Hi Michelle,
I’ve been promoted to supervisor. How do I interact with employees who have always been my peers?
Congratulations! Organizations need more employees willing to step up to provide direction for their teams. You’ve shown impressive gumption by stepping across the line from employee to supervisor. While this move brings benefits, it always brings challenges, too. I think the tough parts are worth it because you’re able to more significantly and positively influence company culture. You’ll improve the lives of employees and clients – in your case, the patients your medical practice serves.
Ready yourself for this adventure by thinking about what types of things you can influence as a supervisor and what you can’t.
You’re more able to control:
- the expectations you set for yourself as a supervisor
- the expectations you help create for your employees
- which types of workplace behaviors you’ll reward and which you’ll confront (tip: document this)
- your thoughts (to some extent) and your actions (to a greater extent)
- your goals (with input from your boss)
- how you speak to yourself and others
- how often and how helpfully you deliver feedback
- whether or not you prioritize stress management to build resilience, which every supervisor needs
You’ll be less able to control:
- what others say and think about you
- whether your efforts will be rewarded
- whether you receive meaningful feedback (although you can regularly ask for it from diverse
- sources – employees, supervisors, and get the voice of the customer, too)
- how others manage stress
- you surely can’t control what’s happened with prior supervisors, so you may need to remind your team that it’s a new day. You bring your own vision with room for their input.
A few questions to light your way:
- Do you deserve this promotion and possess the knowledge, skills, and ability to give this a go? If so, remember that! Your employer made a good choice when they chose you. If not, be a self-starter to get the training you need to succeed and move quickly.
- Did someone else on your team want this promotion? If so, a chat simply to acknowledge the awkwardness of the situation can help clear the air.
- How will you celebrate this achievement? It’s a milestone in your career and deserves acknowledgment as such.
Thank you for following the whisper from within that asks you to lead. Do all the good you can for as long as you can, and press “pause” sometimes to rest.