Your coworker has become your boss – what now?
Lately I’ve worked with several clients who have been promoted and are now leading former peers. It takes a level of care to navigate that transition.
The reverse is also true. It’s tricky when your workmate gets promoted and is now your boss. How do you make a graceful transition from being a peer to being a direct report?
Whether you’ve been close allies or friendly rivals in the past, you can learn to thrive under the new leadership. Try these suggestions for restructuring your professional relationship.
Steps to Take With Your New Manager
Be self aware. You don’t necessarily need to say any of this out loud, but it’s worth doing some honest self-examination about how you’re feeling in this new situation. Happy? Jealous? Confused? Wary? Excited? All of the above?
Accept that you feel how you feel – but be careful about throwing fertiliser on the negative feelings… or artificially pumping up the positive ones and pretending the negative ones aren’t there. Being consciously aware of your feelings allows you to give them space, and makes it less likely they’ll spill over unhelpfully into interactions with your new boss.
Extend genuine congratulations. Remember the obvious. This is the time to congratulate your former co-worker on their success. Be specific and sincere. Describe at least one quality or achievement that you admire about them. Express your enthusiasm about working together.
Decide on sharing personal information. Setting boundaries is a major part of the transition. You may find it necessary to be more discreet about personal issues that could affect your career.
Offer support. Helping your boss succeed enhances your own future. Volunteer information that will help them to become familiar with their expanded responsibilities. Take responsibility for your actions and dazzle them with your impact and productivity.
Accept feedback. Your former peer will now be overseeing your work. Listen with an open mind and appreciate the guidance.
Schedule one-on-one meetings. Even if you have a long track record together, you may need opportunities for private discussion. Ask questions and stress collaboration.
Create a learning opportunity. Your new leader must be doing something right if they received a promotion. Pay attention to how they operate and how more senior leaders interact with them. You may discover a role model for how you can succeed too.
Steps to Take for Yourself
Expect change. Even if you’re still dealing with familiar faces, there will be different dynamics, approaches and experiences ahead. Aim to accommodate the preferences of your new leader. You’ll build goodwill that will strengthen your connection.
Avoid special treatment. Other members of the team may be uneasy if you’ve been close with the new boss. Be helpful and respectful with each team member to earn their confidence and trust. Take on tough assignments and share credit.
Squash gossip. New leadership is the kind of event that can trigger an increase in wild speculation and unfounded rumours. Stick to the facts and speak well of others.
Reassure yourself. Even positive changes can be stressful. Remember to take care of yourself. Give your body the rest, exercise and nutrition it needs. Draw on your strengths and remember your achievements.
Plan your exit. Despite all of the above, major changes at work can sometimes cause you to realise it’s time to move on. If so, give appropriate notice and do your best to depart on good terms.
While your roles have changed, you already know your new boss from the time you’ve spent working side by side. Use your knowledge appropriately to make your new relationship supportive and productive.
You’ll feel happier at work and enjoy more opportunities for that next step up to be yours.
Until next week,
Take care of yourself and others
Madeleine
PS. Want to work with me as you navigate some tricky workplace dynamics? Let me know. Send me a message to enquire, and please share with anyone you think may benefit.
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