Tips for transitioning from co-worker to leader

At Stratos, as our second corporate objective states, we are committed to investing in team members so they can grow personally and professionally. Giving our people the opportunity and tools needed to progress and grow professionally shows them they are valued and allows them the space to learn not only from their successes but also failures. While hiring and promoting from within works very well for us, it doesn’t come without its challenges for those taking on new roles. Read on for advice from Angela Kirkendoll, a Stratos service partner turned supervisor.

Establish boundaries.
A common challenge new leaders face is managing relationships they’ve built with those they now lead. It can be hard, but certainly possible, to hold friends accountable while maintaining a level of mutual respect. This is where communication comes into play. Clear and consistent communication is key to keeping these relationships balanced and healthy.

Be accessible and approachable.
On the contrary, a leader may not have the best relationships with those they once worked alongside. In this case, it is imperative to deny your instinct to avoid the individual(s) and instead, be accessible and approachable. Sit down with them to find common ground, and give them a platform to share their thoughts. Listen intently, allowing the employee to feel heard. Doing so can go a long way in strengthening the professional relationship.

What other challenges do you feel new leaders face immediately following a promotion? How can those making promotional decisions better prepare these new leaders for the transition?