Dear Cubicle Coach:
I'm friends with someone at the office on the same level. I know I'm about to get promoted and that she won't take it well. How should I handle this?
Answer:
It's really her issue to deal with, not yours, but you're smart to be thinking about it. In a perfect world, she'll come to you and say, "Lindsay, I wanted to congratulate you. It's a great job, and you're going to be fabulous in it." Sure. And Dane Cook might win an Oscar. Give her a week or so to come to you. If she doesn't and relations seem strained, take her out for coffee or a drink. Don't be apologetic. None of this "It could have been either one of us; I got lucky" stuff. But, rather, "Look, I know this may be uncomfortable, but I'm hoping it won't affect our friendship, which means a lot to me." You haven't mentioned if you'll be supervising your old friend in your new role. If so, keep it cordial but cool. If she really steps up, you can always get cozier later.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
-
Olivia Rodrigo Finds the Perfect Spring Dresses at Reformation
She's worn the brand twice in the past week.
By Julia Marzovilla Published
-
Curiously, Just as Meghan Markle Sends Samples of Her New Strawberry Jam Out, the Buckingham Palace Shop Starts Promoting Its Own Strawberry Jam on Social Media
The clip promoting the Buckingham Palace Shop’s product—we cannot make this up—is set to Mozart’s “Dissonance Quartet.”
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Zendaya's Latest 'Challengers' Serve Is Nearly a Century Old
The 1930s-era dress may have been pulled months ago.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Peloton’s Selena Samuela on Turning Tragedy Into Strength
Before becoming a powerhouse cycling instructor, Selena Samuela was an immigrant trying to adjust to new environments and new versions of herself.
By Emily Tisch Sussman Published
-
This Mutual Fund Firm Is Helping to Create a More Sustainable Future
Amy Domini and her firm, Domini Impact Investments LLC, are inspiring a greater and greener world—one investor at a time.
By Sponsored Published
-
Power Players Build on Success
"The New Normal" left some brands stronger than ever. We asked then what lies ahead.
By Maria Ricapito Published
-
Don't Stress! You Can Get in Good Shape Money-wise
Yes, maybe you eat paleo and have mastered crow pose, but do you practice financial wellness?
By Sallie Krawcheck Published
-
The Book Club Revolution
Lots of women are voracious readers. Other women are capitalizing on that.
By Lily Herman Published
-
The Future of Women and Work
The pandemic has completely upended how we do our jobs. This is Marie Claire's guide to navigating your career in a COVID-19 world.
By Megan DiTrolio Published
-
Black-Owned Coworking Spaces Are Providing a Safe Haven for POC
For people of color, many of whom prefer to WFH, inclusive coworking spaces don't just offer a place to work—they cultivate community.
By Megan DiTrolio Published
-
Where Did All My Work Friends Go?
The pandemic has forced our work friendships to evolve. Will they ever be the same?
By Rachel Epstein Published