Hi fellow Hiveians,
Today I wanted to talk about how I am getting a second chance with a colleague, and looking forward to it!
Second Time Around
Have you had to work with someone that you know in the past hated you quite passionately?
A week or two ago I got a new project to work on. I enjoy getting to finish things and pick up new ones, as it brings new sets of challenges and learning opportunities for me and others. With that fluctuation in assignments certainly comes the ability for me to work with different people. Some of those different people I can work extremely well with which is very much enjoyable. Others though.. not so much!
I worked with a woman a few years ago on something and we ended up getting it finished.. but she clearly had a passionate distaste for me and how I do things. I think she likes being the head honcho in an outfit and although I don't think I give off those same vibes, I certainly am extremely confident and knowledgeable in what I do. She's used to people who defer to her for everything because they really don't know a lot. It's not fault of theirs, but it's just something that ends up happening. With me though, she couldn't act like the big dog and I think that really pissed her off.
Thankfully we wrapped up our business relationship when the project was completed and we moved on, with minimal contact for a few years up until recently. I got assigned a new project and she is one of the people I will be working with!
I was both dismayed at this notion but at the same time looking forward to it. I am certainly not someone who likes to shy away from a challenge or an opportunity to learn and grow. I am going to be taking this as an opportunity to learn and grow myself, so that I can figure out how I can work better with her in particular. I work very well with pretty much everybody else in my group except her and I don't see eye to eye.
With my growth and experience that I've gained since I worked with her a few years ago, I am really hoping that we can improve our business relationship and get to a better place where we respect each other enough to have a decent rapport. This may not be possible that's for sure, but it's one of those things that I want to be able to improve simply for the fact that it is a way for me to help improve my people skills with those that I don't get along with. I think that's an important skill and ability for anyone to have and develop as it shows you are more mature.
The thing I am wondering is if she will be receptive to this whole thing or if she will just back out and request someone else be assigned. I think she may be that type of person, where she's old enough that she has no interest in giving someone another chance unless it's a customer she has to work with. Internally, she seems very combative and not supportive of the people around her. I get that we are all a little different and that's okay, but I think those types of mindsets are the thinking of the past and not conducive to the future we are stepping into every day.
What will happen with her and I? Will it be water under the proverbial bridge? Time will tell!
What about you, have you been required to work with someone you didn't get along with in the past? How did it go? Let me know in the comments!
-CmplXty. Real human written content, never AI. All pictures are mine unless otherwise stated
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You made the right decision to take the project even though there are certain people who will make you uncomfortable. You can do the job professionally and according to your job description. If later he/she ends up leaving the project for one reason, that's something you can't control, so maybe that's for the best. I think we can't always get compatible coworkers, but don't focus on that, just do your job professionally. As you mentioned, we are mature enough to get involved in emotional things rather than realistic ones.
Break a leg!
Yeah we will never get the perfect team, so the best thing that we can do is make sure that we give it our best try to work with people we may have disagreements with. It helps is build and develop as people and professionals!
Best of luck. You are a professional, so I am sure you will make it work no matter how she receives you. If she is a true professional, she will do the same, no matter her feelings.
Yes, I have had to work with people in the past that I did not like very well, or they I, but we made it work because we were professionals.
Yeah the important thing is to be professional about it. We may not see eye to eye on things, and some in very big ways, but we've got a job to do and I am going to make sure that I do my best to get through it without any mishaps.
I'm glad you've got experience with this type of thing as well. It's unsavory but life is going to present lots of those things to us. Might as well adapt!
I will dread this if it happens. I guess one way is to minimise interactions as much as possible but also be professional at the same time. And then I will get myself a treat after this work piece ends. Hehe.
It is uncomfortable for sure, but life is full of uncomfortable things so the best thing we can do is adapt and figure out a way forward!
🙂
I hope she probably changes her stance from a few years ago and will be able to see it differently this time around. Some people are like that because of past experiences but they'll eventually have to grow over it and understand that the world is bigger than they imagine and there are people much more knowledgeable than them, who are also great in their ways around things.
Yeah time will tell how it goes with her, but we had a decent chat the other day! I know I am going to try my best to make this thing work, whether or not she does herself will be seen. It's the least we can do for these customers.
Nice place. The water there is also very clear.