I was appointed to lead a work division 5 years ago. The position before was held by someone who was quite popular in the office. I replaced his position after his affair was exposed to the public, and the peak leader in government cannot tolerate that.

Since he was popular, my appointment was disliked and even refused. The staff considered me their enemy. Their loyalty was only to the ex-boss. They looked passive and responded unenthusiastically to my talk, order, or question. Even the drawer in my workroom was still locked, as if I was not allow to use it.

I kept the feeling of rejection for weeks. Yet I never let anyone intimidate me; that’s one of the principles of my life. I continued asking them to accomplish work while I learnt the characters of each. Months there, I have quite a lot of information about my staff; who have skills and are diligent, who talk and protest only, and who are obedient yet less skilled.

Once I identify them, I can manage and empower them according to their competency. I built their trust and respect for me. I never talk badly about their ex-boss. I don’t care at all about their old time with their ex-boss; I only expect them to work well, be loyal to me, and if they keep disliking me, please go out and work in another division.

I would not say that they all love me now. Some still resist, yet not openly. I learnt that in every place, there must be some who like and dislike you. Don’t be too bothered. Life will go on. Do the best, let the universe bring many good things into your life.