A lot of managers struggle with working with their friends.

So, if this is you too, we wanted to let you know that you’re not alone!

 

We know the problem well because we’ve been there too.

  • They don’t do what they promised… you feel stuck.
  • They speak differently with you than their other managers… you deserve more respect.
  • You let things slide and it’s impacting the teams and your performance.

 

It impacts you as a manager, you stop feeling in charge of your team – you can sense your team knows it and so does everyone else around you.

The others see the behaviour and they tend to start behaving the same, as they see this is allowed.

Once you learn how to overcome this problem, your self-confidence as a manager will increase and your performance as a team will do so too!

 

WHAT HAT ARE YOU WEARING? 

We love this, because it makes it clear and defined.

Here are some tips and tricks you can use:

Imagine you are wearing different hats in different situations or roles (& you can do this in all areas of life if you want to!)

For example:

When you are speaking to a member of your team; you have your “manager” hat on.

Think of a situation you have been in this week with a team member.

 

You can ask yourself,

  • “What would I say as their manager?”
  • “What behaviour do I expect from them as their manager?”

 

Now ask yourself:

  • “What would I say as their friend?”
  • “What behaviours do I expect from them as their friend?”

 

What do you notice about the answers?

 

We also find it useful, for you and for them, to make it clear to the other person, what hat are you wearing.

“As your manager…”

“As your friend…”