So you finally get the promotion you’ve been working so hard for and will be making the transition from peer to supervisor. It is common to worry about the transition phase with fear of losing friendships, keeping up with the workload or handling the tasks of being a manager, like how to assign work and maintain quality. This transition is a big step and, in addition to a change in roles, requires active leadership – like being responsible for productivity and results for your department.

Here are five tips to help make the transition easier:

1. Think about how you want to be known as a supervisor – set goals and expectations for yourself.
2. Meet with your entire team soon after promotion.
3. Meet individually with each employee to discuss concerns and set expectations of how you will work together.
4. Communicate clearly how much you respect the team and look forward to working with each one as supervisor.
5. Set clear expectations of how and when you will meet with individuals and teams

There is a workshop to help you ease the transition: Emerging Professionals Leadership Institute.