When the Buddy Becomes the Boss

The Promotion That Changes Everything

One day, they’re part of the team. They share the jokes, join in with the frustrations and work alongside their colleagues as equals.

The next day, they’re responsible for managing them.

Suddenly, they’re expected to set expectations, delegate work, give feedback and address underperformance. It’s a significant change, but one that many new managers are expected to navigate with very little support.

When Relationships Get in the Way

Managers promoted from within often struggle to establish the right boundaries.

Some remain the team’s buddy and avoid difficult conversations because they don’t want to damage existing relationships. Others overcorrect, becoming overly formal or assertive in an attempt to prove they’re now in charge.

Neither approach creates the trust, clarity or accountability their team needs.

Are Your Management Programmes Preparing Them?

If you’re responsible for commissioning management development, it’s worth asking whether your programmes address the realities of becoming a manager, or simply provide another collection of models and tools.

New managers need practical skills, but they also need support to make a more personal transition. They must become comfortable setting expectations, delegating to former peers and having conversations that may not always be popular.

They need to understand that being approachable doesn’t mean avoiding accountability, and being the manager doesn’t mean becoming distant or unbearably important.

More Than Management Training

This is one of the challenges we address through The Shift.

The Shift is a six-workshop management development programme built around Mindset, Skillset and Toolset. It helps managers make the practical and personal shifts needed to manage themselves, their people and performance more effectively.

Because promoting someone into management changes their job title overnight.

Helping them become a confident and capable manager takes more than that.

If your managers are struggling with the move from buddy to boss, perhaps it’s time for The Shift.

Contact me today matt@twentyoneleadership.com