To gain the respect of a long-tenured employee after promotion, which approach is most effective?

• A. Ignore the resentment and proceed as if nothing changed
• B. Consult with the subordinate on details with which the subordinate has had a lot of experience
• C. Transfer the employee to another unit
• D. Seek social contracts with the employee and ignore the resentment

Answer: (B)

When someone new is promoted and must work with a long-tenured employee, earning respect comes from acknowledging their experience and bringing them into the decision-making process. Consulting with the subordinate on details they know well shows you value their expertise and trust their judgment. This inclusive approach signals humility and partnership, helping the employee feel respected rather than sidelined. It also yields practical benefits, as their deep familiarity with day-to-day realities can guide better choices and ease the transition for the entire team.

Other approaches tend to miss this core need. Ignoring the resentment or acting as if nothing changed can undermine credibility and deepen frustration. Moving the employee to another unit avoids the issue rather than addressing it. Trying to seal things with broad social agreements while ignoring the underlying feelings is superficial and unlikely to build lasting trust.