Advice from Christian Colleagues

MimiNonoko · Apr 24, 2019

I’m a central office school administrator. A principal called my supervisor today because she disagreed with recommendations I provided in an email. She was upset at the tone of my email although I did not intend to come across disrespectfully. My intention was to stand my ground when I knew the principal wants me to come in to her school (I serve 200 schools) and save the day. My supervisor did not have my back, which is disappointing but nothing new. I tend to go along to get along in the name of faith but I’ve been working on not assuming others’ responsibilities or ownership of problems I did not create (which doing so has been a lifelong habit of mine). My Christian colleagues tell me not to bend on the date I originally said I could be available to help out at her school. She told my supervisor she wants me to come earlier than when I am able to. I do have a day in my schedule to offer that is 4 days earlier. Should I stand my ground or should I offer her the earlier date and risk giving her the impression that she can simply go around me to my boss and I will be at her beck and call? I really appreciate your Godly advice.

maintenance man · Apr 24, 2019

MimiNonoko said:
I really appreciate your Godly advice.

Welcome to CF!

This sounds more like a political problem than a spiritual problem. Plus, there are a lot of details we don't have. My gut reaction is to stick to your original date.

Not knowing the nature of the problem you are asked to resolve or how many other schools have equally important needs, leaves my analysis at a disadvantage.

On the surface, it looks like someone is trying to push their way to the front of the line and that kind of behavior should be challenged.

crossnote · Apr 24, 2019

Can you explain this to your boss and let her/him decide? That way either the two of you can tell the Principal it was your boss' decision.

MimiNonoko · Apr 25, 2019

Yes, I can, but it was my boss who requested I go earlier than when I stated after getting the phone call from the principal. Should I still go back to her (my boss) and restate my position, you figure? This is where I have trouble discerning whether to obey her authority or seek my own need for setting up boundaries. Should I be wise as a serpent or gentle as a dove? My boss should have protected me in the situation because my work speaks for me, not the principal’s anger over having to wait. In the past I’ve always folded. But this time I don’t want to because the principal also misused my words and shared them with my boss out of context for her own gain but even knowing my work, my boss believed her and I had to share the actual email of what I told the school team with my boss. I feel unappreciated and unprotected and that I should draw my line in the sand just as much to my boss as anyone else... but is that a Christ like response or fleshly emotion?

ValleyGal · Apr 25, 2019

Half of any battle is increasing understanding. Have a chat with your supervisor and let her know your reasons for choosing the day you did. If she still thinks you should change the date, then ask her for the reason so you have a better understanding of her request.

Andrew77 · Apr 25, 2019

MimiNonoko said:
I’m a central office school administrator. A principal called my supervisor today because she disagreed with recommendations I provided in an email. She was upset at the tone of my email although I did not intend to come across disrespectfully. My intention was to stand my ground when I knew the principal wants me to come in to her school (I serve 200 schools) and save the day. My supervisor did not have my back, which is disappointing but nothing new. I tend to go along to get along in the name of faith but I’ve been working on not assuming others’ responsibilities or ownership of problems I did not create (which doing so has been a lifelong habit of mine). My Christian colleagues tell me not to bend on the date I originally said I could be available to help out at her school. She told my supervisor she wants me to come earlier than when I am able to. I do have a day in my schedule to offer that is 4 days earlier. Should I stand my ground or should I offer her the earlier date and risk giving her the impression that she can simply go around me to my boss and I will be at her beck and call? I really appreciate your Godly advice.

Matthew 5:41

"If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles."

It's up to you what you do. It really is. You can either stand your ground, or offer to help more. It's on you either way. There is no clear cut right answer, or clear cut wrong answer. I'd have to actually be in your position, in your job, to know what I would do.

So. Just make a choice, and honor the Lord in everything.

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Advice from Christian Colleagues

MimiNonoko

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maintenance man

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crossnote

Berean

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ValleyGal

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Andrew77

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