Journal Entry- Week 12

Internship Dates – 7/31 & 8/2 (Total of 5 hours)

In addition to some of the tasks I was presented with at my internship this week, I also experienced a prime example of how to resolve conflicts in the workplace. There are fifty-three agencies that are resourced by the Community Food Bank and workers with different demeanors, perspectives, and viewpoints staff each of these agencies. In working with these groups, many treat the staff at the Food Bank in a manner in which it comes off that they believe that they are the only agency that is being assisted, which could not be farther from the truth.

One such conversation happened this week when I was answering some phone calls in the main office. I spoke with a representative from one of the agencies and I did not have the answer she was looking for. She proceeded to elevate her voice and began talking down to me, telling me that she should not have to deal with this in her position. The tone continued to decrease and by the end of our conversation, this woman was screaming at me. While I was completely taken aback, I managed to maintain my composure and directed the call to another staff member who was able to provide additional clarity on the situation.

I’ve been in the midst of many challenging times like this and also in others, which were far more intense. I am thankful that I was able to maintain my character in the process and not allow myself to succumb to the way that she was acting in that situation. While others may act in a certain way, I do not have to allow their actions to affect me in a negative manner and compromise my character and integrity in the process. I hope to continue to be a positive example as I continue to move forward in my goal of becoming a human services administrator.