Case
Colleague Confrontation

Michelle has a colleague, actually her team leader, that has much more educational experience than she has This colleague has even been assistant principle previously for one year but was asked to go back to the classroom for undisclosed reasons. Michelle's colleague is very opinionated and outspoken. This colleague has often spoken down to Michelle in front of other team members and treats her unfairly in front of the students. Michelle just sits back and deals with the behavior. This colleague seems to feel that she knows more and is better at teaching than Michelle because she has more years of experience. Michelle has had enough of being cut down in front of others and tormented in team meetings. How should Michelle handle the situation professionally without causing more issues?

Posted on: 03/09/15 | Views: 855
Solution #1
I would recommend that Michelle ask to speak with her co-worker privately one day after school. Prior to the meeting, Michelle may want to have a few specific instances or actions her co-worker has made that have made her feel as though she is talking down to her. I would also recommend that Michelle end with a positive comment, possibly about how she respects her co-worker as a professional and wants to have a positive professional relationship. If the meeting doesn't go well, I would suggest that Michelle speak with her direct supervisor and ask if the three of them can sit down to discuss what has been going on.

Thanks for sharing

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Solution #2
If this were me, the next time my colleague began to put me or my ideas down, I would be sure to hear all that they had to say, just to be polite and give them the opportunity to, again, share their initial thoughts. Then, I would politely thank them and tell them you appreciate the ideas, as you always do, as their experiences enlighten you. Then don't be afraid to tell them something involving the same topic that has worked for you and how the ideas may go together. No idea is a bad idea; if you continue to be polite and let them know you appreciate their ideas, still don't be afraid to say yours. And if they don't want to try it, then you try it and let everyone know how it went. The first few years are the time you figure out what works for you!

Thanks for sharing

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Solution #3
First and foremost, DOCUMENT what the colleague is saying that is so hurtful and degrading. By doing this, when you meet with them one-on-one, you will have specifics and not be trying to think of exactly what they may have said or done. Ask the colleague why they are doing these specific actions. If they continue their ways, ask for an administrator to sit in on a meeting between the two of you and again ask the colleague your concerns.

Thanks for sharing

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Solution #4
I am very unconfrontational when it comes to colleagues. This discussion and all of the comments really helped me to learn what I can do to make my work situation better.
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