So it happened: they promoted you. But are you sufficiently ready to manage your former colleagues? You will have to earn new authority in your new role. The Harvard Business Review gives advice on how to do this.
Announce your promotion yourself
It won’t always be somebody else telling your people that you are going to be their new boss. You yourself have to be prepared to talk to them about it. Turn to your boss and HR for help.
Start slowly
You probably have many ideas for what to change and how in the way the team works. But you shouldn’t jump the gun. Wait until you find your bearings in your new role before making the more important decisions.
Lay the foundations for your authority
Meet with your team as a group, and then with all members individually, and talk about your vision and plans for managing the team. Proceed based on how they knew you as a leader until now. Just as important as speaking is also listening. Start by asking the following question: “What can I do for you so that you can be more successful?”
Realize that you are no longer colleagues
Realize that you won’t be able to have the same relationship with your new subordinates as you had until now. If you treat one or more of your friends preferentially, the others will rightfully view this as favoritism.
Try various styles
You won’t find the right way to manage right off the bat. You should therefore experiment with various leadership styles and search for what works.
Show that you respect your competitor
If you competed against one of your colleagues for the new job, realize that this new subordinate of yours will probably be disappointed at first. In spite of this, or maybe because of this, it is important that you tell him that you respect him and that you will advocate his future career development.
Take advantage of the fact that you know them
Because you have already worked together, you have a certain idea about who will be sincere with you and tell you when something is up. Take advantage of these relationships and ask for sincere feedback.
Do not focus on just your team
Also focus on the fact that you have new colleagues and new bosses. If you are credible to your colleagues and bosses, it will also be reflected in your team.
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