Promoted quickly at work, now dealing with severe friction and what feels like structured sabotage. Looking for advice.
Looking for some perspective on how to handle a highly stressful transition at work.I was recently given a promotion to run a specific shift at a different branch location. Because this advancement happened relatively quickly, it has generated a lot of friction among staff members who have been with the company longer.Since taking on the role, I have encountered an ongoing series of obstacles from both peers and management that feel like a coordinated effort to make me fail.
Inadequate Onboarding: When the role was assigned, I was told to get training from a senior staff member. However, the training consisted of brief, five-minute sessions at a time, and other employees would openly laugh while I was trying to learn.
Administrative Deficits: I received zero formal onboarding regarding the operational rules, software, or opening protocols for the new branch. Less than 24 hours before my first shift, I received a last-minute text message containing basic instructions on how to access the keys and turn on the building's electricity. I had to piece together the entire localized system on my own.
Indirect Criticism: A coworker who used to be friendly has completely shifted his behavior. He has started delivering vague feedback, claiming that other people are complaining about me asking questions, even though management explicitly failed to provide structured training.
Hierarchy Challenges: On my most recent shift, another staff member was assigned to work with me. He immediately began issuing conflicting directives to the part-timers, changing the schedule I put in place, and attempting to take over the floor. When I spoke to him privately and established a clear verbal boundary, he changed tactics and began bypassing me to ask the branch administration basic procedural questions he already knew the answers to, seemingly to highlight my lack of branch-specific training.
Despite the pressure, I am not reacting emotionally or engaging in the drama. I have kept my head down, focused completely on operations, and ensured our cleanliness and performance metrics are met. I have also built an ironclad, dated paper trail of every email, text message, and admission regarding the lack of training.The company owners visit frequently and the floor is monitored by security cameras, so my work is fully documented. However, managing the staff while constantly neutralizing these workplace politics is exhausting.For anyone who has navigated rapid advancement friction, what is the best strategy to protect your role and maintain your peace when the environment turns hostile?