lead us to loose our character. It appears that you continued to do what you do best and did not let the mishap interfere. This week, I learned to listen more and try to understand other's point of view. I believe that listening and understanding decreases conflict.
Latonya Ratliff
Hi Vonecia,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your blog this week. I was inspired to read about how you remained professional and respectful to all parties, without losing sight of your standpoint. You were able to discuss rather than argue about your concerns. I think you made a valid connection to the 3R's when you noted them in your conversation with your director. I believe it is significantly important for us to use the 3R's in our professional practice. In order to build trusting relationships with colleagues, children, and families, we must always display respect for one another and remain responsive. Thanks for sharing your story!
-Lia
Hi Vonecia,
ReplyDeleteI do not think that they should have been able to decrease your pay but I think you handled the situation well. I think I would have met with HR and had them try to find another fair compromise; such as less hours, more weeks off or something. Head Start is a sticky wicket because there are so many rules and regulations as far as wages go. In this situation I can see that you implemented the 3R's and they worked well for everyone else but the resolution was not in your favor so I wonder how that made you feel and if it has affected your performance at all? The way that I resolve conflicts in the work place is through respectful discussion but sometimes a fair resolution cannot be found so we have to compromise. I think because you love teaching and children this is what you did. Thank you for sharing your personal story and I hope your wages get increased back to where they were at (or higher).
Susan
Hi Vonecia,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post. This was an interesting conflict. I probably would not have signed either but, the Headstart program is a Government funded program and it's just hard to beat them. Although you didn't sign in agreement with the agency, they still lowered your wages. Was HR or anyone held responsible for such a huge error? Were you receiving the pay amount that they quoted you at hire? Your Director stated that your hard worker will not go unnoticed and that's great but she can also sign for raises and pay increases. I'm sorry that this happened to you but, I would say for you to continue teaching those babies because God sees you and He will reward you. I can certainly understand why you are angry, I would be also.The Bible tells us to "Be ye angry, but sin not!" Interesting story, I am sure that you will get a huge amount of communication skills dealing with this matter.The 3 R's were certainly evidenced. I pray that the matter will be resolved and that you will come out a winner, don't give up. Thanks for sharing!
Linda Reid
Vonecia, information such as this is difficult to accept. However a little respect goes a long way. As you said after talking to your director you understood the reason for the pay decrease. Sometimes It takes more than just passing information along. One must feel compassion from others and understand how the other person feels.
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