Experiencing a work-related transition? Some might consider termination– or the still very relevant hybrid workplace– to be one of the most difficult transitions that you’ll ever experience. However, we’re here to suggest that for some, a promotion into management is truly going to challenge you.

Let’s set the scenario: You’ve been promoted and are now the boss. Congrats! The good news? You’ve worked hard and earned that coveted promotion. The tricky news? You’re likely now managing your co-workers. 

Below are some of our best tips for effectively handling this transition without breaking a sweat. But just in case you’ve been a manager for a while, know that these tips are applicable for you, too!

What to Consider When Moving from Buddy to Boss

The challenge of moving from “buddy to boss” is not only about taking on the technical demands of your new role, but also making the emotional and mental transition to that of manager. Think about it, suddenly you go from being responsible for your own results and what you can control (yourself) to being responsible for the performance of a team. 

This can come with a lot of questions, including: 

• How do I define and establish my expectations? 

• How do I help my team move forward without micromanaging them? 

• How do I promote a culture of respect and trust? 

• How do I coach and develop my team in an empathetic and effective way? 

Moving Forward With Your Promotion to Manager

This IG post is perfect for getting you started. While these tips might seem straightforward…they are not. Why? Because learning to inspire through meaning and purpose, establish boundaries, and ask employees about their hopes and concerns, requires skill. Skills that many new managers, no matter how great their intentions, might not have the opportunity to dig into when they are tackling the daily maze of work.

Recommended reading: How HIVE Learning is Reshaping How We Train Today's Leaders

Create Opportunities for Reflection + Education

Whether you’ve been managing for ten minutes or ten years, I encourage you to take time today to reflect on the following questions: 

• How am I helping my team succeed? 

• How is my team feeling? 

• How can I increase productivity while providing support? 

If you’re eager to learn how to step into your next level of leadership and support the well-being and growth of your team, we’re excited to introduce you to our manager intensive program Activate. 

Activate will give you the tools and time you need to show up as a more confident manager, learn to delegate more effectively, boost productivity within your team, and ultimately to stop questioning yourself and start finding answers! 

Inside Activate we’ll show you how to: 

• Communicate expectations in a fair and clear way 

• Develop great people who produce great work 

• Persist in the face of team setbacks

• Become a respected manager in your organization 

The best part? You don’t have to change who you are. Instead, we’ll teach you how to use your natural talents to step into your full potential. Click here to be taken to our contact form.