I actually really like my assistant however I am not sure how excited I am to have him come back. He has 2 weeks off for his twins and that is great, but I am realizing some of the tension. Basically it is a bit of a power issue, and he has had that with others before I came along. He will make announcements to the group without working with me first. I have talked to him about it, I has improved but things are slow with him. I have seen some improvement in areas. He used to pick up for the kids then get mad and take away toys from anyone. I told him that it is a last resort and all the staff needs to be aware of who is playing with what and teach them to clean up. I keep up with this topic, and his frustration with them has gotten better. Another time I got a large puzzle and made a board for kids to work on it and he just questioned the crap out of it. I actually went shopping with the other director we work with and it was his idea. When it gets to discussion topics he has said 'well it is your program', not very team player. Upper management is aware and has not promoted him twice at this point.
So 2 things make me nervous to have him come back, one is that before he left he said that he considers us all equal, me and the other director we share camps with and him. Actually no, I do outrank him. Then yesterday one of my staff told the kids that a rule still stands even if Mr J is not there. It sounded like I was not in charge (btw I made that rule). The concerns me about her perception of things. I know that my softer style can be mistaken as weakness while a harsher style is perceived as tough. I know I am just as firm, but the perception of it is important.
I may have some power issues and team building to do when he gets back.