Making time
When sharing an office space with another instructor, areas of privacy and sharing should be established.This will prevent any establishment of a toxin environment.
Wow, that sounds very crowded RoQuanda. I imagine communication is the key - especially when you have to share the same desk space.
Our teachers work area is very small. We are adding more programs which requires more instructors. However, their is not enough space for everyone. Two or three adjuct teachers are sharing on small space. Part-time morning teachers share with evening part time instuctors. To manage it all, communication is very important.
It is important when sharing space to leave the space exactly as you have found it from the computer to the board to any other equipment used.
It's true Robin. You really do have to find a good balance. On one hand, building fences too high can intimate others. On the other hand, having no boundaries at all can put you in a difficult position.
You are absolutely right. I have been there. Good fences make good neighbors. You need to develop good boundaries from the get-go. Otherwise people will walk right in! Most people want to get along well with others. I think that you can be polite and set boundaries at the same time.
Thanks for sharing Patricia. Ground rules are an imperative and yes, setting expectations from the very beginning is the key.
That's really tough Richard. Can't imagine sharing the same computer. You must have to really stay on top of scheduling to make sure you all have enough time with it.
This is something I failed to do upfront. Problems were caused when my office-mate insisted on looking over my shoulder to see what I was reading on my computer monitor. When I finally realized what he was doing, I mentioned to him that I did not appreciate him invading my privacy and he became upset. Ground-rules are so important at the very beginning.
It is a little bit harder when you share the same desk and computer. people don't log off or leave the desk full of their paperwork. Talking and making arrangments with these people tend to work best.
This is true Thomas. It's always important to establish and communicate personal boundaries when sharing space.
