How do I strive in work without hurting my co-worker?

Question

I just started a new job and at first, a lot of people were mean to me, none of them would bother to sit down and help me with training. I have a learning disability which cause people to think that I am not that intelligent. However, one co-worker was kind enough to really sit down with me and show me how things work. Now that I’m fully trained in my position, I strive to be the best. And I ALWAYS end up on the executive’s list of people to promote. I want to take the co-worker with me to the top but I don’t think she is up for such challenge. She is a single mother who is settled in her job and don’t have the time to burn the midnight oil.

I only been at my position for about a month and have already figured out a way to speed up production and cut operating time by nearly 50%. I will be presenting this to one of the executive’s at the end of the month. My only problem is that I do not want to out-shine the co-worker who have investing time in me. What shoud I do?

Answer 1

Make your presentation. You may have a fresh outlook, on the problem. If this has been tried before, they may tell you, and it will not be implemented. If it should be implemented, then you will further your chances of having a successful career with the company.

Answer 2

How about asking her to help you make the presentation? She can act in a support role by helping run the powerpoint presentation (if you are using one), helping with handouts, helping to answer questions, etc.

If she is there, find a way to let the Exec know how helpful she was to you, but keep it brief.

Then drop it. You are grateful and while it is great that you feel such loyalty to her, you are not responsible for her career. Only she is. Give her credit publicly, thank her privately and move on. Honor her by helping others.

Good luck!

Answer 3

I think its great you're showing loyalty to someone who helped you. How about 'paying-it-forward' by helping someone else? I'm not saying you should forget her kindness, just honor her kindness in your actions towards others.