You’ve been working at your company for a while now and you’ve finally been promoted to a position where you report directly to the boss. You’re excited, but also a little scared.
On one hand, you’re thrilled to have the opportunity to learn from the best and potentially move up the corporate ladder. On the other hand, you worry about what will happen if things go south and you can’t seem to separate business from personal.
Should you be friends with your boss? That’s what we’re here to help you decide.
The pros
Before you make any decisions, let’s take a look at the pros of being friends with your direct supervisor. First, you will have an easier time getting favors. If your boss is your friend, she’s more likely to cut you some slack when you’re running late or need to take an urgent day off for personal matters.
Second, having a friend in the office can make the workday more pleasurable. When you have someone to chat with during lunch or someone to share some personal entertainment with after work, it makes the day go by faster.
And finally, as much as we hate to agree, being friends with your boss can help you move up the career ladder. When the time comes for raises and promotions, having a friend in the management team will help your case.
The cons
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But on the con side, becoming too buddy-buddy with your department head can backfire if things don’t go well at work or if there’s a power struggle.
Your coworkers can accuse you of being a product of favoritism if you receive compliments, acknowledgment, or advancements at work, whether or not you earned it. Be wary of this specific issue since a resentful or envious teammate will just reference your friendship with the boss to prove it.
Furthermore, are you certain that disagreements had outside of work will stay outside of work? Picture getting into a nasty dispute with a buddy on Saturday night in private and then having to deal with them as your leader on Monday. Can you be certain that that particular person won’t vent their problems on you in the office?
Bottom line: It’s noteworthy to be aware of the rewards and potential risks of befriending your boss before making any decisions. Weigh the pros and cons carefully and then make the best decision for yourself!
How and when to be friends with your boss
The conclusion of whether or not to be friends with your superior ultimately depends on your circumstances. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when deciding whether or not to take the friendship plunge.
For starters, it’s important to be aware of the power dynamics at play. When you become friends with your boss, the relationship changes—you’re no longer just an employee, but you’re also someone that your boss can rely on for support and advice. It’s crucial to be mindful of this shift in dynamics, and make sure that you’re always respectful of your boss’s authority.
Another thing to consider is when is the best time to become friends with your manager. In general, it’s a good idea to wait until you’ve been working together for a while and have built up a level of trust. It can be tricky to balance work and personal relationships, so don’t feel pressured to rush into anything.
At the end of the day, only you can decide whether or not becoming friends with your boss is right for you. Just remember to use your common sense and be aware of any potential pitfalls.
How to handle different situations as friends with your boss
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Assuming that you know all the ins and outs of being friends with your boss, it’s time to put that knowledge to the test! You will likely face a few different situations throughout your working relationship. Here are some tips on how to address them.
First, let’s talk about what to do when things are going great. Congratulations—you’ve landed the most ideal job and formed a friendship with your manager that’s going flawlessly! Keep doing what you’re doing and enjoy the ride.
Now, let’s say you’re having a bad day. You overslept, you spilled coffee on your shirt, and now your boss wants you to work overtime. It’s necessary to recognize that your boss is still your boss, even when you’re friends. Be polite and respectful, and do your best to get the work done.
Finally, let’s say you disagree with your superior on something. This can be a tricky situation, but it’s essential to note that as friends, you can still disagree respectfully. Explain your position calmly and logically, and be prepared to listen to what your superior has to say in return.
So, should you be friends with your boss? The answer is… it depends. There are pros and cons to becoming friends with your boss, and it’s up to you to decide what’s best for you and your career. Being friends with your supervisor can help you feel more comfortable in the workplace and can make communication easier. However, there are also some potential downsides to consider, such as the risk of crossing the line into personal territory. Just remember to weigh other pros and cons before making a decision.