My last job, I came in about 6 months after the last new employee, A. A is super mart and quick on her feet and I admire her about that.

The "lead" was older and on her way out the door. A was destined to replace her as "lead."

Mind you, I put lead in quotations bc its not a real position, that person is just the 'go-to' for other departments and usually represents the department in interdepartmental meetings.

I don't consider myself super smart, but, I am a hard worker.

After the "lead" retires, maybe 6 months after I arrive. I kind of floated to the top. Whole time, A and I have a cool relationship, we joke, we talk about our kids, etc.

After I become "lead", A no longer speaks to me. I leave, become a consultant and hired back to same department as a consultant, first thing A does is file complaints that I am over-stepping my authority as a consultant...mind you, I haven't even really began.

Moral of the story, you have to get out of your head. She may not be the person or have the intent you believe. If your job is not threatened by your co-worker, just stay the course, keep doing you.

Bonus: I've been gone maybe like 6 months, A still isn't "lead."

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<---------------Naima and Nia Simone