ASK HELEN
Celebrity agony aunt Helen Lederer gives you her heartfelt advice every week
As someone who has been a social worker, mother, wife and divorcee I have been around the block a few times. I’m humbled to answer your questions and feel that if a problem can be shared it can be halved – at the very least.
It’s daunting to join a well established team and she may feel she has to make her mark
join a team that is well established, and the new person may feel she has to make her mark and earn respect. She may be overreacting and making waves to be noticed. One of the team – maybe you – could try to befriend her with some compliments on her work or experience or appearance. Show her that you can be welcoming. Maybe meet after work for a drink on the way home (if this is allowed, of course). This might be a chance to discuss her working methods and previous experiences in the workplace. Share how important harmony is in your team. Small steps will make her feel welcome and not an outsider. As time goes on, I hope she can become part of your warm and successful team. If not, talk to the boss – all of you together, as many of you as are being affected – but if the boss does not listen, perhaps leaving becomes the choice. I hope not, though.
Write to Helen Lederer at: Ask Helen, My Weekly, 2 Albert Square, Dundee DD1 1DD. Helen is unable to enter into private correspondence with readers.
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