My co-worker is better than me

[Anonymous]

An associate at my firm does truly excellent work. I am a junior partner who only graduated law school a handful of years before her, and it's getting hard to work with her because she makes me feel insecure about my own abilities. Of course, she has much more time than me. She has no kids; I have multiple children and a commute. I was a much-appreciated associate who was promoted to partner, so I don't know why I feel so insecure. But it is embarassing when the senior partner provides more criticism of my work than hers.

Any advice on how to deal with this?

[Anonymous]

If you are as efficient as possible, what else can you do? There is always going to be someone better than you.

[Anonymous]

If you made partner, then clearly you are a very good attorney. With the bad economy lingering into it's fifth year and all of the laterals around today it's difficult to even make income partner; so you must be good.

Perhaps this slightly younger attorney is genuinely bound for greatness?? Applaud her for her strengths and as an asset to the firm. Her strengths only serve to make your team stronger. They don't diminish your contributions whatsoever.

You have kids and a commute. At present you're feeling a little overwhelmed; it's normal. Gradually, you'll get back on top of your game and you'll feel just as good or better than that day when you were elected partner.

BTW, the economy is turning around. Within a couple of years there'll be more M&As, trade and tax issues, and plenty of work to go around. They need you. The boomers are retiring and young partners like you will be inheriting the board rooms in just a few short years.

When the Senior Partner you currently report too retires, it will be you and those younger associates who will be critiquing the newbies of the future.

Have faith and know that you are a member of the future ruling class at the firm.

[Anonymous]

Delegate work to her.

[Anonymous]

It's good to have efficient workers, do you think?
She will be working for ya one day...have faith like the PP, you can always give the other people some credit by saying "so and so is so much smarter than me, frankly". Our CFO does that on a regular basis when we have meetings. She is probably right

[Anonymous]

Does the senior partner criticize your grammar? It's "better than I."

[Anonymous]

Don't be the kind of person who tries to surround herself with people who arent as smart or bright just because you are insecure. Your overall work product and career will Hirt if so. You should thrive to be in a group of workers who are bright, hard working, etc.

I just left a work environment where the leader had insecurity issue and in a series of hr decisions hired the less bright and less qualified people (government agency, great, huh?) it was so demoralizing and my esteem of him plummeted

[Anonymous]

lol, lawyers, stabbing everyone and each other in the back and assssssss

[Anonymous]

An associate at my firm does truly excellent work. I am a junior partner who only graduated law school a handful of years before her, and it's getting hard to work with her because she makes me feel insecure about my own abilities. Of course, she has much more time than me. She has no kids; I have multiple children and a commute. I was a much-appreciated associate who was promoted to partner, so I don't know why I feel so insecure. But it is embarassing when the senior partner provides more criticism of my work than hers.

Any advice on how to deal with this?

I'm sorry, OP, but while I empathize with your feelings, you have some assumptions that are out of line.

For one thing, she doesn't *make* you feel insecure about your abilities. You feel insecure, but you need to own that because that is your issue, not hers.

Secondly, stop making excuses that focus on her life. Seriously, you want to suggest that she is "better" than you because you think not having kids and a commute makes her life easier? You don't know what her private life is and the challenges she may face. Stop making your inadequacies, whether real or imagined, about her. You aren't unique. Many people commute and have kids. You chose this and have no right to judge others because they are not on your martyr scale. Sorry. I know this sounds harsh, but you are really offensive in your OP.

As for how to deal with your situation? Pretty simple. If the senior partner provides more criticism of your work than hers, you need to do a better job. Rather than blaming your coworker for doing a better job, make her an ally. Ask her for her opinion on how you can do a better job. Figure out what she does that makes her work excellent and emulate it. Take responsibility for making your work and your situation better.

[Anonymous]

You're a guy, you have that going for you. Wait til she gets married and then knocked up. You'll eclipse her then. In the meantime realize there is someone younger and hotter (meaning better worker) than you always.