Friday, March 2, 2012

Social work ? of the week

I am sure we all work with people who have different philosophies and ways they do things with their clients.

Some even may clash with our own, as well as our agencies policies or program practices.

Have you ever been in this situation with another colleague?

How did you make it work (or not).

4 comments:

  1. Hi, yes I am currently experiencing the same thing with a team member where I work. Her way of working seems to be 'get in, get out', and to sit around on the computer buying shoes and holidays all day. A lot of this is about her own current mental space and well-being, and I cope with it by de-briefing with my partner, trying to remain tolerant and occasionally talking about where she is at directly. I do get really frustrated as I feel that I am very busy with my clients and she seems to perpectually have 'nothing to do'. I don't think her clients are getting a good deal, as the way she talks about them in the office is very negative, labelling and missing the spot in so many ways. Politics are really tricky, as she is in a senior position to me. I guess I have resigned myself to just doing the best job I know how, and not focusing on her lack of passion and questionable work ethics. I'll just keep doing what I do, and I guess things will sort out at her end, either she will leave to have the baby she so desperately wants or move on to another position. Or I will. I don't think it will last forever!

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  2. Thanks for responding Sue! I have a similar situation at work. The person means well, and is very nice, however, the way they go about things can be very off-putting at times, especially to the team.

    I see them as a job-hopper though so I don't think they will be around for very long!

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  3. I know it sounds really cliche, but there comes a point when you have to just agree to disagree. The hardest part about that for me is keeping my mouth shut when the person begins yet another lengthy speech promoting the philosophy or methods with which I so strongly disagree. I have to remind myself that there is no use arguing about it. If I've expressed my disagreement strongly in the past then I can be confident that the other person is aware of it. There is no point in having the same argument over and over again, especially when you both know that neither of you are going to change your mind.

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  4. Yep. I guess it all comes down again to control. And our responses to other people. Happy Monday all! Hope the week is a great one!

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