We are in a time of great flux where employment is concerned. A result is that many organizations are undergoing staff reorganization. The outcome? Sudden role reassignments. One day you are a peer and the next day – a supervisor to your peers. This can feel awkward, but it does not have to be. If before being promoted, you experienced productive working relationships, and conducted yourself with good character, humility, empathy, fairness and honesty the segue will be pretty painless. If perhaps your behavior was a bit shaky in one or more area, look at your promotion as an opportunity for some self-development. Heightening your EQ can’t hurt. Gain self-awareness, and observe fellow managers by paying close attention to behaviors that produce results. Understanding your own behavior, will carry you far, but refrain from being too myopic. Take notice of the contributions of your former peers. You are in a unique position of knowing the work required, to net the result you are now demanding. Be sure to express how much you value each member of your team. Work to maintain objectivity. Treat each team member equitably. Explain to former peers with whom you shared friendships that now you must be everyone’s advocate. Don’t be surprised when this causes disruption. Create communication opportunities. Converse your way to resolution. Success is dependent on your ability to find points of connection with each team member. This will take some extra effort on your part. Unlike the select friendships you formed with former peers that may have occurred organically, this will require discovery and flexibility on your part. Willingness to welcome the unfamiliar is the crux of the culture that mobilizes DE & I initiatives. Your promotion is simply highlighting the need for behavior that we should all be routinely demonstrating.