Q: My co-worker "Kristy" shifts from being friendly and cheerful to hateful and sulky if anyone corrects her work. She will cry at her desk until someone asks what's wrong. Kristy tells people that I don't help her, even though I give her detailed instructions. She sends e-mails asking why no one likes her and says things like "I'm so stupid" or "This is the worst day of my life."

My boss is so afraid of setting her off that he seldom talks to her. However, she says that he gives her raving performance reviews. Although the rest of the group babies Kristy, I usually ignore her antics. I believe she's just trying to get attention.

My boss tells me that I soon will get a promotion for which I have worked very hard. I know this will upset Kristy, because she has been here longer than I have. My manager is dreading her reaction to the news. What should I do?

A: Sounds like another wimpy manager held hostage by a drama queen. Your boss really needs to grow a backbone, but you can't do much about that. Nor are you likely to change Kristy. Her volatile behavior is rewarded not only by her colleagues' caretaking but also by her manager's neglect. By intimidating him, Kristy avoids all discussion of her performance problems.

But for you, everything seems to be going well. So enjoy your coming promotion and ignore any fireworks from Kristy. And when you become a manager, please try to have more guts than your boss.

MARIE G. McINTYRE

OFFICE COACH

Q: My manager encouraged me to apply for a promotion to senior accountant. Unfortunately, after I submitted my résumé, the position was changed to one with supervisory duties. Although I was one of four finalists, the job went to an outside candidate from a search firm. I feel that I was set up to fail.

Now, much to my dismay, I'm expected to train my new supervisor when he starts work. At the same time, I am single-handedly running a critical project and training another employee.

I feel that management is taking advantage of me, so I have begun to look for another job. Am I wrong to resent this situation?

A: Before resentment causes you to do something stupid, pause for a reality check. When this promotional opportunity was redefined, it became a different job. The supervisory requirement made you a less qualified applicant.

However, you were still good enough to become a finalist. And participation in the hiring process gave you a chance to impress the higher-ups and position yourself for a future promotion.

Being chosen to orient your supervisor is a compliment, not an insult. He will assume that you are highly regarded and knowledgeable, especially because other important tasks have been delegated to you.

In short, your future seems pretty bright. So before you impulsively decide to jump ship, be sure that you have your head straight about this situation.

- Marie G. McIntyre is an Atlanta-based workplace coach. Her weekly column is syndicated by Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service. Send questions at www.yourofficecoach.com.