What should a 'manager & team member' relationship look like?

Besties or boundaries? Let's break it down...

For the majority of human history, we accomplished ‘success’ at work using the grim brutality of forced labor.

Then cue the Industrial Revolution, and we replaced this forcefulness with bureaucracy… A massive step in the right direction, but hardly inspiring.

Fast forward to the 21st century, and we’ve seen some of the world’s biggest companies prove that there’s a more productive, human way to work than just to control.

We’re more focussed on culture, empathy and fulfilment at work than ever before. Building emotional bonds with our teammates that can last a lifetime.

But now we’ve created ourselves a new problem…

Where on earth do the lines need to be drawn?

Luckily for you I spent my early years in management roles f*king this up over and over, crossing all the lines possible and falling flat on my face as a result.

So the combination of my own experiences and boundaries, mixed with doing lots of research into how the best leaders define their boundaries…

I now know exactly where my lines are set.

Let’s get into it…

This article is split into 3, pretty short sections:

• Defining: The difference between a friendship and manager-employee relationship

• Answering: So can I be friends with my team outside of work?

• Showing: A grid of where my boundaries are set with my colleagues

Defining: The difference between a friendship and manager-employee relationship

Here’s how to differentiate between a friendship, and a manager-employee relationship:

A friendship should be a 2 way street, with both parties investing the same amount of love and energy into making it work well.

A manager-employee relationship is a 1 way street. The manager should be the one providing support, actively listening, making space and resolving conflicts. Your team member shouldn’t be expected to do the same back to you.

The best leaders build deep human relationships with their team.

Strong communication and emotional investment with foundations of empathy. But here’s what is important…

They don’t expect it back.

Answering: So can I be ‘friends’ with a member of my team outside of work?

The full grid of manager-friend boundaries below is behind a paywall as it is incredibly valuable. Paid members keep scrolling to access.
Free members, to access you can subscribe below for £10pm, you’ll get 2 extra leadership frameworks every month and the practical strategies I used to 4x my income and build a high-performing team.