Buddy to Boss

Most people are excited to learn they are about to receive a promotion and may even be slightly nervous about having direct reports. However, the real uneasiness sets in when they realize they may have to supervise individuals they are friends with. Becoming a new leader comes with a learning curve; adding former teammates as direct reports can make the process a little more tricky. Navigating this new dynamic will take time, but you can start by positively managing these relationships, as it will set the tone for your team's future. Maintain your confidence, and do not let the situation cause you to doubt your ability to perform or your readiness for the role. Remind yourself of the ABCs (acknowledge, break the boss, and clarify) to ensure a smooth transition from buddy to boss.

Acknowledge

The first step to navigating this situation successfully is acknowledging that this might be an awkward time for you and your former teammates. Communicate with your team collectively and individually to get their thoughts and feelings about the new group structure. Instead of spending time trying to maintain your current relationship with your friends without making any changes, use that energy to recognize and identify the new relationship with them and find ways to make those associations more effective. Create an environment where they can feel safe working through any uneasy feelings about the new reporting structure. Remember, just as they are learning the new structure, you are learning the new role. Highlight the fact that you are all learning and growing together to become a productive and cohesive team.  

Break the Boss

The second step is for you and your employees to break away from the term boss. The word boss means that you are in charge of or dominant over another person, which is not indicative of a true leader. Moving away from this terminology will allow your employees to see you as the team leader and not their boss personally. As a leader, your goals should be to ensure that your employees feel seen, heard, and valued. Let them know you will provide the tools and resources they need to succeed, support their development, and remove barriers. Your former teammates will be watching you very closely during this time. So, be diligent to ensure that your actions align with your words. Such alignment is critical for leaders because people believe what you do, not what you say.

Clarify

The third step is clarifying your expectations. The relationship with your peers will change regardless of how close you are to your former teammates. Your responsibilities have changed, and theirs will change as well. Therefore, it is better to be clear and upfront about your expectations from each employee equally (no favorites). In addition, let them know your leadership style and what they can expect from you as their leader. It is also vital for you to clarify or set boundaries with your new employees. You may not be able to attend the happy hour events or social functions in the same capacity as you once did. As a leader, you will need to be able to implement these limitations without isolating your employees entirely.