Transitioning from co-worker to manager…

Did you finally get that big promotion and make the jump from just another person on the team to the manager? During this transition phase you move from being happy hour buddies and complaining about the management to that manager who dictates policies and procedures. It is not an easy step to take, and it is one you should take the time to plan.

While making this transition always have your employees and your leadership in mind. It is important that you fulfill your requirements as a manager while maintaining the trust you have with your employees.

Here are a few tips you should consider when making this transition.

1. Although you may not agree, it is time to pull away from your buddies. You can still hang out, but don’t partake in company venting, and don’t get sloshed with them at happy hour. If you are going to be paid like a manager, you should act like one. That doesn’t mean you can’t have any fun, but it means being responsible and a leader in your firm.

2. When you take on this leadership challenge, be sure to lead by doing. Plan out good traits that you want your employees to mimic, and practice them. Build trust in your ability to manage through consensus and understanding.

3. Finally, communicate effectively. When there is a policy that needs to be executed, make sure your employees understand why it is occurring, how they play a role in this change, and the impact on them. Even if they don’t like the policy, if there is a complete understanding, they will respect you and your position.

These are just a few of the things you should do when your transition from a co-worker to a manager. But above all, be sure to be open and honest. This is a great opportunity for you to not do all of the things you hated about your management. Always be aware of your leadership and your employees' objectives.

There are a million more tips on this; more to follow in a later blog…stay tuned!