Direct Report

Dear Sistah,

This one hurts me to write because it’s you, but I felt the need to say something because sometimes the struggle is real within our own as well.

I heard what you did when you found out she got a promotion. Young, black, smart and a hard worker she deserves the opportunity. Sure, it is going to be a challenge. It is completely different from her previous position that she held under you. I’ve heard you first hand be very vocal in your displeasure of losing her but not in your joy for her. You had options:

1- Keep your opinion to yourself.

2- Give her encouragement and advice. Help to set her up for success in her new position.

3- Tell her new manager, also a sistah, that she made a mistake as the young lady isn’t the best fit for the job.

You choose #3.

To hear this hurts my heart. I tried to get you to choose #2. Especially because I know that when you were hired for your current position many thought you weren’t right for the job. The naysayers were loud yet you, the example for believing in yourself first, have prevailed.

What makes you think you have the right to break someone else down just as they are starting to rise up?

I can’t undo what you’ve done so instead I chose #2. I hope I helped. Ultimately, the biggest lesson she will learn out of all of this is that all sistahs ain’t sisters and that’s thanks to you.

Author: Anonymous