answer:For the past few months a new co-worker of mine has been very free with flattering comments about me and about my work. He seems warm and genuine but I’m not a person who trusts easily. I’ve been burned too many times. It has been my suspicion that he was hired for some sort of “team leader” role. My company is like the Wild West right now with everybody and yet nobody really in charge. While I would welcome a little more organizational structure I have quite a few more years experience than he does and a broader skill set. He is much younger, and I can say honestly, more personable than me in many ways. I am an introvert and happier to work very independently. I don’t mind collaborating with someone but I don’t want to “answer to” them. So I felt like he was schmoozing me a little bit to get me on his side and win my loyalty. I wonder if he is 100% sincere in his complements or if this is some sort of stealthy takeover attempt. Time will tell. I like him so I am being amiable and treading carefully. The political situation is one that requires all the alliances I can muster. I think he is sincere but I also think he has an agenda. Time will tell. He has confided in me about issues that he has with some of the other people in our office. He has also asked for my help at times which I am happy to give.