Q & A Table of Contents
I Got My Colleague’s Job, Now What?
From: Jonathan, Toronto, Canada
Question: I've recently been promoted to my co-worker’s position, who has been demoted to mine. To say that the situation is tense would be an understatement. Any advice??
Response: You have to take a careful look at the interests of the parties and your constituents: superiors, peers, the people with whom you interact on the job. The most important set of interests to which you must pay attention is your own. What would you like to accomplish — and why? Why would any particular possible outcome be better for you — and your company — compared with alternative solutions.
If your number one interest is to do a good job and not suffer any potential sabotage by the co-worker whose job you got, you need to give careful consideration to how you can prevent that possible sabotage. If you have reasons for wanting to soothe your co-worker’s ego and/or otherwise heal a damaged relationship you have to look at the relationship’s history and what kind of actions you can undertake to bring about that soothing or healing.
It is critical for you to prioritize among your own interests as well as those of your co-worker and other interested parties. Your capacity to fulfill your professional obligations in peace — and with adequate resources may be more (or less) important than good feelings. On the other hand, if the relationship with the co-worker is intrinsically important to you, then maybe that interest deserves a higher priority.
Once interest priorities are understood, then you can figure out what actions you need to take to make sure what should be done. Perhaps your co-worker’s demotion to your old job is going to be counterproductive. If he or she has talents that can be put to use in a different department, that may provide you some insulation from the tense situation you describe. Think of creative ways to respond to your top priority interests — as well as those of the co-worker and your constituents. Remember that you have to be your own best advocate — but never forget that your ethical reputation will be measured by how you go forward.
Good luck,
Steve
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