How to Manage Your Friends (Without Making It Awkward)

When you’re a fast-rising millennial stepping into a managerial role for the first time, there’s certainly a lot to think about. You’ve probably wondered if your older colleagues will consider you experienced enough. Or maybe you’ve thought about how the shift in responsibility will affect your work-life balance. But many new managers have a worry that’s seldom addressed, even though it’s widespread: how to navigate managing peers and friends. What should you do when people who have always been your equals are now reporting to you? This transition can be awkward and anxiety-provoking to say the least, yet typical advice for new managers tends to gloss over how to manage the social and emotional changes. Here are some practical tips to help you successfully ease the stress, lead with confidence and keep your relationships intact even as they evolve and change. 1. Realize having friends at work is still a good thing. You’ve probably come across management advice warning you how employees need a leader, not a friend. As a new manager, your first impulse might be to put on your manager hat and cut off any friendly ties. The truth is, cutting off these friendships is not only unnecessary but can actually have a negative impact on your work and your organization. Research has shown the powerful benefits of having friends at work. People who have friends at work are not only more engaged, but their organizations are more profitable than those in which close friendship...
Source: World of Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Friends General Happiness Industrial and Workplace Mental Health and Wellness Money and Financial Motivation and Inspiration Relationships Self-Esteem Self-Help Stress Student Therapist Students Success & Achievement Women's Is Source Type: blogs