“My Friend’s Become My Boss & Now I Don’t Know How To Act – Help”

Jo’s advice

This is quite a common one, and don’t worry, it’s completely normal for you to feel a bit strange around this kind of change in your work balance.  Can you still rely on her support? How will you cope with her knowing things and not being able to tell you? How will it feel to take direction from her? These might be some of the questions you’re worrying about, and it makes sense; it probably feels as though you’ve lost an ally.

First, be happy for your friend and celebrate in the same way you would any other colleague – don’t make things weird or all about you. Best friends love and support one another regardless of the situation, and this is no different.

Rather than focusing on your loss, think about how having your best friend as your boss could benefit you. 

Next, let’s work on a mindset reframe. Rather than focusing on your loss, think about how having your best friend as your boss could benefit you. This is someone who knows you really well and also wants the best for you. What could be better?

Then, communicate any concerns. Best friends talk about everything, so take her aside and have the chat openly and wholeheartedly. If thriving is the name of the game, how could you support her and vice versa?

Finally, start without judgment. Yes, it will be weird at first, but you will soon readdress the balance and find the right rhythm for you both. Good luck.

Best friends talk about everything, so take her aside and have the chat openly and wholeheartedly.