Building strong connections with the people you encounter in life is admirable, adding to the fun and enjoyment of your shared experiences. But what if this person happens to be your manager at work? Here things can feel a bit different.
We can say that the employee-manager friendship is healthy yet feels inherently risky, requiring both sides to understand the potential pros and cons involved. Here are four main aspects to consider to be able to manage this bond successfully.
Work Environment
Friendly relationships between employees and managers can significantly improve the work environment and add to the team’s overall sense of happiness and fulfillment, especially during stressful times. This can also increase productivity and add a greater sense of comfort.
Enhanced Communication
Many might struggle to find common ground with their managers during the first stage of joining a new workplace, but this barrier often diminishes once they become genuine friends. This can enhance communication, putting employees more at ease when sharing their ideas and perspectives.
Blurred Boundaries
Because nothing in life is free of complications, an employee-manager friendship can blur professional boundaries, mixing personal and professional lives. Being friends shall never exempt anyone from adhering to the same rules applied to the rest of the team, ensuring fairness for everyone.
Conflict in Roles
This struggle will directly impact managers. Providing critical feedback to friends can be extremely challenging, even when the situation demands it. This can affect managerial performance in the long term.
This situation can leave many questioning and feeling caught between the pros and cons of such bonds. However, striking a balance can enable managers and employees to get the best out of their friendships without compromising their professional credibility. Share your thoughts in the comments below!