Becoming the supervisor is an exhilarating transition, however it can also be a tense one. This is particularly true if 
you are currently managing people who were your peers. You need to create your authority, without behaving like the elevation has gone to your head. How you walk this line will be subject to your organization and your management style, however there are some common rules to make any transition easier.
Common mistakes made by new managers:
- Craving to stay friends with your former peers and not instituting your authority as a manager
- Declaring your new authority too punitively and coming down too hard on former peers
- Not giving a problematic employee constructive feedback to avoid conflict then surprising him/her at a performance review.
- Continuing the work yourself, rather than building your employees’ expertise
- Taking for granted that employees know exactly what you want them to do without providing any guidance
Tips for Handling the Transition
At times when you get promoted, you might get more than you were hoping for when you succeed to some of your former peers and workplace friends as part of your team. This is a difficulty that you must confront. In conditions like this, having the advantage of the insights from someone who has been through a similar experience can be priceless.
Preparing Yourself for These Changes
- Look for assistance from your manager in making your transition positive. Consult others in the organization who also supervise former co-workers.
- Make the most of supervisory training provided in your organization. Improve your leadership abilities in every way possible.
Walking the Tightrope (friends vs subordinates)
Don’t treat your friends differently, but do – tread lightly. You’re being observed under a magnifying glass now. Remain friendly, but understand that your connection has changed. You can’t be a “buddy” and a manager simultaneously. Your new responsibilities and authority do put you in a different space from employees. Remember to treat everyone with warmth and respect.
#Important: Don’t stop having lunch with your friends, but don’t go out with them exclusively or it will be perceived as favoritism by the other employees.
Shape-up your Team
Communicate with your teammates as soon as and as often as possible. This includes meeting everyone as a group and then again as individuals. Be open and honest with everyone. Communication is your best friend.
For more on the realities, challenges, and opportunities on supervising former peers in higher education, join expert speaker Aaron W. Hughey in a Live Webinar on Tue, September 27, 2016. During the session, Aaron will provide evidence-based tools and best practices needed to successfully negotiate, manage and lead your former peers in higher education.
