Transitioning from Peer to Manager

Tina-Schuricht • July 18, 2025

Share this article

Transitioning from peer to a manager is one of the most difficult career transitions I have experienced. It requires a whole new mindset, refined communication skills, and a strategic approach to leadership. And in the words of Marshall Goldsmith , “What Got You Here Won’t Get You There”. There are also significant benefits to making the transition from peer to manager.

Benefits of Transitioning from Peer to Manager

  • Continuity and Familiarity – Since you were previously a peer, your team benefits from having a leader who understands their challenges, strengths, and dynamics.
  • Stronger Communication and Trust – Your existing relationships with team members can foster open communication and trust, making collaboration smoother.
  • Improved Team Morale – A manager who has firsthand experience with the team’s work can advocate for their needs, leading to better support and motivation.
  • Clearer Career Growth Paths – Your promotion sets an example for others, showing that career advancement is possible within the organization.
  • More Effective Leadership – Since you already know the team’s workflow and challenges, you can implement improvements that directly benefit productivity and efficiency.

Overcoming Challenges

For those of you going through the transition from peer to manager, you know that what makes this transition so challenging is that you go from working alongside colleagues as equals to leading them, making decisions, and holding them accountable. This can test both your leadership skills and your emotional intelligence. Here are some of the most common obstacles and how to navigate them effectively:

Embrace Your New Role with Confidence

One of the biggest hurdles in transitioning to management is overcoming self-doubt or i mposter syndrome. You may feel awkward leading former peers but remember—you were chosen for this role because of your skills, experience, and leadership potential. Own your new position with confidence while remaining approachable and supportive. Acknowledge the transition openly with your team. Let them know you’re excited about the role and committed to their success.

Set Clear Expectations

As a peer, you may have shared casual conversations and informal work habits with colleagues. As a manager, you need to establish clear expectations regarding performance, accountability, and professionalism.  You must define roles and responsibilities clearly, communicate goals and objectives early on, and ensure fairness and consistency in decision-making.

Shift Your Mindset from “Friend” to “Leader”

While maintaining positive relationships is important, your primary responsibility is now to lead. This means making tough decisions, addressing conflicts, and sometimes delivering difficult feedback. Be friendly but professional—avoid favoritism, set boundaries to maintain respect and authority, and focus on mentorship rather than personal friendships.

Develop Strong Communication Skills

Effective communication is key to earning trust and respect. You must be able to articulate expectations, provide constructive feedback, and listen to concerns. Hold regular one-on-one meetings with team members, be transparent about changes and decisions, and encourage open dialogue and feedback.

Learn to Delegate

Many new managers struggle with delegation , often feeling they need to do everything themselves. However, effective leaders empower their teams by assigning tasks based on strengths and skills. Trust your team’s abilities—avoid micromanaging, assign tasks strategically to develop employees’ skills, provide guidance but allow autonomy.

Handle Conflicts Professionally

As a peer, you may have avoided workplace conflicts. As a manager, addressing issues is part of your responsibility. Whether it’s performance concerns or interpersonal disputes, approach conflicts with fairness and professionalism. Listen to all perspectives before making decisions, address issues promptly to prevent escalation, focus on solutions rather than blame.

Seek Mentorship and Continuous Learning

No one becomes a great manager overnight. Seek guidance from experienced leaders, attend management training, and continuously refine your leadership skills. Find a mentor within your organization, read leadership books, and attend workshops, ask for feedback from your team, and adjust accordingly.

Embrace the Journey

Transitioning from peer to manager is a significant career shift that can feel challenging, but with the right mindset and strategies, you can earn respect, build strong relationships, and lead effectively.  To do so requires confidence, communication, and adaptability. By setting clear expectations, maintaining professionalism, and continuously learning, you can successfully lead your team while earning their trust and respect. Accept the learning curve, seek mentorship, and continuously refine your leadership skills to succeed in your new role.  Embrace the journey and remember—great leaders are made through experience and growth.

And if you need help, ask!  Coaches can help you navigate the challenges that you face as you make this transition.  Reach out if you want to learn more about how coaches can help with transitioning from peer to manager.

Recent Posts

Rediscover Passion in Your Career
By Tina Schuricht February 13, 2026
Reconnect with your purpose, embrace learning, build relationships, celebrate wins, and be open to change, to rediscover passion in your career and love what you do.
Staying Committed in February
By Tina Schuricht February 6, 2026
Revisit your “why,” break goals into manageable steps, build accountability, and celebrate success to sustain your momentum and turn your resolutions into realities.
Hand holding smartphone inside a cage, symbolizing addiction to technology. Yellow background.
By Tina Schuricht January 30, 2026
Taking a digital detox is an act of leadership that enhances effectiveness and fosters a more mindful, resilient, and innovative workplace.
Person in yellow hoodie and shorts sits on bench, head down, knees up, next to a basketball, chain-link fence in background.
By Tina Schuricht January 23, 2026
Reframing failure and using it as fuel for growth opens ourselves up to new possibilities and greater resilience to achieve what we desire. Our response matters.
Woman with a black shaker and bag walking on a track, smiling, outdoors.
By Tina Schuricht January 9, 2026
The power of micro-habits lies in their ability to bypass resistance and foster consistency leading to lasting change.
Woman with closed eyes frames face with outstretched hands.
By Tina Schuricht January 9, 2026
To move from burnout to boundaries, you must lead with grace - show up authentically, honor your limits, and invite others to do the same
Success Your Own Way
By Tina Schuricht December 24, 2025
Explore the fluid nature of achievement and how the definition of success evolves throughout different life stages from external markers toward internal ones.
Computer with Christmas lights draped around the screen and keyboard, on a desk in an office.
By Tina Schuricht December 12, 2025
The holiday season brings warmth, celebration, and connection—but for many neurodivergent professionals, it also introduces sensory overload, social pressure, and disrupted routines. As a leader, your ability to create inclusive environments during this time isn’t just compassionate—it’s strategic. Neurodivergent team members may experience the holidays differently due to sensitivities around noise, light, crowds, or changes in structure. By leading with awareness and adaptability, you can foster belonging while reducing unnecessary stress. Why Holidays Can Be Challenging for Neurodivergent Employees Sensory Overload: Office parties, decorations, music, and crowded spaces can be overwhelming. Social Expectations : Unspoken norms around gift exchanges, small talk, or group activities may feel confusing or exhausting. Routine Disruption : Shifts in schedules, travel, and year-end deadlines can heighten anxiety or executive functioning challenges. Masking Pressure : The pressure to “fit in” or appear festive can lead to emotional fatigue and burnout. Inclusive Strategies for Leaders Here’s how you can support neurodivergent team members with grace and intentionality: Offer Opt-In Social Events Make participation optional and clearly communicate that declining is welcome. Provide alternative ways to connect—like virtual gratitude walls or one-on-one appreciation notes. Create Sensory-Friendly Spaces If hosting in-person events, designate quiet zones. Avoid flashing lights, loud music, or strong scents. Ask for input on what feels comfortable. Respect Communication Preferences Some team members may prefer written updates over verbal announcements or need extra time to process changes. Use multiple formats and give advance notice for schedule shifts. Honor Routine and Flexibility Maintain predictable workflows where possible. Offer flexible hours, remote options, or asynchronous participation in holiday activities. Model Inclusive Language Avoid assumptions like “everyone loves this time of year.” Instead, acknowledge diverse experiences and invite open dialogue: “We know the holidays feel different for everyone—let us know how we can support you.” Educate and Empower Your Team Share resources on neurodiversity. Encourage peer learning and normalize accommodations as part of a thriving workplace culture. Leadership That Listens Inclusive leadership isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. When you listen deeply, adapt thoughtfully, and lead with empathy, you create a workplace where every team member feels seen, respected, and safe to show up as they are.  This holiday season, let your leadership be a gift: one that honors difference, invites authenticity, and celebrates connection in all its forms. Reach out if you want to talk more about strategies to support all of your team members this holiday season.
By Tina Schuricht December 10, 2025
In this episode of Success Your Own Way , Alex Popp shares his inspiring shift from a successful R&D & Sourcing career at General Mills to purpose-driven entrepreneurship rooted in permaculture. After a spiritual awakening in 2022 shifted his trajectory, he left corporate life and founded PermaCulture Party in February 2024. Shortly after, he met his fiancé, Chanel, and together—they transform landscapes into foodscapes, host plant & dance parties, gift trees, plants and food forests to children through Neighborhood Forest, and cultivate eco-conscious-tourism through Airbnb experiences. Alex discusses how his definition of success evolved—from career milestones to heart-led impact, gratitude, and alignment with the natural world. Mentorship played a key role, from family and colleagues to permaculture guides and business coaches. He explains permaculture as a framework for living in harmony with Earth, guided by three ethics: People Care, Earth Care, and Fair Share. His proudest moments include proposing to Chanel and hosting a PermaCulture Party at Earth Vibe Festival, where his vision of planting a food forest while dancing and playing at a conscious festival came to life. Alex encourages listeners to: 🔥 Discover their soul’s purpose 🧘‍♂️ Use meditation to tune into intuition 💡 Plan wisely before making career shifts 🌱 Explore permaculture through books, videos, or design courses  His story is a powerful reminder to live intentionally, embrace abundance, and trust the journey.
By Tina Schuricht December 5, 2025
Let’s be honest, staying healthy during the holidays is challenging. And I’m not just talking about physical; maintaining your mental health can be a challenge, too. Between festive gatherings, travel, and year-end deadlines, it’s easy to lose sight of our well-being. The good news? With a few intentional choices, you can protect your physical and mental health while still embracing the spirit of the season. Prioritize Mental Health with Boundaries and Balance Set Realistic Expectations You don’t have to do it all. Choose what matters most—whether it’s quality time with loved ones, rest, or meaningful traditions—and let go of the rest. Perfection isn’t the goal; presence is. Schedule Downtime Block out time to recharge, even if it’s just 15 minutes a day. Read, journal, take a walk, or simply breathe. Protecting your peace is a form of leadership. Say “No” with Kindness It’s okay to decline invitations or step back from obligations that drain you. A simple, “Thank you for thinking of me, but I’m not able to join this time,” honors both your needs and the relationship. Stay Connected—Your Way If large gatherings feel overwhelming, opt for smaller meetups or one-on-one check-ins. Connection doesn’t have to be loud or crowded to be meaningful. Support Physical Health with Gentle Consistency Move Your Body Daily You don’t need a gym or a perfect routine. Stretch in the morning, dance in the kitchen, or take a brisk walk after meals. Movement boosts mood, digestion, and energy. Hydrate and Nourish Amid holiday treats and toasts, don’t forget water and balanced meals. Start your day with a protein-rich breakfast and aim for colorful, whole foods when possible. Sleep Like It’s Sacred Late nights are common this time of year, but consistent sleep is key to immunity, focus, and emotional regulation. Try to keep a regular bedtime and wind down with calming rituals. Listen to Your Body Pay attention to signs of fatigue, tension, or overwhelm. Your body is wise—honor its cues with rest, movement, or support. Celebrate with Intention Health isn’t about restriction—it’s about alignment. What brings you joy? What helps you feel grounded? Whether it’s a quiet morning walk, a shared meal, or a moment of gratitude, let your celebrations reflect your values. And if this season feels heavy or complicated, know that you’re not alone. Reach out. Ask for help. Offer grace to yourself and others.  Because the most meaningful gift you can give—at home, at work, or in your community—is your whole, healthy self. Reach out if you want to talk more about how to maintain your health throughout this holiday season.
Show More