Anyone suddenly become the boss of a friend at work?

I've just learned that I'm being promoted, which is great, great news.

However, my new team will consist of my closest work friend.

She and I have known each other for 8 years.

We planned our weddings together. We've been at each other's bachelorette parties. I was there for her through cancer. She was there for me through IVF.

We know just about everything about each other.

Now I'm her boss.

Any advice from people who have been on either side of this?

How do I handle the transition and the obvious shift to our relationship?

Any thoughts are welcomed.

TIA

Message edited 3/7/2007 2:01:35 PM.

Re: Anyone suddenly become the boss of a friend at work?

Yes. I left my co & came back. When I did someone that was equal to me is now under me. She did not take it well, but I think it has more to do with the fact that I left & came back to a higher position while she did not move.

I think the most important thing is to make sure that you have separate "friend" and "boss" hats.

Re: Anyone suddenly become the boss of a friend at work?

not me but this is the reason why I never get close to people at work!

Hopefully she will take it well and be happy for you and respect the situation.

Re: Anyone suddenly become the boss of a friend at work?

This just happened to me. It's only been a week but i already feel like she's trying to one up me on everything I am going to see what the next week brings and then I might have a conversation with her.

Re: Anyone suddenly become the boss of a friend at work?

ugh i wasnt the boss but i was given the title of chief of this group we were i at college. it was a total nightmare



eta- you deserve a and for your promotio but it will come with some challeneges and your friendship will change a little.
good luck!

Message edited 3/7/2007 2:26:16 PM.

Re: Anyone suddenly become the boss of a friend at work?

I just wanted to say congratulations to you Lauren!!!

I became the supervisor of my whole office.
I just try to keep the work stuff seperate from the non work stuff. It can be tricky, but you will find a way to incorporate the two. Good luck!

Message edited 3/7/2007 2:22:57 PM.

Re: Anyone suddenly become the boss of a friend at work?

that happened to me once.
it was very awkward... especially because she had been with the company longer.

good luck, just do what feels antural

Re: Anyone suddenly become the boss of a friend at work?

Thanks everyone.

I've always been more "senior" than her, so it's not like we were equals.

And we've always had very different jobs.

But my new role requires a significant branch out to a couple new areas for me and her area is one I'm absorbing.

I'm very excited about the promotion but the idea of seeing her tomorrow and suddenly being her boss is leaving my stomach in KNOTS!!

Re: Anyone suddenly become the boss of a friend at work?

I went through something similar when I was promoted about 1 1/2 years ago. I would love to say that all of my work relationships survived the transition and stayed the same but it just isn't possible. It's very hard to balance the two dynamics of friendship and employee/boss. Hopefully your friend will be happy for you and embrace your new role and understand that you are still the same person, just with more responsibility. You may have to make some very obvious divisions and keep your friendship mostly outside of work so you don't get accused of favoritism. I'm not going to lie...it's very hard to adjust to. Now, one of my closest work friends is someone who does not report to me. I would see what happens and take things in stride as much as possible.

Most importantly...congrats on the promotion!!!!