Being Friendly With Boss

CONVENTIONAL LOGIC:

Better to keep distance.

Avoid building potentially uncomfortable, improper, relationships.

Befriending boss suits away his authority.

Perception of favoritism creeps in atmosphere.

Friendship falls victim of malicious office politics causing embarrassment to Boss.

Blurs the line & make it difficult for Boss & the subordinates to switch between the friendship/professionalism mode.

MODERN TRENDS:

Just like co-workers out of hours friendship with Bosses has the making of some great work relationships.

It gives you a role model to look up to and motivates you to work much harder.

Makes work enjoyable.

Promotes loyalty & professionalism and increases productivity & efficiency.

Forge valuable intimate & enjoyable connection with boss.

RULES ON MAKING FRIENDS WITH BOSS:

Outline the explicit do & don’ts right from the start.

Always maintain professional decorum.

Never do anything that can embarrass you later.

One can have dinner, watch cricket or play football but never drink and gamble together.

No confiding intimate details or secret.

Keep on guard on what you speak as it can be used to judge your performance potential.

Maintain a genuine friendship and do not use it for expediency.

Keep a low key about your friendship in the office. Never boast of it.

Never gossip with Boss about other staff members or discuss the Boss affairs with other co-workers.

Never ask the Boss personal questions or offer needless opinions.

Keep the friendship strictly external and let it not impinge on the work either.

Do not take it personally if Boss checks you or reprimand you for your work or behavior. He is the Boss, it’s his authority.

Never take him for granted. Respect him for his position.

Keep relationship on fair footing.

Do not build in appropriate expectation or unrealistic concessions like granting, favors, sharing confidential information, ignoring orders, shielding you for poor performance, special treatment etc.

Be prepared that your genuine success and progress can always be attributed to brown nosing by jealous co-workers.

Continue to keep work relationships courteous, friendly and above all professional.

Anytime you feel yourself over sleeping move back immediately and keep the relationship primarily work-based.