Q: I have an individual who I’d like to promote but I’m worried about his personal relationships with the people he’d likely manage. Should this concern me?
A: Moving from buddy to boss isn't a transition that everyone can make. I believe it to be the most challenging of all management situations, as going from someone’s friend to someone’s boss is tricky!
It’s imperative to make it clear that he is going to have to adjust to a whole different set of professional and social demands. Before promoting, ask him if he thinks he'll be able to objectively critique somebody with whom he used to work. More importantly, ask him if he can deal honestly with a "friend."
To further determine his chances for success in a management position, the employee should be expected to interview with other top management. He should be put through the paces to isolate behavioral tendencies that will give some indication about how he will handle various management situations. Have him engage in the tasks of leadership to see what results he produces before you offer him a promotion. A trial period – if you will.
Present him with different scenarios to evaluate his potential reaction. Like a friend/employee being late for work or a member of his team failing to execute a critical expectation. Ask him how he would respond in a way that maintains a high level of respect but gets a point across.
It’s easy for him to say he will handle tricky situations professionally, without letting friendship in the way; however if you present a few different scenarios, you might have a higher degree of comfort.
And even that might not be good enough so whatever you do, keep your pulse on the situation and tell your new manager exactly what you expect now and in the future. Be clear as in – crystal.
You both will be better off.
That’s just the way it works.