After a series of interviews with the nominees, a discussion among the teachers-in-charge and the captains was held. Decisions were eventually made. The male and the female captains were the news bearer of the newly elected executive committee for the track and field team the following year. The decisions were tough to make as there was no particularly outspoken person with prominent leadership skills. Also, the team was segregated into cliques with no significant individuals who can blend in with all the groups well.
The announcement of the newly-elected captains, secretary and treasurer created a stir among the members. The present executive committee then came to discover the issue that was fuelling the unrest.
Apparently, the newly-elected treasurer, Diane was unhappy with the newly-elected captain, Jan, due to Diane’s unpleasant working experience with Jan in the past. Moreover, Diane disliked the way Jan carried herself partly because she saw Jan as a ‘bootlicker’ and one who talks more than she works. She felt that she could not work under a person she had no respect and liking for. This immense discontentment could not be concealed. Diane started to share her negative opinions about Jan with the team members; meanwhile she fished around for feedback about Jan as Captain. Soon enough, she approached the teacher-in-charge about her disapproval of Jan as the new captain supported by similar feedback she claimed was given to her by some team members.
Jan, on the other hand, heard these criticisms. As a result, she was hurt and upset. She hardly retaliated, or maybe she did not know how she should respond. Both Jan and Diane simply gave each other the cold shoulder when they happen to meet. The team members could sense the tension brewing between them, which was unhealthy for team morale.
The problem was that slander against the new captain was spread in the team. The credibility of the reasons behind Diane’s disapproval of the new captain was not the main issue. Diane had not only disrespected the new captain and undermined the authority of the present captains and teachers-in-charge, but also sowed discord within the team. Which party (the present executive committee, new executive committee or Jan) should step out to solve the problem? How should each party deal with this conflict?
Extra: This conflict was resolved but more arose in the near future, within the newly-elected ex-committee. Maybe you will want to think of solutions that can reduce future misunderstandings as well =)
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ReplyDeleteHi Ethel,
ReplyDeletePersonally, i feel that the teachers being the overall in charge should speak to the different parties (Diane, Jan, present and new executive committee as well as team members) individually to find the out the exact problem, and try to resolve the conflict.
Also, Jan and the present captains should try to communicate with Diane that since there were elected as captains, they should earn the respect from her.
**Sorry, i posted twice, so i deleted the other post.
Cecilia =)
Doesn't this sound familiar? ;) It has happened and will happen again in any situation - be it our place of work or study.
ReplyDeleteCommunication is certainly the bridge to resolve this issue, yet it could be equally delicate. We need to handle it with care.
Dear Ethel,
ReplyDeleteI believe that the present executive committee should step in to resolve the issue. The present executive committee should step in since this conflict involves members of the newly-elected committeee, the treasurer and captain.
The present committee should arrange a meeting with the newly-elected committee to find out how the new committee feel about the new arrangements. This could help to clarify any doubts and misunderstandings and also to find out if Diane's opinion was biased or justified. Also, the present executive committee should explain to the newly-elected committee why they had chosen each candidate for a specific post. This can help the new committee to know their strengths and weaknesses. The executive committee should then stop Diane from spreading negative comments about Jan if her opinion on Jan was purely based on dislike and not whether Jan is up to the job.