Conflict resolution - how would you solve our problem?

Question

This is and hypothetical scenario my colleague Jessica and I have elaborated for a team building event next week.

Scenario - my parking spot (reserved in my name) is the closest to the building entrance. Jessica's assigned spot is a bit farther, and so far it has not been a problem.

Problem - Jessica has sprained her ankle and has difficulties walking and driving, so she wants to use my parking spot this week. She didn't ask, she expects me to give it to her and given her tone, I don't want to.

Additional factors - this week Jessica has a vacation day scheduled on Wednesday and I will work from home on Friday. When I am not in office, I am OK with her using my spot.

We want to reach a solution and a satisfactory compromise, but when I'm in office, I am not giving up my spot. What do you suggest we do?

Oliverlogan263 · Accepted Answer

Here's what I would suggest and would say, Jess: let's sit down together and have a respectful conversation about this. I'm sympathetic to your ankle issue, but we both have needs here. Let me start by confirming I'm totally fine with you using my spot on Wed when I'm not here, since that works for both our situations.

For the other days, here's an idea - why don't we work out a schedule where we alternate days in the close spot? So one day it's mine, the next it's yours. That way we both get some of the convenience when we need it. And on the days when it's not my scheduled day, I also don't mind if you really feel like you need it because of your ankle.

I think communication and compromise are key. We're both reasonable people so I'm sure we can figure something out that works for each of our situations without either of us feeling taken advantage of. Does alternating days sound like a fair solution to you? Let me know your thoughts - I'm open to other suggestions too if you have another idea.

The main thing is I want us both to feel good about the resolution. We've got to look out for each other on the team, right? So let's work together to find an answer we're both satisfied with.

OlderAndWiser · Accepted Answer

There are two related problems that stand in the way of resolution:

1. She does not want to ask. She simply expects you to do this without her asking.

2. She is offering you nothing in exchange for the use of your parking spot.

She needs to address those two problems.

Account · Accepted Answer

Oh damn it appears that we both have work-related issues during this time. Of completely different nature but oh well. As for your scenario, I would let her have the spot till she heals, but I would have a discussion with her telling her firmly that I didn't like that tone and next time she is asking of something she should be polite instead of demanding, otherwise neither me nor others will be prompted to accommodate her needs again, unless she changes her communication style.

Also on another note, is it possible for her to work from home for a few days or to get a few days off?

Agape93 · Accepted Answer

She can ask you, first off. You're her boss.

But she can take her vacation day on Wednesday, and ask if she can use yours on Friday as well.

On Monday, Tuesday and Thursday she can use something like a cane or a crutch to aid mobility from her own spot.

For my company, we'd likely just send her home and have her do her work remotely and anything needed in the office would be delegated to another for the week