Without knowing the specifics of each case, interpersonal relations are very hard to evaluate. The feelings you have about your situation are very real and hopefully, this will give you some ideas on how to make your situation better. There are many strategies for working out conflicts. One way to address the feeling of “not getting along” is to talk with your supervisor about specific situations when they arise. Try to use “I” statements and focus the conversation on the context of the person's behavior related to the job (i.e., “I felt confused when you gave me four projects to do at once. I tried my best to complete them all, but it would have been helpful if you had told me which were your top priorities”). Try to avoid things like “stop yelling at me for doing things wrong when you gave them to me so late in the day and then said ‘I need them yesterday’.”
Everyone has different temperaments and work styles. Sometimes just understanding those differences makes it easier to work with other people.
If you feel you have tried to discuss problems which have occurred, you may be interested in trying mediation, available to all OU employees for workplace-related conflicts. It may be helpful to have someone else facilitate the discussion between you and your supervisor.
If you feel as though the reason "you don't get along" is related to race or gender, your situation may need a different response. If you would like to discuss options for how to respond to different situations which have come up, contact the Office of the Ombudsperson, University Human Resources or the Office for Institutional Equity.
