At Excel Communications, we work with bright, driven individuals, just like you, who often find themselves stepping outside their comfort zone to manage peers or former co-workers.
Let’s be real - taking on a leadership role over friends or colleagues can feel daunting. You might be feeling some trepidation, especially if you’ve had disagreements with certain team members or perhaps turned a blind eye to their performance issues in the past, issues that you now must address.
The good news is that many managers have walked this path and emerged stronger. So, what are the key areas to focus on when managing your peers effectively?
A well-recognised principle among successful leaders is having a clear career vision. From the day you step into your new role, your behaviour and actions should reflect the leader you aspire to be.
You’ve likely heard the advice to "dress for the role you want" during an interview - this applies just as much once you’re in the job. Demonstrating credibility, integrity, and character from day one will establish a solid foundation for your leadership journey.
As you transition into your leadership role, it’s essential to manage your relationships with your peers. This doesn’t mean cutting off all casual conversations, but gradually stepping away from office politics and the social circles you were once a part of.
Your relationships will inevitably change. As a manager, you need to maintain professional boundaries. For example, it’s not ideal to engage in casual gossip or extended lunch breaks and then, an hour later, be in a formal meeting discussing someone's performance.
By creating a bit of distance, you also create the space to focus on your new responsibilities as a leader.
One of the most effective tools for a manager is regular one-to-one meetings with team members. In today’s fast-paced business environment, it can be easy to overlook the importance of individual time with your team, but these sessions are essential for building authentic relationships and fostering open dialogue.
Use these meetings to reiterate your vision for the team, clarify your role as a leader, and address any lingering issues. If you know that there are individuals with whom your relationship isn’t what it could be, be open about it. Work together to find a solution.
For those you were closer to before stepping into your leadership role, it’s important to explain that your responsibilities have shifted. Acknowledge that your relationship may change, but reassure them that you’re still there to support their success.
Remember, many of the individuals you manage may be Millennials, and their personal development and career progression will be high on their agenda. Use this as a framework to guide your conversations.
If you encounter resistance or disrespect from peers, don’t ignore it. Address it directly, but respectfully. For example, if someone is disengaged during meetings or displays negative body language, pull them aside privately and focus on their behaviour:
"I noticed in the last meeting you were giving one-word answers and disagreed with several suggestions without explaining why. You were also rolling your eyes at Dan. What’s going on?"
After asking the question, pause and listen. This opens the door for honest conversation, and once you understand their perspective, you can move forward constructively. For more insights, check out our other blog posts on handling feedback.
Consistency is key to successful leadership. Your team will look to you for stability, fairness, and clarity. By consistently demonstrating these qualities, you will not only earn the respect of your peers but also create the high-performing team you’ve envisioned.
By following these strategies, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the unique challenges of managing peers and establishing yourself as a successful leader. Stay strong, keep the faith, and lead with authenticity.
Many thanks,
Nic & The Excel Team
P.S. If you would like to discuss any of your other learning & development challenges, book in your discovery call.
About Excel Communications
Excel Communications is a learning and development consultancy based near London in the U.K. For more than 30 years; we have been collaborating with clients across the globe.
Partnering with Excel empowers you to evolve your people and business by fuelling a love for learning.
We work with you to create unforgettably, customised learning experiences to achieve your vision of success and growth, with tangible results.
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