Problems at work? -- Share your solutions....

Here is the place to present a problem situation at work and get ideas to handle issues from people who have 'been there, done that'!

Do you feel unable to manage someone because they do not respect you -- perhaps to them you seem too young, too old, too different, or whatever?

Or, perhaps you are leading a team that doesn't not want to be lead -- maybe a few members are actually on a higher level in the organization, or some others simply don't feel the team's task is as important as their assigned work. 

What do you do?

Each week we'll take a new problem from a reader and invite you to post your suggestions to deal with the situation.

THIS WEEK'S SITUATION:

Situation:  New hire, Maria, has recently accepted a promotion to the role of manager of a small department in a large corporation.  Maria joined the firm six months ago and she now has her former peers reporting to her: four people who have each been with the company for at least two years. 

New Hires Issue: One member of the department, Harold, has been with the company for almost eight years. During his years with the firm, he has held several jobs, transferring often between departments and divisions.  He has been in this position for about three years and wanted the management position that was offered to Maria. 

Harold's Issue: Harold has made it clear to Maria and all concerned that he believes Maris is too young, lacks experience with the company and does not know the job as well as he does -- or any of the others.  The result is low productivity and morale. 

What would you do if you were Maria or Harold?