The Chain of Command – Where Are You on the Office Food Chain?

Suggestion Box – How to Submit Ideas and Make an Impact

Colleagues – Making Friends and Influencing the Right People

Dating in the Workplace

Your Boss - Friend or Foe?

Whether your friend becomes your boss or your boss is just very friendly (or not), it helps to have some guidelines for knowing where to draw the professional line so you can have a good work relationship.  Everyone would like a perfect work environment where there is comfort aplenty and no one feels any stress.  But, unfortunately, unless you work for yourself in a company of one that will not usually be the case.

Rule number one:  Always remember that your boss/supervisor/manager/team leader is your superior at work.  That individual may seem to be the coolest, most laid-back person on the planet or, on the flipside, they may seem to you to be an absolute Scrooge-like, puffed up tyrant.  They will still have to perform reviews and hold you to certain standards and goals.  Conveying a level of respect for their position clearly displays that you understand the boundaries and increases the comfort level all around.  It’s okay to volunteer for extra projects but trying to buddy up to your bosses too much only puts them on the spot.

Rule number two:  Leave work at work within reason.  Many times there are after work social get-togethers that can be a time to relax and build a level of camaraderie between coworkers and management.  These may be ‘team builders’, an awards dinner, or an annual Christmas party.  It reflects well when you attend these functions even if it is just for a short time.  But try to remember that you can have a good time without overdoing it.  Just as you recall seeing outrageous behavior, your boss will too and that may carry over into how you are judged at work.  Also, keep in mind that your boss is a person too and does not appreciate being cornered away from the office to discuss work-related issues.

If you have questions about how you are doing, schedule a time at work to sit down and talk about it.  No matter if your boss is Joe Cool or Ebenezer Scrooge, it will be appreciated that you want the clarity.  Basically, if you and your boss both know what your roles are and you stick to them you’ll do fine.

© Janet L. Burgar, December 2008