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dearmargaretDear Margaret: I've recently been promoted through the ranks as manager of a department where I was formerly a staff member. I worked very hard to get this promotion, and I don't think anyone in the department denies this fact. However, my employees who were once co-workers seem to resent me. I give them a task and they pretend they don't hear me, refuse to do it, or do it in a slipshod manner. How can I get the employees to accept me so we can have a good working relationship?
Rejected as Manager

 
Dear Rejected as Manager: Professional jealousy needn't be long term. Your new staff may feel overlooked for a promotion that, in their minds, should have been theirs. There is a bit of sabotage going on. Make the tasks you delegate clear and, if appropriate, in writing. Make them measurable. Be as firm as necessary and as gentle as possible. A period of adjustment in this situation is normal. If an employee continues beyond a reasonable length of time to undermine you, be sure to document. If it becomes necessary to meet with a problem employee, having concrete documentation is vital and can be a wakeup call for them. They need to know you want to work with them for the success of your team and their career.


Click Here to write to Dear Margaret.  Margaret Snow is a Life Coach in Ithaca, NY.

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