Movin' on up

Q. I've recently been promoted to a supervisory position. What's the best way to ease into my new responsibilities without offending co-workers?

"Try to enlist everyone's help," says Nancy Allen, the practice manager at Olathe Animal Hospital in Olathe, Kan. "Plan one-on-one discussions to ask your team members for their input. You might say, 'We've worked together for a long time, and I respect your opinion. What changes do you think need to be made?'"

Nancy Allen

The key, Allen says, is to let your co-workers know you appreciate what they have to offer and you want to use their strengths. "If you've built strong relationships with your team members, they should think your promotion is a good thing for the practice," she says.