Everyone wants to think of their company/employees as a "family" but that is just a huge red flag.
People will come and go for a various amount of reasons so there needs to be a balance in caring for your employees. You need to treat employees as people and not family or disposable resources. The ideal goal would be to not fall into those opposite extremes.
Just focus on being a good boss. That means supporting your employees, providing clear, consistent rules, making sure they get paid what they are supposed to be paid, and giving them everything they need to succeed.
So I worked for a director who was 39ish and he was trying to do the be friends and have a group chat. Yeah, it didn’t work. 2/3 of us didn’t like him. The other girl was high on his supply though.
So, it can be, but it doesn’t make up for anything. If you’re a good boss and you’re friendly, then absolutely. If you’re bad at being a boss and you’re overly friendly, it looks like you’re trying to redeem yourself and is transparent.
I’m friends with my direct reports in that I don’t treat them as employees who report to me. It’s mutual trust and respect. I’m also very transparent with them regarding organization decisions. I want them to hear it from me rather than rely on gossip. I know personal things about them and vice versa. But no, we don’t hang out outside of work or on a personal basis.
Not too close. The power dynamics make the relationship somewhat artificial to begin with. Your employees are there to work and make money. They don’t want to be friends with their boss unless they think it’ll get them a better chance at a promotion or raise.
Yup. Right up until the time you have to put them on a PIP because they’re taking advantage of your friendship or you have to lay them all off.
Coach
Everyone wants to think of their company/employees as a "family" but that is just a huge red flag.
People will come and go for a various amount of reasons so there needs to be a balance in caring for your employees. You need to treat employees as people and not family or disposable resources. The ideal goal would be to not fall into those opposite extremes.
Not at all
NOOOO!!! I once had someone report me bc they thought I was having an inappropriate relationship with an employee.
The reality is the guy was having major mental health issues, so I gave him extra attention and could check up on him outside of work via text.
Just focus on being a good boss. That means supporting your employees, providing clear, consistent rules, making sure they get paid what they are supposed to be paid, and giving them everything they need to succeed.
I would add communicating consistently and clearly. Don’t let a vacuum form with no details. That causes fear and uncertainty.
So I worked for a director who was 39ish and he was trying to do the be friends and have a group chat. Yeah, it didn’t work. 2/3 of us didn’t like him. The other girl was high on his supply though.
So, it can be, but it doesn’t make up for anything. If you’re a good boss and you’re friendly, then absolutely. If you’re bad at being a boss and you’re overly friendly, it looks like you’re trying to redeem yourself and is transparent.
Mentor
I’m friends with my direct reports in that I don’t treat them as employees who report to me. It’s mutual trust and respect. I’m also very transparent with them regarding organization decisions. I want them to hear it from me rather than rely on gossip. I know personal things about them and vice versa. But no, we don’t hang out outside of work or on a personal basis.
Not too close. The power dynamics make the relationship somewhat artificial to begin with. Your employees are there to work and make money. They don’t want to be friends with their boss unless they think it’ll get them a better chance at a promotion or raise.