Jennifer L.

Beaver
Journal Entry # 3
May 26, 2017

I returned to work this week from my medical leave of absence. It was

challenging, and I needed a nap by 1:00 PM. I was downright exhausted. It was

overwhelming, especially when my director allowed a situation to occur at my site

and fester, as opposed to nipping it in the bud. I was frustrated, and attempted to

voice it, but she didnt see anything wrong with how she handled it. I didnt

appreciate having to defuse a problem that became a crisis on my first day back,

but I did my job. I was able to correct the issue by the end of the day. I am a good

problem solver and I can compromise well.

I met with my director for a debriefing of things that occurred while I was out.

She informed me that there was an impromptu inspection conducted by Chester

County MH / IDD. She met with them after the inspection to see where we needed

improvement. Apparently, the improvement needed was me.

Let me back up. Eight years ago, I had just adopted my son from foster care.

I was given another group home to supervise, in addition to the one I currently had,

making it two. I was overwhelmed and stressed out. Self-care was a nonexistent

dream. I didnt handle things well, and my home life bled into my work life. I was

also nave enough to think that I had developed a good personal relationship with

one lady from the County. I make a huge mistake by oversharing with her about my

frustrations and concerns. This created a negative working relationship for me with

the County. I had many unfavorable comments made to my director, accompanied

by a corrective action plan. I have worked very hard over the past eight years to

correct that perception and create a healthy, positive, and professional working

relationship with the County. I thought I had succeeded.

My director informed me that the County still finds me unacceptable (I am a

bully, too mothering, and too rigid). I was frankly shocked and saddened to

hear this, as I have been working very hard to redeem myself to the County. This

has been another hard lesson. It is easy to lose your good reputation, and very

difficult to regain it. As a result of their comments, I have elected to take several

trainings to improve myself as a supervisor. I will be taking three trainings over the

next six months: Developing Emotional Intelligence, How to Communicate with Tact

and Professionalism, and Leadership, Team-Building and Coaching Skills for

Managers and Supervisors. I will inform the County and my director of my decision,

attend the three trainings, and submit my certificates for review. I have established

a solid working relationship with other providers over the years. I will continue to

try to repair my relationship with Chester County MH / IDD. My hope is to show my

desire for improvement and solidify my commitment to my career position.