Friends with the Boss: Is it Possible?

We all develop friendships at work.  It’s hard not to when you spend so much time in the office.  But one day you may walk in and find out one of your friends has been promoted, and is now your manager.  Is it possible to maintain a friendship with your boss?  Some say yes, others no.  The best thing is to approach the situation with caution.

If you want be your manager’s friend remember that your work environment is smaller than you think, coworkers notice everything and everyone listens to gossip.  The last thing you want for you or your friend is to create jealousy or resentment.  This will destroy a team.  To be a successful friend and employee, keep the following in mind:

1. Don’t expect special treatment.  This is not only unfair to your boss but also to your coworkers. 
2. Leave your friendship at the office door.  Don’t have conversations about weekend plans or previous activities.  This excludes coworkers and can portray both you and your boss in an unprofessional light.
3. Don’t take management decisions personally.  Remember, ultimately your boss wants what is best for the team.  This may mean that your friend has to make departmental changes, shift duties and make personnel decisions.  If you don’t get a promotion or you have to take on new job duties, understand these are not personal affronts.
4. Don’t fall prey to the green-eyed monster.  Don’t get jealous if your friend starts having lunch with other employees or managers.  As the boss, they have to ensure that everyone is treated fairly.  They also need to meet with their managers to make sure everything is running smoothly and keep abreast of company policies.
5. Socialize with everyone.  Develop other friendships in the office.  If you go out with your boss, invite your coworkers.  This will make everyone feel they are on an even playing field.

Ultimately, positive relationships at work make the job more enjoyable, and can increase productivity.  But there is a fine line between what is and is not appropriate behavior.  If you aren’t sure, what is appropriate, ask if you would say the same thing to any other boss.  Chances are, if you aren’t sure something is appropriate, it probably isn’t.

You can develop friendships with your coworkers and even your boss but you have to maintain a level of professionalism.  Remember that if you get into an argument with your friend, and they are above you, you still have to work with them and any tension between you will reflect on the whole office.