Being friends with your direct reports can cause problems. You need to treat everyone fairly, and if you’re besties with one employee and not others, you can be biased. And even if you’re perfectly fair, you still look biased, which isn’t good for morale.
But, what can you be if you aren’t friends with your direct reports? A fifth-grade teacher gave her students these instructions:
You can’t be best friends with everyone but you can
- notice everyone
- be friendly to everyone
- make room for everyone
- root for everyone
- empathize with everyone
While the teacher meant this for students, not bosses, all the principles hold. Here’s what it could mean for you at the office.
To keep reading, click here: Instead of Being Friends With Your Employees, Follow this Fifth Grade Teacher’s Advice