The former colleague as boss

The Former Colleague as Boss

Congratulations!

You made it. Whether it was your goal or a surprise, you have just been promoted or elected as a manager. The situation is fundamentally a good one. You have achieved a goal and are happy. You already have respect for the new task. But the advantage is that you have been part of this team that you are now taking over as a "regular" employee for a long time. This makes things easier. You know the processes, the products, and especially the colleagues. Often, such personalities start with a lot of praise... well, not always. There may be some in the team who, for whatever reason, are not entirely satisfied with this choice. Either you are aware that you know almost too much about your colleagues, or your colleague would have liked to become the team leader themselves. In addition to many positive aspects of such an internal promotion, the main dangers lie here: either too much closeness is expected ("he/she is still a colleague of ours") or it swings to the other side, and you may also be sabotaged out of envy. Of course, in your new leadership role, you can expect numerous opportunities, dangers, lots of positives, and challenges. Just like any other boss. However, as a former colleague, special attention needs to be paid to the above-mentioned aspects. However, you are not powerless in these situations, but with good communication, you can set things right in advance. Inner Preparation Prepare yourself well for your new leadership role. Be aware that your new role will be different. You will have more responsibility and on the other hand, perhaps fewer friends. By accepting the new job, you have given up the card of being "everybody's darling." Are you clear about what you want and don't want here? If you haven't already, develop a healthy and positive attitude towards "power." "Power" is often negatively perceived. You will have some. It is important that you feel comfortable with it and are ready to use it positively. Communication This is where the key discipline for a good start begins. What you do here will be difficult to correct later, both positively and negatively. Those who communicate well in advance and during the initial period sow the seeds for a flourishing collaboration. Those who mess it up at the beginning will have difficult months ahead. Especially as a former colleague, providing clarification with your former colleagues and future employees is the key factor for a promising teamwork. Explain your new role to the whole group, possibly in advance or at least in the initial phase. (See "Dream Role Boss" - Stefan Häseli). Show that within the new role, you are no longer just a colleague but also a superior. This role has conflict potential with the colleague role. Clearly state that there will be situations where you may make yourself unpopular as a colleague. You have a responsibility to the company, and there will certainly come a day when you will make decisions or communicate in ways that may seem less collegial. Individual Conversations Individual conversations with all team members are important. Do this as early as possible. You will never have a better chance to openly ask employees about their expectations and also openly communicate your expectations. The field is not yet planted - now you are sowing. Talk about the future together. If there are people in your team with whom you either have a special friendship or someone you are unsure about in terms of loyalty, make sure to have individual conversations before you start as a boss. Everything you don't address now will accompany you in some uncomfortable way in the future or lead to cliques forming. Clearly explain your new roles, as described above. Listen well to the other person. Understand what they mean. Find a way together to manage the challenging situation. Do not shy away from the fact that the new leadership situation in the team exists. You may establish certain ground rules. However, if an unsolvable situation arises, you must act before the situation becomes unbearable and causes more harm. Making clear decisions at the beginning, even in uncomfortable situations, is part of the initial tasks. But believe me, the longer you delay, the more difficult it will become. Actions Ultimately, you will be judged by your actions. Avoid getting into trouble right at the beginning by trying to shake things up too much. Also openly acknowledge that you and your predecessor did good work with your team in the past. Implement changes after gaining an overview. Because you have a good relationship with your employees, you can involve them in decisions early on. But only to the extent that you maintain your leadership role clearly. Role Behavior Be clear in your daily life about which role you are in. If you should go for a drink after work as a colleague (although it may be advisable to limit the extent of social gatherings or not always be among the last to leave a private party), avoid work-related conversations. You are there as a colleague, not as a boss. Mixing these roles is more confusing than helpful. If you need to communicate decisions or set requirements to your team from the leadership role, clearly declare, especially in the beginning: "even though I have known you for a long time, I am now speaking to you as your boss." Seek feedback from employees who you know well and who communicate openly with you. This helps to adjust to this new role until one day it becomes everyday and familiar for everyone involved. For more information about Stefan Häseli and the topic of Boss, visit: http://www.entertainment-excellence.de/redner/stefan-haeseli-buchen.html