Political Dilemmas at Work: How to Maintain Your Integrity and Further Your Career

Rebuild Your Relationship with the Apprentice

When new people join the organization, they often arrive full of enthusiasm, skill, and drive. They have been recruited for good reason and will be keen to make a good impression in their early months. They will probably display great confidence in their abilities. However they face a significant risk. Without knowledge and experience of the organization and its people, they may struggle to perform. This represents an opportunity for you.

Consider how you can build your relationship with the apprentice. He may be feeling this vulnerability, particularly if you have been resisting him actively. Find a way to reset the relationship and help him deliver results to his powerful connections. Get yourself into a position where you can help him. With a trusting relationship, you will be able to engage with the apprentice on the issues in a constructive way. By problem solving with him, you may be able find a better way of achieving both of your objectives together. An added benefit is that he has powerful connections and could be a useful ally in the future!

This may be a tough call for you to make. It is likely that there are bad feelings on both sides caused by recent events. Take control of your emotions. By considering the benefits of a more constructive and helpful relationship, you will find the motivation to repair and rebuild. Adults and professionals know when to rebuild damaging relationships. Someone needs to make the first ...