Hello,

I'm happy that this meeting is finally happening. I have to say that lately, I've been carrying a lot of frustration and disappointment. I've observed that you've appeared detached and I've been looking for an opportunity to talk to you since I believe there may have been a miscommunication. I was somewhat taken aback to learn that Jo had been assigned the project I had my eye on. I've worked for the company for a long time, and I think my background and accomplishments speak for themselves. I've worked really hard to be creative, and while I may occasionally push the boundaries, that's part of what's contributed to my success. I've never had a significant failure. I couldn't help but take it personally when someone with less training and experience than I did win this obvious and significant chance. It seems unfair, as though all of my efforts and achievements went unnoticed. I don't want to come across as indifferent to Jo. I've personally mentored her, so she's capable. To be honest, though, I'm a little frustrated because I think she's stolen some of the concepts I helped her develop and she is running with them. I'm finding it difficult to accept that, and I feel like I've been betrayed. Jo and I have not been getting along, and I know she feels it. However, I find it incomprehensible why I was passed up for this assignment, which I feel I deserved. I've talked about this with coworkers; maybe too many people know how I feel, but when I think something is unfair, I don't usually keep my thoughts to myself. Even external stakeholders, people I've gotten to know well over time, have voiced shock at the decision. They have only given me positive comments and are happy with my work, but I don't understand why leadership overlooked that while assigning this project. I feel like I'm not getting adequate recognition for the project, which is the main reason my morale is at an all-time low right now. I've worked for this company for years, developed trusting bonds with the staff, and consistently produced outcomes. I can't help but believe that, at this stage of my career, I ought to be receiving more rather than less recognition. This is not how I want to feel. I've created my life here, therefore I want to be happy here. Neither my family nor I would want to make a major change. I'm beginning to wonder, though, if I can stay on staff if things don't improve. I need to know why the decision was made the way it was, or at the very least, I would prefer to have this project redistributed to me. I'm hopeful we can resolve this since I don't think I can continue to be driven or involved in the current circumstance.

Describe the conflict resolution, negotiation, and mediation strategies you employed effectively, and explain why they were effective?