#97 | 6.6.25 - Q&A: How Do I Lead a Team With My Friends? / AI Baby Shower / 1000 ChatGPT Prompts / 7 ‘Old People’ Sayings That Are Solid Advice
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Q&A: How Do I Lead a Team With My Friends?
Hello! Question for you - I’ve been at my organization for a number of years. Recently I was promoted to lead the team. I’m excited about it, but I’m not sure how to be a boss to my friends on the team. Any advice? - Rob
Thanks for the question, Rob. This one’s tricky. How do you navigate the tricky shift from being “one of the team” to being the boss, especially with established friendships? How do you lead with clarity while honoring those relationships? Here are five practical ways to navigate this complex transition.
1️⃣ Acknowledge the Power Shift
The dynamics have changed, and avoiding that reality will only create confusion. Clarity is your friend here, as awkward as it may feel. I would recommend that you start this new dynamic to your relationship by having an honest, authentic conversation. Maybe it would go something like this:
“I value our friendship and want to make sure we do this change well. Some things may feel different at work now. Can we agree to talk openly about it so there’s no awkwardness later?”
This conversation could set a precedent for mutual respect in your new roles.
2️⃣ Accept Your New Role
Your behavior sets the tone for your team, and just like #1, clarity is your friend. Falling back into “friend mode” will erode trust and credibility. Gossiping about work challenges, sharing confidential information, or venting with your friends at work may feel like a way to bond, but it’s a surefire way to lose respect as a leader.
3️⃣ Be Consistent and Fair
Favoritism is one of the quickest ways to undermine your leadership. Even if you have a close friendship with someone on your team, ensure they’re treated the same as everyone else. Let data guide your decisions, not personal bias.
4️⃣ Be Willing To Make the Tough Decisions
Being a leader means accepting tough truths. You won’t always be popular; your role is to make decisions that benefit the team and organization.
This is crucial for promotions, assignments, and layoffs. Friendships can cloud judgment and complicate tough decisions. It's essential to establish clear, measurable standards for everyone and stick to them.
Workplace friendships can be a double-edged sword. They make the long hours more enjoyable, but they can also complicate leadership transitions. The key is to approach the shift with honesty, fairness, and clarity.
AI Baby Shower
I saw this on X this week and thought this was a cool idea!
1000 ChatGPT Prompts
I initially wondered about how helpful this list could be, but I like how they grouped the prompts into different sections. I definitely grabbed a few for myself.
7 ‘Old People’ Sayings That Are Solid Advice
This article highlights the timeless wisdom your grandparents tried to share; seven sayings that are actually powerful life advice for any age.
Despite common belief, having a nicer car or even a private jet won't fix your problems. The good news is that slow meals, twice a week with friends and family, just might.
- Tim Ferris