It's Not Fair To Confuse Your Workers And Senior Management With A Wishy-washy Leadership Style

By Author: Ronen Cohen
Total Articles: 3
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Are you still trying to be one of the guys?
Let me explain:
Imagine you've been promoted from an individual contributor to the position of a manager within the same department. Good for you! You have done well for yourself!

Now you need to consolidate your position
I'm assuming, you have taken essential steps to help your staff understand the new working relationship. In case you've not done so, you are treading on eggshells.

What is one of the most critical tasks of a manager?
To earn the trust of your workers!
Even though your colleagues have trusted you as a co-worker but they need time to test you before they can trust you as a manager.

The roles of an individual contributor and of the manager are very distinct
You need to be aware that people who used to be your coworkers or friends look at you differently once you are a manager. You just can't help it...

What will happen, if you try to fill both the roles?
You will fill neither of them well.

And the ...
... outcome-
You will be resented for your two faced approach by your workers. Your seniors will find you ineffective. It's a standard recipe for losing on both the fronts.

So what can you do?
Call for a meeting or have a discussion as part of your regular staff meetings at the earliest because you need to solve the problem quickly.

The purpose of the meeting is to establish a new working relationship with them
Tell them that as a manager you are now expected to handle things differently from the way you did when you worked at the same level. In other words, sometimes you will have to take decisions that some of them may not like.

Also let them know that -
You would also be talking to them about performance management and performance reviews. Let them know that there would be occasions where it won't be easy for either of you because you have worked side-by-side. However, highlight to them, since you know them well, there are some real advantages for them, the department and the organization.

Tell them
You are seeking an honest and transparent relationship, therefore you're putting everything on the table. Make them understand how things have changed so that they can all make the necessary adjustments. Be polite but confident.

Your leadership styles will help you
There is no doubt that you will have difficulty at first separating your roles as manager and as an individual contributor. If you are unable to admit to the group that roles have changed, you will seriously damage your position by announcing to the senior management that you're not ready for the task. Don't hesitate to develop the right leadership style to clarify your new working relationship with you co-workers.