Archive: Around Town

Dear 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.

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