Most of us don't want to stay in our current job forever. We're working toward -- and hoping for -- some upward mobility, perhaps without even leaving our current company.

Moving up the chain of command likely means you'll be overseeing some of the people who used to be your peers, however.

Workplace and career consultant Brandon Smith says it will be impossible to avoid stepping on some toes as you make the transition from colleague to supervisor. But he says talking with your new subordinates and setting expectations up front will help.

Brandon Smith teaches about leadership, communication, and workplace culture at Emory University's Goizueta Business School. More of his advice is on his blog and at theworkplacetherapist.com. While you’re there, ask him your workplace or career question. We might answer you in a future radio segment.

Tags: manager, career counseling, Brandon Smith, workplace, working, career, promotion