Interview Story - Handled Conflict

As the business department head at a local community college, I received the support of most team members. But there was one colleague who was not supportive and seemed to oppose every decision I made.

She sometimes tried to block strategies that would benefit the department and students. This individual stayed away from meetings or came and left early and refused to take on any responsibilities outside of teaching classes. I was baffled because she was not a new staff member. She had been at the college for 5 years when I joined the staff.

I soon discovered the real problem: she felt unappreciated and undervalued. Although she was now at the college for more than 10 years, she had not been promoted but was constantly overlooked when seniority positions were advertised.

At first, she was very helpful and had even started a student magazine and debating club. But she had apparently become discouraged and now refused to participate in any extracurricular activities.

I brought the matter to the VP for academics and was told that there had been concerns that initially prevented her from being considered for promotion. That was over 5 years earlier.

We felt it was time to review the situation and give her another opportunity. So, working with HR, the academic committee conducted appraisals and organized training and professional development activities for this employee. She quickly returned to her more supportive self. Within a year, she was promoted to senior lecturer.