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[Alli77]

I've recently been promoted to manager of a recreation center (bowling alley/theater/arcade) onboard a military base. Right away there were jealousy issues. My boss selected me for the promotion over the current assistant manager just because I'm more reliable, skilled and I have a college degree. Plus I don't steal the resale merchandise... I didn't apply for the promotion and my boss nominated me for the replacement. Both the former manager and assistant took offense to this and have been portraying myself and my boss as some sort of villain. The former manager left on a bitter note anyways. He wasn't doing a good job and our boss told him to shape up. Instead of making the necessary changes, he got upset and decided to retire. But of course not before stiring everything up prior to his departure.

I'm slowly winning the other rec center employees over. They were told all sort of bad things about me prior to me taking the position. In fact I got an icy reception from everyone during our first meeting. Right now the assistant is being nice to my face and then venting and complaining about me to co-workers both at the rec center and in other departments. I walked in on the assistant venting to a co-worker that I really like from another department. They were outside ranting about me. I then had to interupt (politely) and tell him to get back inside since he was supposed to be working the front counter. Not continuing his pity party out in the parking lot.

My boss was in the rec center today. One of the customers/assistant's friend approached my boss and told him he needs to look our for his employees and how that was terrible I was promoted over the current assistant. First of all it was my boss' decision. I'm sure he doesn't appreciate random people who have nothing to do with the company telling him he made a mistake. And I would be embarrased if I had to get one of my friends to confront my boss. That is ridiculous. The assistant is in his late 30's so he's way too old for this sort of drama.

What advice do you have for me? This is my first week on the job. I've let him vent and complain long enough and I'm about to put him in his place. Yes, I want to make things work with him. But at the same time he's expendable so if he gets mad and quits I'll be fine without him. I'll just hire someone with far less attitude. What hurts/p*sses me off is that we were on a friendly basis before my boss selected me for the promotion. Since then the green-eyed monster has emerged and he's been a jerk to me ever since. My boss and supervisor has been around the rec center this week since we've been remodeling and rearranging the place. Right now they all know he's being a jerk and I've got all of the superiors on my side. So I'm trying to avoid getting into a petty argument with the childish assistant because I'm already above him and don't need to stoop to his level. But I will stand up for myself and am just playing it cool since the bosses are around and observing this week. Yet I don't want them to think I'm letting him walk all over me.

Thanks for your advice.

[MaddieLouise]

Hi Alli77,

This is a very immature, yet not uncommon reaction, when you are promoted over someone else. You are doing exactly the right thing, by not getting upset by his ploys. I'm sure your boss is well aware of the feelings and antics of the envious employee, and chances are he will leave, so just try to ride it out professionally.

When you think about it, he can talk it up, etc., but the bottom line is that you have the job, and your employers like you, so you have the upper hand. Now, if he's disrespecful or crosses the line, I would professionally and calmly talk to him, but I wouldn't call him out in front of everyone.

This is likely temporary. He will either start respecting you, or chances are he'll leave.

I know it's difficult, but it sounds like you must be doing a great job!

Sincerely,

MaddieLouise