Q: I am in a strange situation. When I was recruited by this company, I was told I would be reporting to the vice president. But when I started work, the vice president said I would report to one of his directors instead.

He went on to say that this director has made no contributions to the business and has no future here. The vice president told me that he wanted to watch my performance for a while before replacing the director. However, no time frame was mentioned.

He also warned me that the director has some very close friends in the department. Then he said that if I have any concerns, I should come directly to him.

Now I'm not sure how to work with my director. I can tell that he is not qualified. But he seems happy and relaxed, and he treats me fairly. How should I handle this?

A: Replacing someone who doesn't know he's leaving requires tact, subtlety and the ability to keep a secret. Your vice president obviously possesses none of these qualities.

Telling you about this hidden agenda was both tacky and stupid. However, now that you know, you must act as though you don't.

Focus on your current job and avoid acting like the heir apparent. Don't get in the habit of going around your boss, despite the vice president's invitation to do so.

MARIE G. McINTYRE

OFFICE COACH

With your crafty vice president, just be pleasant, helpful and cautious. Your misleading job offer was the first clue that he can't be trusted. This charade with the director is the second.

Only time will tell if you're going to be promoted. But if you handle this tricky situation properly, at least no one can accuse you of trying to overthrow your boss.

Q: I sit next to someone who spends a good portion of her day typing e-mails to friends and co-workers. These messages can be a page long.

This person and I have a history of communication issues. Our supervisor even said that our problems were a distraction for the team.

The relationship seems somewhat better, so I don't want to rock the boat. But she keeps typing, typing, typing, and it's getting a little annoying.

How do I handle the sound of this typing all day long, especially when I'm trying to concentrate on my work?

A: If your colleague was playing music or talking on a speakerphone, you might have a legitimate complaint. But computer typing is normal background noise in an office.

I suspect the real problem is not the typing but your feelings about this co-worker. Because of past conflicts, you're primed to be annoyed by almost anything she does.

Consider this question: If a friend was typing reports in the next cubicle, would you find that equally irritating? If not, then you need to work on your attitude.

And, by the way, if you're focused on your own work, how do you know what she's writing?

- 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.