Being a manager can be great: an important, influential role that lets you demonstrate your strategic skills – but it can be tricky! What happens if you are managing people who were once your friends?
This happens a lot in small businesses, so here are some thoughts for you managers (and even if you are not a manager, these principles work for other social groups, or family dynamics too).
If you come on like the big boss, when you used to be someone’s friend, you are likely to alienate some people. Or conversely, they might think you’re joking with this bossiness and not take you seriously.
And you shouldn’t try to be everybody’s friend. Trying to please all the people all the time can often mean that you give most attention to the more awkward members of the team, and apparently take for granted the amenable, willing staff.
As we head towards the holiday period and the New Year, it’s a good time to reflect and re-set – so here are some actions to consider if you’re stepping up to manage familiar faces:
• Acknowledge your role. Talk openly about your role and what it means for everyone, and share your vision, so everyone knows what you’re all trying to achieve.
• Set boundaries early. Be clear about when you’re the boss — and when you’re just a friend.
• Stay consistent. Apply the same standards and opportunities across the team.
• Be transparent. Keep communication open about decisions and priorities.
• Record and reflect. Take time to critically reflect on your decisions and actions – and keep notes to ensure fairness and track progress.
• Lead with empathy. Remember, everyone’s adjusting — including you.
Thank you for reading these snippets this year, I hope you get some value from them. Season’s greetings to you all!
