When my department at work announced that they were hiring for my supervisor’s recently vacated position, I knew I wanted to apply for it.
I also knew there would be a big problem.
I am a licensed clinical social worker. I worked for an agency seeking to reduce family violence, suicide and other harmful behaviors in military families. It’s a challenging job but a rewarding one.
I coordinated a nationwide network of victim advocates. Others in the office worked on programs dealing with child abuse, domestic violence, spousal neglect and other issues. The job opening was to supervise the entire department.
I’d been a military social worker for nearly two decades. I had the skills and experience to move into leadership, and I felt ready to seek a promotion.
There was one problem. My colleague Brenda.
Brenda had been in the department aeverything and flat out refused to do certain tasks. She criticized people, picked fights and dragged her feet on difficult assignments. Longevity and departmental politics kept her from getting fired.
