I recently got promoted at work. Not a huge promotion, but just a lead position that puts me slightly above my co workers. Now this only happened on Monday, so I haven’t really done much yet, or even worked a shift where I am in charge, but I already know it’s going to be an interesting transition.
For one thing, how do you go from being a peer to being someone’s leader? The relationship dynamic changes some. Now since I don’t actually have that much power, I don’t think it changes a lot, but it will still be interesting. I have the power to tell my co workers what to do, and they are supposed to listen to me. This will be particularly interesting with certain co workers because I got promoted above some people who have worked at my company for three times as long as I have. And I still want to be people’s friends. I would hate it if people stopped confiding in me now that I’m their lead. I guess only time will tell.
It’s also interesting because now I am on the other side. Privy to all the inside workings of the management, and witness to disciplinary actions. My work is gossip central, which I admit is not something that I love about it, but also something that is hard to ignore because even though I hate gossip, of course I also want to know what’s going on with everyone. Why did this person get called into the office, etc. But now that I’m a part of those meetings, I am supposed to keep professionally quiet about it, instead of swapping stories with my co workers. It is an interesting transition. Of course, I don’t want to just spread stories about everyone all the time , but it’s difficult when you know everything that’s happening and you can’t tell anyone about it.
I definitely feel the pressure to espouse maturity in all of my actions now. This is not a bad thing, but it is very new, and I’m intrigued to see how it develops. I’ll keep you posted.
I’ve been there. It can be tough. Remember: it’s not a popularity contest. When the chips are down, which side of the line will you stand? Decide before you get there. You can’t afford to be dithering and making your mind up when the proverbial hits the fan. Good luck!
Congrats on the promotion! Recently my department had a meeting with our head boss who shared some management tips. She talked a lot about how dynamics will change and how you’ll have to distance yourself from being chummy with other employees. She also stressed the importance of keeping a balance of how much information you release and how much your withhold. It’s definitely a bit of a balance beam it seems but I’m sure as you go you’ll get the hang of it and have the support of your superior. Good luck! Can’t wait to hear more.
Although it might be weird at first, and the people who secretly (or not so secretly) wanted your job might be peeved for a while, you have such a winning personality that I doubt it will take you long to whip the place into shape and have everyone convinced that you’re the best boss ever. 🙂