Kathy Caprino says manager-employee friendships can work if both people have emotional maturity, stay honest, manage conflict well, set clear boundaries, acknowledge power imbalances, and refuse to manipulate each other.
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Can managers and employees be friends outside of work? I've found that personal friendships outside of work can be successful only when both parties are number one emotionally mature number two transparent and honest three Capable of managing their emotions when things get tough four well boundaries and can say no to what doesn't feel right or good number five aware of the power dynamics at play and are strong and brave enough to openly address them and number six not willing to use or manipulate treat other people as pawns for their own benefit. For more info on how to sustain a rewarding and mutually satisfying friendship with a work colleague who is at a different level, check out my LinkedIn newsletter, the Finding Brave Circle at the link in my bio. Thanks.