Ask the authorities.

THE QUESTION: My firm just merged with another and my counterpart and I are in competition to be the "last marketer standing." What advice can you offer me or us--how do we showcase our accomplishments without looking as if we're grabbing the limelight?

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Nancy Myrland

These situations are difficult for everyone involved. The most important thing you can do is to understand that your boss is also in a very tough position, and is probably dreading this decision. You need to show why you are the best choice. Think of ways that will help him or her make this decision easier. Always take the high road, be cooperative, flexible, professional, assertive, strategic and always kind to your counterpart.

When I asked my former managing partner, Brian Burke, of the law firm of Baker & Daniels, his perspective on this matter, he suggested that one approach might be for the affected person to craft a plan for how the new firm will take maximum advantage of the talents of both marketers, and for how the merged firm will market its combined capabilities. I agree that this approach would downplay rivalry and demonstrate commitment to the firm above personal interests. It would also focus on what the firm is most worried about at the time, which is maximizing this new entity. Again, show why you are visionary and help them make this decision easier. At all times, keep your emotions in check.

Nancy Myrland is the president of Myrland Marketing, Inc. For more than 20 years, she has partnered with firms around the country to help them grow and strengthen their relationships with their clients so they become more profitable.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Donna Shaft

You've got a sales job to do and you need answers to a couple of questions before you can do it. Find out fast what the new management wants the marketing department to do and how many leaders they envision running it. Will there be a "last marketer standing," or do they expect the two of you to share the responsibilities? Until you get a straight answer to those questions, your best option is to pull together and devise a plan for working together.

Prepare a formal proposal, as if you were a team responding to an RFP. Audit current operations, propose solutions to overlap problems and propose an efficient and improved organization. Define leadership roles, dividing responsibility between marketing and business development, by practice groups, industry groups or whatever makes sense...