Dear Bob ... A recent posting, about a contractor who undercut his manager, makes me wonder. Bob, what would you say if somebody sent you this request for advice?: Dear Bob ... I work in the graphic arts industry, and though I'm glad they reward creativity, it seems that a lot of people move up in my industry with no other merit. I'm an independant contractor and I recently landed a gig with a company that is pu Dear Bob … A recent posting, about a contractor who undercut his manager, makes me wonder. Bob, what would you say if somebody sent you this request for advice?: Dear Bob … I work in the graphic arts industry, and though I’m glad they reward creativity, it seems that a lot of people move up in my industry with no other merit. I’m an independant contractor and I recently landed a gig with a company that is putting out catalogs. I found a team that was starving for business-minded leadership. Even though I am an outsider, people come to me for advice and I quickly found myself in the position where I am running things that a contractor should not be in charge of. I don’t mind providing this service to the company that supplies my checks for now, but the person I report to resents me. As I gained respect in the organization, I started to feel like she was running a secret campaign against me. I thought I was being paranoid, but now friends of hers who do not work with me have been pulling me aside to offer “helpful” little conversations where they call me things like an “unprofessional clot.” I’m one of the few people here who shows any initiative, and I feel like I am being punished for expecting a business to run like a business. – GitterdunnerDear Gitterdunner … Before I answer your question, I have to address a hidden question: In general, when I answer any correspondence, I have to decide whether to take the situation at face value or try to read between the lines. Usually I address the situation as it’s presented, unless something about the letter rings alarm bells.I do recognize that the same situation can look very different depending on what role you’re playing. And you’re right – the hypothetical letter you supplied very well might be how it looks to the contractor. Here’s how I’d answer:The road to hell is paved with good intentions. I’m pretty sure that’s what’s paved the road you’re on right now, too. As a contractor, part of your job is to make the manager who hired you look good. With all the best of intentions you’ve ended up undercutting her instead. Can you salvage the situation? Maybe. You have to take the initiative. Meet privately, explain that quite a few people asked your advice after you came on board, and at some indefinable point it stopped being advice and started being informal work direction. Then ask for her advice: From here on in, how would she like you to handle this kind of request? Make it clear: You understand your job is to help her succeed. You just need help understanding what that means.– Bob Technology Industry