Human beings encompass various kinds of conflict in their daily lives. Whenever two or more people interact, they are bound to disagree at some point. Conflicts take places among individuals, groups or between an individual and an organization (Northam, 2009). I never believed that I would experience conflict in my life until the moment I began my internship. Upon introduction into what would become my temporary workplace, I involved in a tough ideological conflict with my head of department. Things seemed alright at the very beginning. I dutifully discharged my obligations and remained compliant to my superiors. I have been a firm believer in team work. I focused on working with my colleagues and seeking consultation on areas I was not certain about. My relationship with other employees was cordial except for one arrogant head of department-my boss.
One month into the internship, the head of department began to harass and intimidate me. I performed more roles compared to other members of the department. He could come to the department and order me to do his bidding. Each time, the rapport and personal connection between us waned considerably. After realising that he was taking advantage of my position, I decided to fight back. He arrived in the morning and called me aside to reprimand me regarding the tasks I had not accomplished. I felt that it was insensitive, reckless and irresponsible for him to reprimand me without seeking to know the reasons behind it.
We exchanged bitterly and I reminded him that at some point in his life, he was at the position where I was at that time, and that I doubted if his bosses treated him the way he treated me. He accused me of insubordination and reported me to higher authorities. Luckily, I was given a chance to explain the entire ordeal. My head of department was requested to restore friendly working relationship with his juniors.
Reference
Northam, S. (2009). Conflict in the workplace: Part 1. AJN The American Journal of Nursing,
109(6), 70-73.
