You landed the promotion your co-worker wanted: what do you do?
My coworker has been working for a promotion for a year now. She's really set her mind to it. I arrived after her but our boss doesn't really like her, and I know I've got a good chance to land it instead of her. I really like my coworker - we go for lunch and meet outside of work for gym and drinks - but I don't want to pass on the promotion. How do I handle it?
It’s a tough situation, and one that’s bound to make you both uncomfortable. A few things to consider:
If you don’t accept the promotion, it’s likely your boss won’t offer it to her, regardless. So it may as well be you.
I appreciate that you’re nice enough to care about your co-worker’s feelings, but this is business, not personal. If she is truly your friend she’ll recognize this and be supportive. If she’s not supportive then she’s not a very good friend. Why pass on a chance at a promotion for someone who is a selfish friend?
Be sensitive about it of course, but it sounds like you’re already cognizant of that. No flaunting, lording, acting demanding, or snubbing her because of your new status. Set the standard and act professional, and hopefully she will follow suit.
