Tensions between colleagues

[Wellmeetontheledge]

Was very upset by a colleague and explained why in what I thought was a fair and calm way (checked with another colleague first) the first colleague has now taken offence. Anyone have any experience of this? Will it get better?

[FuzzyWizard]

I'm sure it'll be fine. there are always tensions in any workplace. I think it's normal and natural anywhere where you have lots of people forced to spend time together. Schools are stressful places too.

[Wellmeetontheledge]

Thanks, feeling horrible at the moment!

[FuzzyWizard]

Is your colleague going to be feeling horrible? Are they upset that they upset you? If they are just offended/angry and all you did is explain that they'd upset you then I really wouldn't spend time worrying about it. You haven't done anything wrong.

[toomuchicecream]

One of the many excellent pieces of advice my NQT mentor gave me was to stay out of the staffroom just before a school holiday. People are tired and end up saying things they don't really mean and so upsetting people/getting upset. So when you go back after half term, draw a line under this and treat your colleague as you would have done if it hadn't happened - put it in the past and give them a chance to put it behind them too. (But be aware of the possibility of the colleague getting upset in the future).