I have recently been promoted to lead a team that includes some of my former peers. I'm excited about the new role, but the thing is I am facing challenges in establishing authority because I have known them for a while. For example, during meetings, one of my team members frequently interrupts or questions decisions in a way that undermines me in front of others. I am unsure how to handle this without appearing defensive or overbearing.

Ans:

Hi Rushilesh.

The best advice is ‘Ignore Them’.

It is human tendency to be jealous and that's what your colleagues are feeling.

Since they can't compete with you on skills, they are using these unethical means to distract you.

Remain focused on your job and don't let your good performance slip.

Keep your manager in the loop about the office politics so that s/he can back you if things get worse.

Ans:

Hi.

I would suggest that you focus on your job and enjoy the well-deserved promotion that you have got after a long time.

Office politics is there in many organisations, so don’t let that bother you.

If you ignore them, they will also stop bothering you.

Ans: Dear Anonymous,
Was this a sudden change or has it been like this since you joined the company?
Do others who report to the same manager feel the same like you do? If not, you may start looking at what gap exists in what you do and perceive and fix that. Also, it would be mature to actually have a one-on-one meeting the manager and take an honest feedback on your work. That will give you an idea on what your performance level has been. Have you been meetings targets, deadlines and living up to the expectations the company has of you when you were hired?
You need to understand that the manager is also answerable to someone, right? Request for that one-on-one and be open-minded and LISTEN. That meeting will not be to defend your actions but to actually listen and it will give you a good indicator as to whether things seems unreasonable or if there is a lack that you must fill.

All the best!
Anu Krishna
Mind Coach|NLP Trainer|Author
Drop in: www.unfear.io
Reach me: Facebook: anukrish07/ AND LinkedIn: anukrishna-joyofserving/

Ans: What you're going through isn’t just about hierarchy; it’s about dignity, mutual respect, and the quiet erosion of psychological safety at work.

When someone subtly undermines you — especially in a professional setting — it can chip away at your confidence and presence in ways that aren’t always easy to name. Your instinct to avoid reacting impulsively or retaliating is wise, but choosing not to react does not mean you must tolerate disrespect or power play.

This dynamic is less about the junior’s credentials and more about a breach of professional decorum. Subtle challenges in meetings, tone policing, or backhanded comments are often masked as confidence or "fresh ideas,” but if the intent or impact is to sideline you or question your authority publicly, it needs addressing — calmly, firmly, and early.

Here’s a way forward. First, document patterns — what’s said, when, in whose presence, and how it impacts the team dynamic. This is not for confrontation, but for clarity and grounding your experience.

Then, create a direct but non-confrontational one-on-one moment. Frame it from a place of collaboration, not accusation. For example, “I’ve noticed a few instances where we seem misaligned in team meetings — I’d like to understand your point of view, and also share how that’s being perceived in the room.” That opens a door rather than slamming one.

At the same time, reinforce your presence in the room — not by competing, but by anchoring in your experience, clarity, and calm authority. Redirect when needed. If the junior interjects or oversteps, acknowledge briefly, and then say, “Let’s circle back to that once I finish.” It’s subtle, professional boundary-setting.

You don’t need to prove your worth — you’ve earned your seat. But you do have the right to protect your space, and even more so, your peace.

Ans: Hi!!
First and foremost… congratulations you are the team lead now! The top management has seen the spark of a leader in you and chosen you to lead, it is now your turn to see yourself as a leader!

Don’t beat yourself up so much, you are new to this… it will take come time for you to learn the ropes of leadership! Ideally you should have been trained for role and then they should have given you the responsibility.

All your struggles of leading, delegating, giving feedback, managing conflict are learnable skills!
Developing leadership presence requires time and efforts. You need to master your Visual presence, your Vocal and Verbal communication and so much more!
I have tailor-made solutions to all that you want to learn under the umbrella of Leadership skills!
It can’t be taught by answering your question here in a few sentences!
Let’s help you be the leader you want to be!!
Learning leadership presence, develop emotional intelligence, mange conflict and your team effectively will require you to spend time and energy on learning these skills so that, you be that leader, who people will look up to!!
Leave a message on instagram @ lifeskillswitharchana and let’s see how we can help you!