Managing employees is tough enough, but managing your friends? Some might say this is an even harder feat to accomplish. The between the two is often blurry at best, particularly if you are successful at keeping a positive work environment. Any happy hours or interaction outside of work is certainly not a bad thing, though it will only contribute to your position as a boss/buddy hybrid. The key consideration in maintaining your effective position as your employees’ superior is that of respect. Follow these simple principles to make sure your employees, though they may like you, will certainly respect you.

  1. Act Responsibly Whether out of town on a business trip or down the street at the pub next to work, make sure to keep your wits about you. Yes, jokes and behavior may be all in good fun, but on the off chance you have one too many you might say or do something off-humor that could potentially offend an employee. This would result in an immediate loss of authority or in worst case scenario, leave employees with a chip to hold over you in regards to your own job security.
  2. Treat Your Employees to Dinner/Drinks This will have a two-fold effect. One, your employees will be appreciative that they do not have to pay. Two, it puts you in the alpha role, which whether subconsciously or consciously gives you an immediate sense of justified command.
  3. Make the Decisions Don’t put large scale decisions up for a vote as it takes the power out of your hands. It is encouraged to be open to suggestions as many of the best ideas often come from the ground up, but make sure your employees know that the final say is yours. There should always be a place for feedback and an open line of communication, but remember, you’re the boss, not the secretary coordinating their agenda.
  4. Treat Everyone Equally It should go without saying, but no matter how well you get along with one employee or don’t relate with another, neither should be shown any favoritism in the work place.