I have been in a training role for 6 months now and I'm finding that some communication difficulties with a couple of supervisors who I should be supporting, I'm finding it increasingly difficult to keep changing the way I do things just to keep the peace.
I was previously an operator in one of their teams. I am aware that having been promoted to be at the same level may have created personal issues as one was previously demoted from department manager and has remained with in the department.
I am keen to get any ideas or suggestions on how to best manage the situation. Can anyone help?
Anon
3 Responses
Conversation
Hi Anon,
These situations can be tough and you seem to be doing a lot of the right things. I do not know if it will work but I previously resolved a similar situation by having a conversation based around the fact that the decisions regarding roles are made by certain people. I am not responsible for the situation and neither are they. If they have a gripe take it uo with the decision maker. I reinforced my right to accept the role i was offered-had I not someone else would hve been brought in. I also took the tack of lets face it there is a problem how can WE resolve it. It was hard but got there in the end!
Keep the faith
Good luck
Pete
Comms issues…
Firstly, you’re doing great just by thinking about the issue and looking for a way round it. Lots of other peple wouldn’t even get that far.
On the interpersonal front… if you’ve just been promoted, your new peers are likely to be feeling threatened by the challenge to their status-quo.
If any of them are overtly demonstrating ‘personal issues’ towards you, consider the underlying reason (i.e they could be scared) and try this: ask them for some advice, or their opinion on a work-based issue.
Let’s face it – we humans are simple …it makes us feel great to be asked for advice, because it makes us feel clever and important.
Asking your new peers for advice is a way of giving them back a small amount of the importance they’re frightened of losing, but keeping yourself included at their level to boot.
May your journey into Office Politics be an enjoyable one. Good luck!
Thanks!
I’d just like to thank you for answering my query and offering advice.
Many thanks!