You are now managing your former teammates
Example situation
After your promotion, a former teammate privately requests a preferred assignment. Another team member wants it and has yet to discuss their interest.
Our recommendation
Discuss your new responsibilities with each former teammate and ask what they need from you. Use clear criteria for assignments and opportunities, explain each decision, and protect confidential information.
If you are the manager
Meet each former teammate individually. Explain your responsibilities and ask how they see the working relationship. Include how you will give feedback, handle private information, and consider development interests.
“I know you're interested. I need to compare the skills the assignment requires, everyone's workload, and the development opportunity before deciding.” Give other suitable team members a way to express interest.
Explain the decision using those criteria. Discuss the chosen person's relevant experience while keeping others’ personal circumstances private.
Give feedback against the same standard you use for the team. When a former teammate questions your decision, inspect the evidence. Credit a useful concern when it changes the decision, and explain the correction to the people affected.
Check later assignments against your stated criteria. Ask directly about a development interest you overlooked.
Questions that come up
Can I remain friends with former teammates?
You can remain friends. State what you can discuss or promise when a request concerns an assignment or another person’s performance.
What if a teammate wanted my role?
Listen before offering reassurance. Discuss responsibilities or support you can provide, without promising a future promotion.
The responsibility behind this situation
New Manager Guide Leading the team you came fromLast Updated: