DEAR HARRIETTE: I work at a late-night pizza parlor that is open until 3 a.m. A few weeks ago, we had a drunk customer accidentally start a fire in the restaurant with a lighter. I saw this happening and quickly jumped into action. The owner heard about this and promoted me -- while demoting my former manager. We basically switched jobs, and I am having trouble with the power dynamic. Do I truly have the right to boss someone around who dropped the ball only once? -- Job Switcheroo, Jackson, Mississippi
DEAR JOB SWITCHEROO: Stop thinking about your responsibilities as "bossing somebody around." Instead, consider your role as both a troubleshooter and peacemaker, at least for now. Talk to your former boss, and apologize to him for the turn of events, which obviously was beyond your control. Assure him that your intention is to do your best to make sure that the pizza parlor runs smoothly. Ask him for his help.
As you make decisions -- including assigning schedules, if that's in your purview -- be clear and direct. Review the responsibilities of being a manager, and state that you are following protocol when you make decisions. Ask your staff, including your former manager, to comply. Your clarity of authority and kindness will eventually smooth over the current tensions.