Starting a new role at work? How to go from being friends to now managing them

If you've been at a company long enough you've probably made friends with a few colleagues. You're skyping each other jokes throughout the day, going on coffee breaks together, and snapping a selfie when you all show up at work wearing the same colour… Then, your hard work pays off and you’re promoted above your besties at work. What then? Will they resent you? Will you have to stop going on coffee breaks with them?

Do not fear! It's not an unusual transition. The key word here is transition - and these do take time.

It's important to know that you don’t need to immediately end all friendships. Some may be years old and have real meaning to you. What you do need to do is change the way you behave and sometimes interact with them in working hours. The last thing you want is to be accused of preferential treatment. Below are a few tips on how to manage your transition from peer to boss.

Talk about the elephant in the room

Arrange a casual meeting with your department as a team, or one-on-one, and assure them that even though your positions at work have changed the open dynamic of your relationships don't have to. People generally appreciate openness, and clearing the air before embarking on your new journey is the healthy way to go.

Fewer office hangouts

In order to really grow into your new role at work you will need to wean yourself off most lunch, coffee and social arrangements with your friends while at work. As a senior staff member, try to avoid being in every single lunchtime conversation because there is such a thing as too much information. Don’t stop being compassionate and friendly, and let your previous peers know you’re always there should they need help or advice.

Immerse yourself in the new role

So, you’ve moved from your previous role where you knew what was what to a new role that’s slightly unfamiliar. It’s time to throw yourself into it and show your company that they were right to promote you. Form new relationships with people in your department or seniority level and learn from them as much as possible. You will also be able to take cues from colleagues on how they treat friendships in the office.

Work is work, after all

Promotion or not, it's vital to keep your behaviour and interactions in check, and this includes online (social media alerts!). If you’re working your way up the ranks in a large company, then your behaviour will count from day one. Keeping it professional during work hours will mean you won’t have to suddenly do a 180 when you’re up for promotion.

Always keep the bigger picture in mind and what is important to you in the long run. Real friends will stay just that even if you happen to one day be their manager.