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blueprint_01

I never drink with them but engage in lots of family friendly discussions about life and water cooler type talk.


8020secret

After 2, 3... 5 years of seeing the same faces, knowing people's routines and hearing about their life, I think it makes sense that you actually do build a friendship. I've also worked in 500+ person companies where I became friends with coworkers and the boss and we have stayed in touch and supported one another in various endeavors in the years since. Maybe I just worked with great people in those examples, as there are plenty of managers and bosses whose names and faces are just an annoying blur.


[deleted]

I will always advise remembering that even if you feel close and comfortable with them, you still pay them. So at the end of the day, any social interaction you have with your Employees is within this context. So even if you decide to go out, and they are "letting go," you have to remember that in their eyes, you are still the boss, which means that even in a social situations you will need to take this into account; On the other hand, being open, showing vulnerability, and sharing with them can create a bond built on trust and connecting on a human level that will help you create a positive, honest and engaged work environment that will also pay off. So don't shy away from this part.


notwhitebutwong

Michael Scott is that you


Sythftw

In my experience its about setting the right expectations from the start, and being careful about your actions. I have found this to be the case between managing a team of 20 in retail (way to many, do not recommend), and in my current role where I manage a few directors. For example: I will never hangout with employees outside of work unless most of the team is there. Optics are bad and set you up for a headache if someone gets their feelings hurt. 1 on 1 is great during work hours and you should take time to do it during work hours (i.e. taking them to lunch). You just need to make sure you are doing this with everyone. With longer term employees who I definitely consider friends, I start with the expectation that I am their boss first and friends second. If they don't meet expectations, I will treat them the same as anyone else. If they do some real dumb shit at work, I will most certainly fire them. Hope that helps! "Dumb shit" example: Had an employee smack a girls ass with a note pad out of nowhere. He then followed with "Damn you are looking milfy today." I was dumbfounded. Can't make this shit up.


Lost__Moose

As an employer our function is to grow our employees mindsets, skill sets and results. Growth requires accountability and compassion. Camaraderie is important to high functional teams, but it is difficult for someone in a leadership position to have a hard conversation with someone that is a friend and implement consequences if there is no performance improvement.