ETA- something-My new job and how to handle the situation

I love my new job more than anything, I am really happy there. It's everything I hoped it would be and I feel that this will be my last stop for a while.


Background-
I started out interviewing for a logistics position which I was well qualified for, and they gave it to a girl who was a friend of girl that was there already.

Instead, they gave me a much better position which I was equally qualified for, which technically is over the logistics postion. The company itself is revamping everything, and I guess if you look at it through the chain of command, I am supervising the girl who was there (and she is well aware of this) and the logisitcs person.

Though the logistics person is a manager as well, they now want me to instruct her and give her things to do . She is 150% qualified for the job and has been doing it for 30 years, but I don't think they informed her that she is supposed to take some orders from me? I feel major guilt in asking her anything, and considering it is such a small office, I do not want to make any waves. Her and her friend are very close. I am kind of the odd ball though they never make me feel that way, it's just that they talk all day about their mutual friends. They really do try to include me in the conversation, but there is so much work, I am usually in my own little world.

I have not really supervised anyone other than one person in over 4 years (I used to supervise 5) and I just feel they should let her know that I am supposed to be doing this without her thinking I am just being a bossy. My entire weekend was spent emailing back and forth with the VP and CEO on what I need her to do. I just feel when I go in today and ask her all these things, she is not going to be happy.

Should I have the VP sit her down with us all and say that Laurie is going to give you a few things to do?

Should I even bother asking asking him to do this or will I be looking like a baby?

Should I just give it to her and if she gives me an attitude, just suck it up? I don't think she will, but I feel that she has been noticing that they have taken very important parts of her job away from her and given them to me.

TIA

ETA-They are letting her go. This is why I have her work on my desk...

Message edited 6/17/2008 9:00:09 PM.

Re: My new job and how to handle the situation

You need to address it with the VP or whoever and get it straight from the begininning. If it's not clear, it will def. lead to problems. I would just approach your boss and say "I just wanted to clarify, who specifically does XYZ report to? And what is my role? Is she aware of that?"

Re: My new job and how to handle the situation

Re: My new job and how to handle the situation

ITA with them above and speak to your VP this way everything is out in the open of who is doing what and reporting to who. This happened in one of the places I worked at where I had to take over a girls position all of a sudden when she was put on bed rest and she usually gave things to do to a few other people. Well they didn't like that I was doing it because they were not told right away and went to the manager almost start WW3 but everything was worked out and they helped me with the new responsibilities

Since you just found this out I would sit and talk to everyone involved. Good luck in your new position!!

Message edited 6/16/2008 9:49:54 AM.

Re: My new job and how to handle the situation

Thanks! I had a great day with her actually, I said could you please do this and from now on-can you please do that on Mondays and she was like SURE! HOWEVER- have a feeling that the other girl will eventually have a problem with me directing her. Apparently the man who held this position brfore me did really do much there and never gave her orders. SHe only answered to the VPs, CEO and CFO. We will see though. I can only hope it continues to flow smoothly.