I received an email Wednesday last week to write an article (400-500 words) for the Globe & Mail. Of course, this is related to something they're planning to do and they're looking for contributors. Prior to committing, they are evaluating potential contributors for the career articles called The Two-Minute Drill - or something like that, these things can change.

Well, of I wasn't able to write a damn thing from Wednesday till nearly when the weekend was over except the feverish inspiration that you saw on my blog. The rest of the time I was shivering, coughing, sneezing, sniffling, blowing my nose, coughing up phlegm - I know you like that picture - and doing a lot of sleeping. The assignment, however, was due Monday January, 15th. I emailed him at some point before the weekened to let him know my predicament and they agreed to give me till later in the week. I just fired it off this morning.

For your viewing pleasure and review, here is the subject topic and my response:

A co-worker who has been a critic of your work in the past is promoted to become your supervisor. What's your best career strategy?

Such questions depend a great deal upon circumstance, size of organization, and the intent behind the critic. In each case, you are the best judge to determine whether the critic’s comments have merit, intended to build-up versus tear-down. So first and foremost, know precisely what it is that you feel about this situation and don’t over-analyze. Your gut instincts are your best friend, pay attention to your feelings, and then act accordingly.

Where your organization provides the opportunity for lateral moves, or where other advancement opportunities exist, this may be your best strategy. This largely depends upon your fit within that business culture. Too often, however, people become saddled with the long-term prospect of benefits, pension plans, vacation, and job-security rather than making the best choice for their career and personal growth. Recognize if your time in this place has come to an end and be courageous. Dust of your resume, update your skills, and confirm your references. Begin speaking with people in your network and let them know that you are looking for new opportunities to challenge yourself and grow. In the meantime, you are staying put and will be challenged to grow personally.

This brings us back to working underneath someone that challenges you. Whether staying for the long-haul, or staying until something better materializes, you will need to make the best of the situation. Better yet, rise to the challenge and grow as an individual, as a team-player, and as a developing leader yourself. The initial perspective tends to take a critic’s comments personally and you risk carrying around resentment. This will only hurt you, in the moment and in the long-run. That emotional and mental energy will sabotage your relationship, the presence you bring into a room, and your own work-ethic and joy. Others will also sense this, undermining your professional image with others in the company as well.

In order to overcome this potential hazard, begin to see behind the criticism to recognize the person who has their own unique perspective. They may just care a great deal about impressing those above, wishing to do the best job possible, and possibly carries it to the extreme. A twist with a surprise could simply be a critic who is actually trying to impress you because of how brilliant they think you are and they want your approval! Whatever the source, you have the ability to rise above the situation and seek out ways to further empower the leadership in any life or career situation that will transform, not only the relationship, but also the person. Communication is the key, combined with powerful questions, powerful choices, and an attitude of empowering another towards success: Success breeds success.