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EXPERT Q&A FOR ADMINISTRATIVE
PROFESSIONALS
QUESTION: I’m an administrative support professional who has just
been promoted to the position of supervisor of other admin professionals.
How do I make this transfer and keep relationships with my former
colleagues, now my subordinates, comfortable and operating smoothly?
ANSWER (by Erin O’Hara Meyer, PHR, international trainer and consultant and
president of Administrative Excellence, Inc.):
This is a challenge for everyone that has ever been in this situation.
Promotions from within require a great deal of professionalism, savvy, and
patience on the part of a new manager. It can be awkward for everyone
involved. As challenging as these situations can be, however, my fundamental
suggestion is to always “be yourself.” Your skill, talent, and experience
led you to this new role – so trust your instincts and use your attributes
wisely to navigate through uncharted waters.
Below are three things that may help you get off to a successful start:
1.
Meet with your new “team” to address everyone’s concerns, including your
own. Let your former peers know how you feel, what you hope to accomplish in
your new role, and how you plan to champion their continued growth and
success. Hold individual meetings to personalize your discussions, gain
insight into your subordinate’s career goals, and understand their
expectation of you as their new manager. Open communication diffuses any
uncertainties associated with you, your vision, and your continued
relationships. It also shows your eagerness to establish an inclusive
management style.
2.
Continually share relevant information to ensure your admin team can work to
the best of their abilities. Sharing such information with the entire staff
maintains a balance of fairness and equity amongst the team members and
doesn’t single out those individuals that were perceived as “your friends”
prior to the promotion. It is important that your subordinate’s recognize
they are being treated equally and that they are all exposed to the same
“need to know” information.
3.
Remove yourself from petty issues and office gossip that will undermine your
trust and respect as a leader. It will take time for some former peers to
accept your new role and new authority. By displaying respectful behaviors,
using good judgment, and showing a sense of humor you can help make your
subordinates feel comfortable and understanding of your need for some
boundaries.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
For over 20 years Erin O’Hara Meyer, PHR, has performed administrative
responsibilities, managed administrative teams, and led human resource
initiatives culminating in award-winning professional development plans for
administrative staff. As an international trainer and consultant, Erin
promotes that each administrative job is a career waiting to happen. To
learn more about Administrative Excellence, Inc. or to order a copy of
Erin’s first book, Administrative Excellence: Revolutionizing Our Value
in the Workplace, please visit
www.adminexcellence.com.
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