From Peer to Boss: How to Lead Your Former Teammates
Promoting to lead former peers shifts team dynamics from horizontal allies to vertical authority, often triggering psychological distance and status threats. To succeed, avoid pretending nothing changed. Address the shift directly through 1-on-1s, reset boundaries, and eliminate perceptions of favoritism by establishing fair, transparent team processes together. Finally, move away from top-down command and focus on facilitation, empowering your team through active support and open consultation.