DEAR HARRIETTE: I have been running my department at my job for the past five years. At the beginning of this year, a woman who used to work for me was promoted and now shares equal status with me. I used to oversee all of the accounts; now she oversees a few of them directly. When I learned of this arrangement, I was shocked, but I have worked hard to ensure that we get along in these new roles. She, on the other hand, has not been conciliatory at all. I find her to behave suspiciously and not to be a team player anymore. I get that she now has more power than she had, but we still have to work together. I have made many overtures, but I feel like it's a lost cause. Her negativity is affecting the team's morale. What can I do to help our working relationship? -- Need a Strategy, Boston
DEAR NEED A STRATEGY: Your colleague may need some time to find her sea legs in this new job. Since she once reported to you, she probably feels reluctant to come to you for advice or support just yet. Rather than more emphatically attempting to reach out to her, give her a wider berth. Do your job. Make sure your team members feel confident about their responsibilities. And take care of yourself. You could be smarting a bit from what might seem like a slight in your direction considering that this woman was promoted. Slow down. Observe. Guide your team. Give your colleague and yourself a chance to find your footing in your new relationship.