When you’re promoted to a new job, there are a lot of relationships that need recalibrating. You have a new boss, new direct reports, and, importantly, a new set of peers — people who had been above you on the org chart but are now on the same level. How can you show you have what it takes to be their equal without appearing arrogant? How do you break out of the mentee/mentor dynamic? And what should you do about that one colleague who doesn’t take you seriously?
It’s natural to feel insecure when you first get promoted, but you mustn’t let self-doubt get the better of you. Instead, work on resetting how your new peers see you. Schedule a series of one-on-one meetings and ask them: What should I know about the team? How can I help you? Project competence and confidence — along with a healthy dose of humility. Be patient. People’s views of you are not going to shift overnight and colleagues may need time to adjust to your new professional persona. Certain tough cookies on the team might try to test your mettle by, say, treating you like an assistant or ignoring you altogether. Cultivate a thick skin and set boundaries around what are you and aren’t willing to do. Otherwise, you risk getting run over.