Q&A: New Boss – How Do I Manage My Peers?

Question:

I recently got promoted. Before my promotion my peers and I were very close but I fear that with this new position they won’t be as motivated because of the relationships we have forged. How do I make the transition smoother while keeping the work environment professional, respectful and friendly?

Murtaza says:

Congratulations on the promotion!

I have worked with many corporate companies and managers over the years and with all confidence I say this; what you are experiencing is a normal response we feel, called anxiety, every time we successfully move up the corporate ladder. The previous manager felt it and the CEO feels it too. We all face these same issues when making the transition.

In 2016, 2200 CFOs were interviewed by Robert Half Management Resources in a survey to reveal what they found to be the most difficult part of being a manager. The results were as follows:

• 32% said balancing individual responsibilities and overseeing staff;
• 19% said supervising friends or former peers;
• 17% said motivating the team;
• 16% said prioritizing projects, and;
• 16% said meeting higher expectations.

In one of my sessions, I worked with 2 friends who had gone through university, internships, graduation and employment together and in the same company. Two years into their employment, one of them got promoted to a managerial position and he had to appraise his friend while the ‘employee friend’ had to report to the ‘manager friend’. There was a strain because the manager now had to tell their friend that they weren’t performing well which is affecting their employment.

I suggested a simple solution to the manager, “Coach him in technical and behavioral aspects so that he becomes capable of taking over from you. In doing so, you won’t have to give him negative feedback because you’ll have empowered him to be just as good as you are.” He did this and in 6 months the employee’s performance was equal to his manager. They also learnt to keep the professional relationship separate from the friendship. Within the same year the manager received a promotion and a transfer. The employee got promoted to head of his friend’s former position.

As new as you are, please bear in mind the following:

1. Stay focused on why you wanted and got the job. You are qualified and capable.
2. It may seem tough but everything can be learned. Learn as you go and take it one day at a time.
3. Coach others to take over your position. Not only will improve your managerial skills but also build your leadership skills. It will also improve the team’s, equipping everyone for conscious leadership.

In summary, here’s a list of every day do’s and don’t’s to ease your transition. Good luck!

Do	Don’t
Communicate your vision, seek input and follow through on their ideas.	Compete. It’s not a popularity contest nor do you always have to win or be right.
Help ease people into the transition through one-on-one meetings where you talk about the transition.	Procrastinate when issues arise. Address them swiftly and immediately.
Use empathy and listen with intentions.	Micromanage or undermanage. Empower your team.
Remain teachable and approachable.	Try to prove yourself. Own it.
Treat everyone fairly. Separate your work from your friendships.	Show favouritism to your friends and alienate those who aren’t/weren’t.
Establish clear boundaries and expectations as a leader.	Use words like “I won’t change” “I’ll still be the same old me”. They cheapen your role.
Relate to them as much as possible	Stress about what they are saying about you.

Please share your tips in the comments below!