Managing friends - a dilemma

[Notshortnottall]

Crica. 18 months ago I was promoted into a new role from a job I really enjoyed, but which lacked room for development and progression. I had many good friends there who I've now known for some time and one who's wedding and stag do I'm going to later on this year.

Fast forward to today and a lot has changed in my old department. I took a call from my old Director who's asked me to return to the department in a Senior Managerial role.

This will inevitably involve some whip-cracking and I will be directly responsible for the performance of a few really good friends. Has anyone ever been in this position before and it's backfired?

I don't want to cause resentment within the department, and I know they are a good bunch of people who put the graft in. I'm concerned that my work ethos will have to be different to theirs, and I'd hate to be put in a position of work vs friendship.

Any advice?

[Agoogy]

I joined a company back in 96 in a junior role, by 2002 I was the department head. That meant all of the team of 8 who I had been 'part' of were under my control as it were, 3 of who were by then very close personal mates... 1 of whom was renowned for obstruction, strong opinion and argument...very Alpha he was/is...
And the 'is' is important, because he is still a very very good friend despite me haviong to tackle him on a few occasions... he also took me through a grievance procedure when I upped the pay of all around except him because of his work attitude... we talked it out in the office and on occasion when we went for mountain bike rides we'd talk it out some more, I saw his POV and he saw mine, in the end, I/we re-evaluated 12 months later and he'd calmed down enough to allow the pay rise...He's changed careers and become really successful, I'm still in the same industry...and we still talk about those days and laugh ...mostly.
The other 2 mates did their jobs and took the pis out of me out-of hours, all friendly banter, and I gave as good as I got.

I suppose if they're proper and mature friends they'll understand....and if not...they won't. It's not nice, but we all have jobs to do. Good luck with it.

[singlecoil]

I've been in a similar position, and it wasn't a problem. Unless they are complete dheads they will get the idea without difficulty.

[rog007]

if you have the confidence, leadership and moral compass to cope and they have the maturity to understand, then no problem. But you have to consider the worst case scenario - you may have to discipline one of them. Could you put the organisation's needs ahead of your friendship? If not, then I would talk with your prospective new boss; there may be a compromise position. Good luck!

[khushy]

Step up your energy levels and pace - lead dont direct - your friends will not want to be left behind and shown up by the "old boy" in the drivers seat!

[singlecoil]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

That sounds interesting. Feel free to tell us more...