Well hello there and Happy Monday! I’m Monica Wofford and this is your Monday Moment.
Our Coaching clients who’ve been promoted often ask if I think they can stay friends with those they lead, who used to be peers. YES is the answer and we actually have a name and webinar for it: The Transition from Buddy to Boss.
Being promoted, caring about those you lead, and having been peers prior to promotion, is a rich environment for friendship. You already have a foundation and already know each other. You can, in fact, still go out for burgers!
In fact, it’s like a two for one bonus when you ARE still friends after promotion. There are three suggestions I’d consider in order to make that transition more effective:
- Restablish boundaries
- Some things are now confidential for their level. Tell them what those things are and gently remind when they converse into that area by accident.
- Communicate role changes
- Some days you have to talk performance and on others you can chat up holiday plans. Let them know which mode you’re in to avoid confusion.
- Be human
- All the should and oughtas you may bring to your new position can make you look like a different person. Stay real. Stay open. Apologize when needed and be real about not knowing all of what you’re doing.
Being a great leader can be like a great burger. It can be delicious if you get the right mix of ingredients and start fresh doing it in a way that’s effective. Or it can be a big sloppy mess if you just throw stuff together to see what sticks.
I’m Monica Wofford and let’s keep talking… leadership.
Don't Miss a Monday Moment!
Sign up below to get Monday Moment delivered right to your inbox!
Get a Snapshot of Your CORE® Leadership Traits
Your leadership style and strengths change how you lead and are perceived by others. Find out how you lead with this quick online assessment. You’ll discover your most dominant personality preference, and how that personality responds and acts under stress.
