A promotion from peer to manager can be a minefield of awkwardness. You're excited to lead, but you're also the boss of people who were your friends. That shift can mess up the team's vibe and leave people tense or hurt. How you lead can help the team build a positive working environment and become more productive. These 20 strategies can help with the transition.
- Acknowledge the change in your role and responsibilities. You now hold a leadership position.
- Ask your team and peers for feedback. Use it to improve your work and build trust.
- Be approachable and make time to listen to your team's concerns.
- Explain how you make decisions and communicate openly with the team.
- Build trust by being consistent in your actions and decisions.
- Treat everyone on the team with respect, regardless of position or seniority.
- Demonstrate the qualities and behavior you expect from the team.
- Encourage open communication and make clear that you always welcome feedback.
- Keep learning. Seek opportunities to grow and develop as a manager.
- Build strong relationships with team members and others in the organization who have a stake in your work.
- Give team members the support and resources they need to excel in their roles.
- Delegate tasks and responsibilities with care. Provide guidance and support when people need it.
- Encourage creativity and innovation by giving new ideas a hearing.
- Acknowledge your mistakes, take responsibility and learn from them.
- Celebrate team successes and give people credit for their work.
- Set clear expectations and provide the resources and support people need to meet them.
- Make clear, timely decisions, including difficult ones. Communicate those decisions to your team.
- Give team members authority to make decisions and take ownership of their work.
- Build a work culture in which everyone feels valued and supported.
- Thank people for their hard work and dedication. Recognize what they contribute to the organization.