I was just hired into a new company and given a top management position. My first day did not go so well and neither my second. Lower management and employees resent me, they don't want to help me in this transition, ignore me and are even laughing behind my back ( with me right there of course) when I ask a question. I am in a training period and they are all very upset I was hired to start at the top when they feel they should be promoted. I understand they are upset and I am very understanding and easy to get along with but also feel I deserve a certain amount of respect as I would surely give them in return. Besides, these are the same individuals who may end up permanantly working under me and being on my team, after my training. I have kept my composure, being very pleasant and cheery and trying to act like it isn't bothering me. I don't want this to be so stressful because I have a lot of learning to do and also realize the company hired me for a good reason, knowing I will be a great asset. I am wondering if this will stop eventually as I gain more knowledge or get worse? A friend of mine say's I should come back at them with a remark when they are nasty but I feel that is getting off on the wrong foot. I also feel that being passive is not the correct way either because they will in turn run over me. Any suggestions?

Successful people are always going to receive resentment and hostility from lesser individuals - it's an inevitable side effect.

Workplace politics are painful, but the best thing to do is develop a thick skin for it. Be on your toes during conflicts to prevent any significantly harmful backstabbing, but resist being pulled into them emotionally. And always avoid being true friends with coworkers outside of work. Work is work and play is play.

Think back to immature classroom politics in elementary school - vindication never helped, and they won't help any more between adults.

Good luck.

Been here and done this and have survived and earned the respect I amply deserved. First off, nasty remarks undermine teamwork and professionalism. You approach each individually, straight out tell them you don't appreciate not being given a chance to succeed and find this unprofessional and not to mention stressful. You ask to be given a fair shot as if they don't agree with HRs decision, they should broach HR about it and not punish you. This is the behaviour of immature cowards who are trying to sabotage your success to give themselves another chance at success. Always be polite and never make it personal as this will be perceived as weakness on your part. Then start recording notes, as if they have been approached yet continue, you now have a case to address with your boss and with HR at the same time so that communication is clear....always preface things with your understanding that teamwork is the key to success and that you are looking to make team work in your company because you know that leveraging this will contribute to corporate success. This way it shows that you have tried to resolve this yourself and given people a chance to choose positive change before escalating as you know that you have tried and if the behaviour continues are now aware that the resolution is beyond you. Don't take too long to approach higher ups as believe me, I waited two months before I said anything and in that time my blood pressure climbed dangerously high due to the stress and my boss did ask me why I waited as he believed the lapsed time contributed to the problem getting worse. Support was there my friend as you were hired because you are good and the higher ups know how to protect a good investment.
cheers

Be a leader, not a whiner. Give them a reason to respect you, and prove that you are capable of leading them.

The best thing that you can do is just try to stick it out. Obveusly they are not able to get into the position that you were hired into. The only thing that i can suggest, (it has worked for me) is to confront them directly. If you have done something wrong (which you obveusly havent) then this is the time for them to tell you, and if you havent this method could end your problems.
GOOD LUCK!