Remember Who's The Boss

Being too friendly can jeopardize your authority. “Attempting to be friends with your employees makes providing feedback and performance appraisals difficult and puts you at risk for claims of favoritism,” says Devora Zack, CEO of Only Connect Consulting, Inc.

Is it OK to be friendly with your boss?

It's great to go to the occasional happy hour with your boss. It's even beneficial to keep your boss informed of things in your personal life which may affect your work. However, friendship is a two-way street where both parties share equal power. There is an inherent power imbalance between you and your boss.

Should bosses be friends with their employees?

When people trust and respect each other, just as in any healthy relationship, employee/manager friendships can build growth, enhance engagement, and make the workplace more productive.