As a new 9-1-1 operator, I learned a lot of things. For example, how to answer calls quickly, calm down angry and stressed out callers, and attain the kind of information officers need. Another thing I learned was personality conflicts are often prominent in emergency communication centers and can cause stress levels to be even higher. They also need to be worked through.

I had only been on my own in 9-1-1 for about two weeks when my supervisor called me into her office. I was nervous and quickly thought through all the calls I had taken, searching for a missed question or a harsh tone. I couldn't think of anything, so anxiety washed over me as I logged out and headed for the closed door. At least she hadn't asked me to bring my purse, so I still had a job--I hoped.

Pushing open the door, I saw my supervisor was not the only one in the room. One of the radio dispatchers was in there also. Jane (names have been changed to protect the innocent) had been an employee for almost as long as I had been alive. My supervisor asked me to sit down in the seat across from the two of them. I did as I was told crossing my legs and placing my folded hands in my lap. Then my supervisor began to speak.

"We called you in here because we wanted to make sure that there wasn't any problem between you and Jane."

At first I couldn't figure out why there would have been a problem. I tried to be respectful on the floor and listened to other employees when they gave me advice. I couldn't remember Jane ever having actually spoken to me.

"Why would there be a problem between us?" I asked.

"Because your husband was upset that I didn't let him eat last night," Jane replied, folding her arms.