Responsibilities grow. Management roles expand. Former colleagues become bosses and employees. These are only a few of the changes that routinely happen when middle managers move into senior positions at a PR agency or in-house department, according to numerous senior executives.

Moving into the top circle isn't all glitz and glamour - or a hefty pay raise. New leaders must navigate a number of common challenges, such as managing former colleagues, avoiding micromanaging, and focusing too much on ...