Unfortunately, the transition to manager frequently includes more stress and greater responsibility in addition to a better office and more pay. One of the most difficult struggles when accepting a promotion in your former department is navigating relationship challenges with your former coworkers as you transition to the new position. Stay professional, and follow these guidelines to form a strong team.
Accept the Change
No matter how hard you worked for your new position, there are going to be days when you really wish you could just do your old job. Minimize these feelings by jumping into your new position with two feet. Accept the fact that your relationship with your former coworkers has changed and that you are now the one who gives assignments and feedback, and holds some power over their positions. On difficult days, remember that this is a time of transition, and things will get better.
Take Advantage of Training
Training gives you a chance to ask questions and become more competent in your position. If your company has a mentoring program for new managers, sign up. Take advantage of the knowledge of other managers who have made the transition to manager before you. If you need advice or just to vent, the place to go is to other managers or trainers, not the members of your team.
Communicate
Meet with your team members one-on-one, and go over their responsibilities and their expectations regarding your transition to manager. This is a time to bolster their confidence in their own work and your ability to lead. Stay professional while acknowledging employee concerns. Reassure each team member that you are glad to be working with them and emphasize their strengths. Avoid using this first meeting to berate anyone and never gloat about your promotion.
Avoid Gossip
The transition to manager includes giving up gossip sessions around the coffee maker and losing some of the good-natured camaraderie you previously had with your coworkers. Handling promotions requires treating everyone fairly and respectfully, and the adjustment goes more quickly if you emphasize your professionalism. Be prepared for some conversations to stop as soon as you enter the room, and do not take the change in relationships personally.
Emphasize Teamwork
One of the most difficult adjustments of being a new manager is dealing with employees who were hoping to get your new position. They may be the best and brightest on your team, but if they carry resentment toward you, they are not going to work up to their potential. During your transition to manager, focus on each person's importance to the team. Let your confidence and leadership skills show so that everyone knows your promotion was not a mistake, and then emphasize the importance of every team member in reaching productivity goals quickly and smoothly.
Handling promotions starts with embracing your new position, signing up for training and seeking out support. Smooth the transition to manager by communicating with your employees professionally and fairly with an emphasis on teamwork towards clearly stated goals. Accept the fact that your relationship with your former coworkers has changed, and build a new relationship as the foundation for your team's future success.
Photo courtesy of Ambro at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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