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Inc.com columnist Alison Green answers questions about workplace and management issues -- everything from how to deal with a micromanaging boss to how to talk to someone on your team about body odor.
Here's a roundup of answers to three questions from readers.
I have accepted a management role in a new team my company has set up. My co-worker also applied for the role (unbeknownst to me at the time). She was not offered the job but was offered one of the team roles, so now I will be her manager. I found this out before her and was initially concerned that she might be upset, but the opposite problem has occurred: She is delighted and is telling everyone that if it wasn't to be her, she would have wanted it to be me as we are so close and great friends. She is also saying that our team will be amazing with both of us on it.
I am not a very demonstrative person but she is. Up until now, I have been fine with her suggesting hugs when she's happy or one of us has a birthday, etc. I wouldn't have described us as any closer than any of my other colleagues, but I think she feels differently. Previously it seemed mean to make this clear since it wasn't causing a problem.
I am concerned that unless I nip this in the bud before we start our new roles, we will both end up looking unprofessional, other members of the team will be upset at our being "close" (according to her), and she is going to get a horrible shock when it comes to performance management. She is great at what she does........