Going from Friends to Civil Colleagues Following Promotion.

Adamc

Two colleagues at our place went for the same promotion. The senior manager played them off against each other asking them to keep it secret that they applied and offering different terms and conditions. The one who didn't get it now is distancing themselves from the one who got it unless they have to work together in which case they are being civil but not as social as they previously were. This is upsetting the one who got it as they used to be friends. 

Example: Newly promoted colleague offered a seat next to them at a social event. The other colleague politely declined and sat next to someone else who they wanted to socialise with. I think the newly promoted colleague is now upset. 

On the other hand their work dynamic has changed. 

Example: Non-promoted colleague is covering their own work and the work of a sick employee. Where previously these two would have helped each other out, the newly promoted colleague no longer does this (they may have other things to do). The non-promoted colleague was left in a stressful situation that I have been in before and know to be horrible. 

My own preference is to minimise non-work interaction with colleagues but I can feel a tension in team. Senior management were unprofessional in their handling of the situation and it really sucks how people lower down the hierarchy are unsupported when staff levels are short. Not sure how this can be tackled? We've all been issued with folders of documentation on how to be kind as there has rumoured to have been problems elsewhere within the organisation with bullying.

El_Torro

Sounds like it’s something that these two people have to sort out between them. Either they get over their differences and become friends again or they don’t. Either way I don’t think there’s much you can do about it. If you do try to interfere it will probably just make things worse. 

As for the hiring manager not conducting themselves in a nice manner, that happens too unfortunately. Based on what you have said I don’t think there’s anything wildly inappropriate in what they have done. 

74jax

Adamc said:

Two colleagues at our place went for the same promotion. The senior manager played them off against each other asking them to keep it secret that they applied and offering different terms and conditions.
This can be quite common, each applicant can be offered different packages dependant on their ability/negotiating skills etc. Asking not to discuss this is common also. 

 The one who didn't get it now is distancing themselves from the one who got it unless they have to work together in which case they are being civil but not as social as they previously were. This is upsetting the one who got it as they used to be friends. 
The one who was promoted will just have to get on with it. People at work should be civil - as the other colleague is being. 

Example: Newly promoted colleague offered a seat next to them at a social event. The other colleague politely declined and sat next to someone else who they wanted to socialise with. I think the newly promoted colleague is now upset. 
That's ridiculous really, both, I'm assuming are reasonable professional adults. Had he declined and given abuse/thrown a chair etc then I understand. He politely declined. The promoted colleague needs to get a grip. 

On the other hand their work dynamic has changed. 
Of course, one has been promoted. 

Example: Non-promoted colleague is covering their own work and the work of a sick employee. Where previously these two would have helped each other out, the newly promoted colleague no longer does this (they may have other things to do). The non-promoted colleague was left in a stressful situation that I have been in before and know to be horrible. 
Then he speaks to his manager. The promoted colleague has been just that - promoted - roles and responsibilities have changed. It would be a good idea for the non promoted person to speak to his manager askinh who is to help cover the sick persons work. If no one, then he doesn't have to do it. If its him, then he asks what of his work he is to leave. It may be this lack of assertiveness that didn't get him the promotion.

My own preference is to minimise non-work interaction with colleagues but I can feel a tension in team. Senior management were unprofessional in their handling of the situation and it really sucks how people lower down the hierarchy are unsupported when staff levels are short. Not sure how this can be tackled? We've all been issued with folders of documentation on how to be kind as there has rumoured to have been problems elsewhere within the organisation with bullying.

I've put response in bold. Management sort out issues. If they don't, you just do your job in the hours of the day. If something doesn't get done, management need to reorganise.