The self-talk that goes into it, all the feelings of, do I deserve this? And if you can't get past that, I think you put energy in the workplace that is not going to be ultimately helpful for you. The analogy that I have about this is like what we say about animals, certainly horses. If you get on a horse and you're scared about riding, the horse now is going to behave badly - but they are picking it up from you. Now I'm not trying to say your peers, the people who you're now managing are horses. You're the human. Get with the program. I deserve to be here.
Tom Henschel: The Look & Sound of Leadership
Tom Henschel of Essential Communications grooms senior leaders and executive teams. An internationally recognized expert in the field of workplace communications and self-presentation, he has helped thousands of leaders achieve excellence through his work as an executive coach and his top-rated podcast, The Look & Sound of Leadership.
Key Points
There is a certain amount of fear involved in a promotion over peers.
The situation has feelings attached to it.
People’s reactions will be based on a bell curve, with most people not caring, but with a few being either really happy or really unhappy.
What group will you focus on?
Don’t take things personally.
Have intentional conversations with your former peers to acknowledge that feelings are there and to listen to how they feel.
Resources Mentioned
The First 90 Days* by Michael Watkins
Self-Esteem at Work* by Nathaniel Branden
The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem* by Nathaniel Branden
The Look & Sound of Leadership podcast
Related Episodes
Three Steps to Soliciting Feedback, with Tom Henschel (episode 107)
How to Handle a Boss Who’s a Jerk, with Tom Henschel (episode 164)
How to Improve Your Coaching Skills, with Tom Henschel (episode 190)
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