My coworkers see me as a threat
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Anonymous
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I’m on week two of a new job. I made a lateral transfer to a new company. They are very excited to have me and my experience, as they are a young company and find the new hires aren’t proactive. I appreciate their enthusiasm, but it’s putting me in a weird place with my colleagues, who view me as a threat when management keeps building me up.
Do I have to just stop caring? I don’t want to make enemies, but I know I have to look out for my best interests, and those are obviously making the boss happy. But how do I do this without destroying my rapport with my coworkers? |
Anonymous
You are making assumptions. Did anybody tell you that they see you as a threat? If not, it is all in your head. Just stop thinking about it. |
Anonymous
| I think this is actually pretty typical with new hires, especially those who have strong experience. I would spend time listening and observing before going whole hog. |
Anonymous
| Listen more, schedule 1:1 with your colleagues, ask for their help |
Anonymous
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And realize it’s not all about you.
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Anonymous
| When I was a new hire my coworkers ganged up on me because i didn't take hour long morning coffee breaks like they did. I ended up winning them over just by being a nice person even if they did think I was making them look bad. Work hard but be likeable. |
Anonymous
Yes. And learn how you can help them (in "pitching in" ways, not "let me show you the right way" ways). Actually being a team player can really help defuse competition. |
Anonymous
| I had this exact situation, but only with one colleague. We had a one-on-one meeting where I built her up and subtly made it clear that I wasn’t after her job. We’re still friends. At no time did I toot my own horn, but I didn’t indulge in false modesty either. I just made the concession more about the other person than myself. |
Anonymous
How old are you? You sound young and inexperienced. I say this because it’s natural to be wary or threatened by change and/or new people and the fact that you don’t know this makes me think this may be your first or second job. You may be creating a narrative that doesn’t match reality or you may be on to something but if the latter is the case consider it’s less about YOU and more about the situation. As suggested, schedule getting to know you meetings (if that’s the culture), observe, show humility. Be yourself but don’t make assumptions. You don’t know everything even if you previously worked at X company or went to X school or have X degree. Also, be open to feedback. |
Anonymous
| This is my new job too, op, and it’s odd. I’ve always had heat relationships with colleagues but this new place is different. Several people have asked or hinted that I’m going to be their boss one day etc, part of it is that I’m experiences and part that I was given a broader set of responsibilities and title than they were expecting. I’ve established decent rapport with most but the most senior queen bee hates me and has engaged in some truly petty bs. I’ve had to accept that On my way! Ot always going to be automatically likes by everyone (which was a big lesson for me) but as long as I earn respect (or don’t do anything to lose it) then that’s ok. My boss, who’s aware of some of the dynamic and is not happy with queen bee’s behavior to me essentially told me that being a leader doesn’t always mean being liked but as long as I went high when they went low I should be fine. |
Anonymous
| And ugh sorry for all the strange typos. I’m terrible at texting. |
Anonymous
| I agree with the first 5 posters who responded to OP. Give it some time, OP. Things will settle down eventually. |