When a Friend Turns into Your Boss

It’s not surprising that at the course of working for the same company, co-workers elevate into the status of “friends”. After all, you spend 8 hours of your day together for the whole weekdays, each lunch together, overtime together and get irritated or be irritated by the boss together.

But what happens when that “friend” elevates into “boss”  status? Or perhaps you become the boss? Whatever the change, here are a few things you should know when a change in office status occurs.

First things first, you have to realize that the relationship is no longer the same. Basically, boss would have access to information that the others don’t have. Ergo, if you’re the new boss, don’t try to temper what you say. And if your friend is your new boss, don’t ask too much. Bottom line is that something in the office has changed – don’t try to break that down. Just go around it.

However, the most important thing to do after any significant change is a long talk with the friend. Usually, if this happens, you must set the “boss” mode aside and just talk “friendship” style. Acknowledge the fact that something has changed and find a way to get through it. If you’re happy for your friend, then don’t be hesitant to say it to her/him. If you’re feeling resentful, then try to work out that feeling before being snide about the new “boss”. An office promotion doesn’t eradicate the friendship but only puts it on a different level. Try to walk around it, discuss it with a friend and realize that there will be things you can’t talk about anymore (like complaining about the boss).

Remember that the friendship should be separate from what you do as a boss or vice versa. Recognize it and don’t step over the lines.