I suppose one needs to define the definition of "friends"...
I socialize with several of my employees during afterhours hikes, bike rides, drinks, and sporting events...so I enjoy their company...but I'm not really sure I consider them friends (or that they would consider me a friend / confident). During the time together outside of work…
I suppose one needs to define the definition of "friends"...
I socialize with several of my employees during afterhours hikes, bike rides, drinks, and sporting events...so I enjoy their company...but I'm not really sure I consider them friends (or that they would consider me a friend / confident). During the time together outside of work, we will talk about a variety of things that are essentially non-work related...and we will also discuss "deep topics" concerning perhaps hopes, fears, and dreams...but there seems to always be a certain line of respect between us...in an almost mentor/mentee relationship.
I think that communicating in a non-formal setting, a lot of time, helps the employees to understand my dreams of what our company can be and my expectations of myself, themselves and the entire team...they like being on the inside as to what is going on between my ears and why I'm making the decisions I'm making to steer the company.
Alternatively, I get the chance to understand the aspirations, frustrations, and roadblocks of each employee which is helpful. Sometimes I can't do anything to help them...but they like the fact that someone is listening to them and seeing them as a person rather than just a cog in the machine.
I suppose one needs to define the definition of "friends"...
I socialize with several of my employees during afterhours hikes, bike rides, drinks, and sporting events...so I enjoy their company...but I'm not really sure I consider them friends (or that they would consider me a friend / confident). During the time together outside of work, we will talk about a variety of things that are essentially non-work related...and we will also discuss "deep topics" concerning perhaps hopes, fears, and dreams...but there seems to always be a certain line of respect between us...in an almost mentor/mentee relationship.
I think that communicating in a non-formal setting, a lot of time, helps the employees to understand my dreams of what our company can be and my expectations of myself, themselves and the entire team...they like being on the inside as to what is going on between my ears and why I'm making the decisions I'm making to steer the company.
Alternatively, I get the chance to understand the aspirations, frustrations, and roadblocks of each employee which is helpful. Sometimes I can't do anything to help them...but they like the fact that someone is listening to them and seeing them as a person rather than just a cog in the machine.
Thanks, Jim. That sounds great if you can pull it off -- but not an easy line to walk.