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| Is befriending your boss OK? |
The workplace is supposed a place of profession and general perfection. But how smart is it that you befriend your boss?
It's normal that you will get to know your colleagues at work almost as well as your close circle of friends. After all, you spend 1/3 of your day in the office where you are forced to interact with them for the good of the company. You need to have a unified front in order to deliver the expectations of the company and your business with the successful results. You may even go out with your co-workers after a long day's work to relieve some stress...
But can you be friends with your boss?
Imagine for a moment that you are working for a small firm where teamwork involves working with your superior closely. For several months, you have gotten close with him and your team. Soon, working late hours leads to stress releasing at the local bar for an hour or two. Your conversations start to go from work tasks, problems and solutions to personal interests, favorite meals and family. You begin to develop a friendship, and whenever a work problem arises, it seems like you are constantly expected to be at the front line all hours of the day. If you have a personal issue, you start approaching your boss for advice and favors during your office hours. Yes, the friendship is there...but is this a good thing for either one of you?
There are several sites out there giving their opinion about why befriending your boss is or isn't good for you. Before you decide to be friends with your superior, know that there is a lot to consider. Some concerns would be:
- Emotional Concerns - Your boss is your superior. He or she is tasked to watch over your action and performance when it comes to the business. While you may appreciate being complimented for a job well done, what happens when he's forced to criticize the job you've done? How do you think your boss would feel if and when he needs to reprimand you?
- Favoritism Risks - Being friends with your boss can also lead people to believe you're sucking up or he is playing favorites. After all, a great boss would genuinely be concerned about his employee, but if you're friends, there is an added emotional factor. This may lead to resentment by your other colleagues or low morale in your team.
- Taking Advantage of Friendship for Work or Life Issues - It can be hard to determine when you are actually "off the clock" when it comes to having a personal relationship with your boss. He or she may find it easier to approach you to get more work done outside of the office without overtime pay. Even if you are allotted OT, how much time are you expected to put in per day? You may find it hard to balance your work and personal life.
- Social Media Effects - Today, everyone is online and has social media accounts connecting to the company they are working for and the people they are working with. But if you need to vent through your social media account about your tasks, the policies or your boss, guess who can read it?
The truth is, being friends with your boss is a great thing. You increase camaraderie in the office. You are more likely to be able to approach him if you have any concerns and questions. But if you are incapable of separating your work life from your personal life, being professional with your tasks and expectations or find a balance between your two worlds, then being friends with your superior would not be a good idea.
On that note, remember that even if you and your superior are not friends, having respect for one another is the most important thing. The best tips to keep a good relationship with your boss is to:
1) Know your role and do your job.
2) When you're in the office, keep everything professional.
3) If you have any questions or concerns, ask your boss or research the answer.
4) Keep up with company expectations -- meet deadlines, be punctual, etc...
5) Leave the job in the office.
