There is no doubt that getting promoted from worker to supervisor or manager can be very stressful for an individual. This can be particularly stressful if you get promoted and still work in the area you were before.  I have spoken to many people who find this very stressful, and I know it can be daunting. So what areas can we focus on when faced with this challenge:

Be Yourself - don’t try to be something that you’re not.  You may have already worked with the same people who already know you so you don’t have to prove who you are.  Remember, the promotion does not change who you are, it changes what you do, your title and your workload.

You’re Still Part of a Team - you now may be a supervisor but remember your still part of a team and it’s a team to get a job done.  Dysfunctional teams are not very effective and can be quite destructive.  There are 5 key dysfunctions of a team that can be amplified by poor management:

Encourage Communication - it might take some time for individuals to feel that they can approach you with issues.  Make sure you either have a door open (and mean it) or ensure that individuals have an opportunity to talk to you about any problems they may have.

Be Brave! - do not be afraid of conflict, when this happens we have artificial harmony which is never good, and conflict gets pushed underground.  If you need to address a situation, do not back down.  However, don't be aggressive. When you need to, be assertive and be in control. Individuals need to see that you will not be disrespected or walked over and sometimes you have to be brave.

One Step at a Time - remember we don’t have to change or incorporate changes straight away.  This is likely to scare people and cause fear; people don’t like change.  If things need to change, take it one step at a time. Remember in any change there will be resistance.

Remember it can be a stressful time having your first run on your management ladder.  Follow these key tips and it will make the transition smoother.

Ralph Moody is the founder of Target Training and specialises in trainer and management development.  You can read more about him here.  You can read more about the management courses Ralph delivers training on including the prestigious Foundation Management Development Programme (FMDP) here.