Congratulations! You Got Promoted. Now Your Team’s Acting Weird.

If you’ve been promoted within your own team, you know the feeling well. One day you’re “one of the gang,” and the next, things feel… different.

Jokes can fall flat. Conversations get more careful. And suddenly, some people treat you like you’re a stranger, or act like you’re no longer “one of them.” It can feel awkward. For everyone.

Why is it so hard? Because the relationships have to change, but not overnight. You’re still you, but your role has shifted.

You’re responsible for decisions, accountability, and feedback you never had before. Your team sees you differently, and so do you. It can feel like there’s an invisible wall between you and the people you used to work alongside, and no one’s quite sure how to break through it.

Pause for a moment and ask yourself:

What’s one relationship that feels the most awkward right now?

What do you miss about being “just a teammate”?

When have you caught yourself holding back to keep things “professional”?

Jot down your answers. Being honest with yourself is the first step.

And here’s a quick one for you:

What’s one thing you want your team to really know about you during this shift? Say it aloud or write it down. This little reminder helps you stay grounded in who you are, beyond the new title.

It’s natural to want to prove you’re serious by keeping a professional distance. But that distance can backfire, isolating you and making your team unsure about how to relate to you. What if instead, you leaned into the awkwardness?

Try saying something like, “I know this feels different for all of us. I’m figuring this out too.” It’s small but opens the door.

Next time you have a one on one or team chat, ask, “What can I do to support you better now that I’m in this role?” It shows you care and invites honest feedback.

Remember, this is a transition, not a switch. Neither you or your team will nail this perfectly right away. There will be awkward moments and missteps. That’s okay, and be kind to yourself. What matters is you’re showing up with curiosity and openness.

Your next step?

Pick one small action this week to soften the shift, whether it’s sharing your own learning curve, asking for feedback, or just naming the awkwardness. Leadership is a journey, not a title change.

If this feels familiar or you want some guidance on leading your old team authentically, just say the word. I’m here to help.