In today’s competitive professional landscape, it’s not uncommon for a close work friendship to face a significant shift when one friend is promoted to a managerial position, becoming the other’s boss. This transition can be both exciting and challenging, requiring a delicate balance between maintaining the friendship and adhering to professional boundaries. Here are some practical strategies and cautions for how to successfully navigate this change and preserve the friendship.
The Challenge of Maintaining a Work-Friendship Dynamic
When a colleague ascends to a managerial role and becomes your boss, it can impact the dynamics of your friendship. According to a study conducted by Workplace Options, around 67% of employees reported experiencing a shift in their relationships with friends who became their supervisors. This change in power dynamics can create unique challenges, necessitating a thoughtful approach to preserve both the friendship and professional respect.
ResumeLab conducted a study on the BFF-to-Boss phenomena talking to 1,000 employed people about their friends at work and what happened when one was promoted over the other.
- 44% experienced a friend getting a promotion to boss; 29.9% said it had never happened to them
- 50% were jealous of their friend’s promotion
- Nearly 69% said the promotion did not change the friendship, but for 17.3% if worsened, while 14.1% said it improved
- Establishing authority was a big problem for the newly promoted with 38.3% finding the new authority their biggest challenge
- 36.6% felt their friend had undermined them after being promoted and more than 1 in 10 fired their former friend
MORE STUDY RESULTS…
Embracing Communication and Setting Boundaries
Open and transparent communication is crucial during this transition. A survey by Harvard Business Review found that employees who openly discussed their concerns and expectations with their newly promoted friend-turned-boss, experienced higher levels of satisfaction and clarity in their relationships. By establishing clear boundaries between work and personal life, around 56% of employees surveyed by CareerBuilder reported maintaining a work-friendship balance successfully.
Supporting Career Growth and Celebrating Achievements
One advantage of having a work bestie as your boss is their understanding of your strengths and ambitions. A Gallup poll highlighted that employees who reported feeling supported and encouraged by their managers were 1.4 times more likely to be engaged in their work. Emphasizing mutual support and celebrating each other’s achievements can strengthen the bond while fostering a positive work environment.
Navigating Conflicts and Challenges
As with any relationship, conflicts may arise. It’s essential to handle such situations professionally and respectfully. According to a study published in the Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology, employees who navigated conflicts with their friends-turned-bosses successfully reported higher job satisfaction levels than those who allowed conflicts to escalate.
Considering Alternate Paths
In some cases, despite efforts to maintain the friendship, the change in power dynamics may prove too challenging to sustain the relationship. An article in the Journal of Business and Psychology cited that in situations where the friendship could not coexist with the new professional hierarchy, employees sometimes opted to change jobs to preserve the friendship outside of work. And a Harvard Business Review article cited that 70% of individuals lost friendships since becoming a manager.
Conclusion
Navigating the transition when your work bestie becomes your boss requires a blend of professionalism, empathy, and open communication. By setting clear boundaries, supporting each other’s growth, and addressing conflicts constructively, you can preserve your cherished friendship while thriving in your respective roles. Remember that, in some cases, the best course of action might involve considering alternative paths, such as changing jobs, to ensure your friendship continues to flourish beyond the workplace. With the right approach, this change can present an opportunity for growth, both professionally and personally.
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