Conflict Resolution

A couple of months ago, I quit my job, because the administrators and two other staff member were not effective in communication or the running of a high quality facility. I worked for a child development center in Hattiesburg. Over the past two years, I enjoyed my job as a teacher. I strived to keep my children and families happy. About a year and a half after I began permanently working for this center, a female co-worker began to harass me any way she could. The former program manager made her feel as if she were the best educator in the world; remind you, that she did not have an education in the field of early childhood. She did not even have an associate degree. This is where administration failed; all employees who were in a lead teacher’s position must possess at least a Bachelor’s degree. It was apparent that the program manager favored this individual and this caused major division in the work environment. Please understand, that this female watched my every move; hoping I would do something for her to report. She often told lies to the executive director and others, regarding my competence. Many people did not believe her, because they knew me. I was well liked by the children, parents, and other workers. I realized that this female was jealous of my achievements and my status at the center. She approached me several times, in a negative manner. One strategy I used, was listening to her, to see if there was something I could do to improve myself; when those efforts were not successful, I tried another strategy. I tried to do my part as a team player, with efforts to create a less stressful environment; but it was not enough for her. She believed that she could do anything she wanted, because she had favor with the program manager. I communicated to her several times, that I was not happy with the way she treated me; finally, I told administration about this employee. After the program manager resigned, things got worse; nothing was being done to make the situation better. I told administration that I was not happy with the center and the way it was being conducted. Finally, they offered me a better position; I smiled and declined it. A few weeks later, I resigned my position as a lead teacher. I know that my children, the parents, and my co-workers, did not want me to leave. I was beginning to hate coming to work each day, because of the harassment. My strategies of listening, responding empathetically, reciprocating and being supportive, did not prove to be productive in this situation. Since this incident, a job found me; now, I am my own boss, I work with a private family who adores me and support my efforts as an educator. I am happy I left; sometimes, certain things are not meant for us. We must read the signs and make a move that has our best interest at heart. How would you have handled this situation of jealously?

Lah-Lah