I've just been promoted to a managerial position where I am now supervising my former colleagues. How do I handle the tension personally and among my new employees?

Moving from the position of colleague to boss or manager is always a challenge but certainly a situation that can be mastered.  The transition may be more difficult if one or two of your colleagues were also candidates or applicants for the position. In this case, seek each of those individuals out and in a private conversation discuss the opportunity and the process, and ask for his/her support. If there is obvious resentment, it may be necessary to discuss the desirability of having the person transfer to another department–if such alternatives are possible.

Tension may emanate from many factors. The most obvious source is the nature of the relationships you had as a colleague or fellow worker. If the workplace climate and culture was one of collaboration, honesty and open communication, the transition occurs more easily.  If, however, the environment was overly competitive, secretive or dysfunctional, the transition will likely be more difficult.

The essential question is: how did you behave in your previous status as colleague?  If you followed the values and practices of the organization, and were supportive, hard-working and accepted, managing and leading will not pose a problem. If, however, you have a lot of skeletons in your closet–unknown to top management, but well known by your former colleagues–you may go through a difficult transition.

Another issue you may need to address is the “friendship” status between you and your former co-workers, or any one of them specifically. With your new promotion, it may not be appropriate or possible to continue to be best friends with one of your subordinates.  Matters of favoritism, perceived or real, will surface and serve as a distraction to the business of getting things done.

Finally, the best way to confront the tension is to recognize it, and discuss the full range of emotions and reactions with those involved. Addressing these feelings openly makes resolution of problems much more likely.

Good luck to you.