Hey, you! Yeah that’s right, I’m talking to you! You know that weirdo you saw in the crowd cam of last week’s Twins’ game with one of those giant foam hands and a scream to rival the sound of a kazoo scraping a chalkboard? Turns out, that was me, trying to get your attention this entire time.
Now that you’re finally here, let me apologize for such an abrasive opening. A recent submission has required me to scramble for my notes; October is coming to a close, and I am running out of time to respond to this question before people are busy partying and conjuring sugar addictions.
In other news, I’ve just gotten word that it is no longer October. It turns out, it’s better to just politely ask for someone’s time as opposed to obscene ways to grab their attention. Huh.
Well, the spooky month might have faded, but we’re still in the spirit at the Metaphor Meadows! Let me read off today’s question, and I’ll elaborate:
How do you get over someone you work with who isn’t being the nicest to you?
The reason for my franticness is due to the timing of this submission: It’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month! Or, was. We can just pretend every month is NDEAM like how every day should be Earth Day.
The name is exactly what you’d imagine: NDEAM is a monthly event where people from all over can contribute to lending support and resources to people with disabilities right in the workplace! NDEAM has been celebrated annually since its introduction in 1945, and 2023 is proving to be no different, with this year’s theme pushing the theme of Advancing Access and Equity.
So! In order to answer our question for today, we’re going to be making a flowchart that you can follow. The reason we’re doing this is because context is crucial on what to do when you’re having troubles with a coworker. Personal, Environmental, and Habitual connections all contribute to the deciding factors here. In fact, there are so many ways you can handle it, that I need to add a disclaimer here that this flowchart only captures a small portion of the possible outcomes that could arise from a coworker dispute. What this chart aims to do is give general guidance if you’re ever on the fence about how to handle a situation. In the end, the choice is still up to you, and you’re most likely going to better understand what to do in a conflict.
To wrap things up, I wish to give an assignment to you! I know, I come and make a whole big commotion and now I’m asking you to do something, but hear me out:
At MICC, we learn a lot about our workspace, and how to push through the difficult conundrums that can occur at any kind of occupation. A big talking point that gets hammered in class (as well on here, I’m sorry) is Communication.
Communication is vital to make a healthy and productive workspace. Without it, things would fall apart very quickly. My task to you is to ask today’s question to your coworkers, manager, and other peers at work. I might not be able to give contextual answers, but they will! If all else fails, the flowchart will be here to potentially save you a headache in times of stress.
Have a great rest of the month, readers! Until next time…
Mentone Mentour
by Madeline M.
Madeline is a graduate of MICC’s College program, working towards her Hospitality certificate. Her creativity is as broad and crazy as her curls – creating entertaining stories and unique perspectives that become instantly memorable and cherished. Despite her wits and ways of forming words, she is constantly challenging herself by developing new skills and leaving a third eye open to anything that’s piqued her curiosity. Whether you find her writing, drawing, music making, golfing, sailing, gaming, programming, or drinking too much Cherry Pepsi, you’ll discover a character that you won’t find anywhere else!