New Managers Dealing with Former Peers

In these tough economic times, some leaders are finding themselves being promoted above their peers ... and wondering how to deal with the fall out.


The best way to deal with former peers?

Be emotionally intelligent.

By using emotionally intelligent leadership skills, new managers can successfully transition from employee to manager.

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How do you handle friendships if you're now the boss?

Talk it through with your former peer. If you're interested in maintaining the friendship, be clear about when you're being "the boss" and when you're being "the friend."

Be willing to listen to what the experience of having a friend who is now a boss is for your former peer.

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How do you respond to requests for special treatment?

Be honest. Say what you are able to do ... and say what you can't do.
If your former peer keeps pushing, adopt the "broken record/CD" strategy. Listen to what the person is saying, but continue to repeat your position in a non-defensive way ... "I'd like to help you out Bob, but I'm not able to do that for you."

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How do you manage the former peer without creating resentment,
especially if there is a performance problem?

Be pro-active. Don't wait until a problem develops. One of the first items on your agenda as a new manager should be to meet individually (if possible) with each of your former peers. In that meeting, have specific conversations about your interest in not having resentment in the department over your promotion. Then listen.

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Are you a new manager who wants to know more about how to handle former peers at work?

Email or call me for a consultation.