Actions to Successfully Transition from Peer to Boss

In a perfect world, promotions would come with congratulations from new employees ready to follow your every decision. Previous peers would believe that you were the obvious choice for the leadership role you’ve acquired.

Being promoted from a position of equality to one of leadership can challenge the influence previously established between colleagues. One of the hardest parts of management is learning to supervise former peers and friends.

Take on these four actions to successfully transition from a peer to a boss.

1. Be confident.

Communication skills are key to help ease the transition as you step into your new role. You worked hard for your new position, and don’t owe an apology to anyone for accomplishing this goal. Be confident in your new position and the decision your leaders made to promote you.

If your former peers sense any uncertainty, you will lack trust in your decisions moving forward.

2. Stay humble.

Although confidence is necessary, humility is equally important. Acknowledge that your former peers are going through a massive change and the way you connect will change. Be certain that people will start to watch you more than ever before.

Listen to their concerns and disappointments, and be prepared to support them no matter what they say.

3. Ask for feedback.

Understand that others may have been interested in the role you acquired and may be experiencing hard feelings over the decision. You can begin to bridge any gaps by asking for feedback. Let them know that you respect their opinions as much now as you did when you were colleagues.

4. Be authentic.

Most importantly, be real and authentic. Chances are, you formed personal working relationships with your former colleagues. They know you, what motivates you, where you succeed, and what your weaknesses are. Your credibility and trust will be challenged if you begin trying to change the fundamentals for which you were previously known for.

Moving from peer to boss is never easy. Maintain confidence, respect, humility, and communicate often. Be the you they’ve come to know. Your consistent communication will help them see that you were the natural choice all along.

If you missed one of Stacey’s previous blogs or tips, visit her online.