Why Your Boss Is Not Your Friend: Understanding Professional Boundaries in the Workplace

Many people only find out the hard way after a mistake and are sacked. It’s a common misconception that your boss is supposed to be your friend. In reality, your boss is your superior and holds authority over you in the workplace. This can lead to confusion about the nature of the relationship between employees and their bosses. The truth is, your boss is not your friend.

While it’s important to maintain a professional and cordial relationship with your boss, it’s essential to remember that they have a job to do – managing and directing the team to achieve the goals of the company. This means that their priorities may differ from yours, and ultimately, they are accountable to higher-ups in the organization. While it’s natural to seek approval and recognition from your boss, it’s crucial to understand that their primary responsibility is to ensure the success of the company, not to make you feel good. While it may feel good to be praised and recognized by your boss, it’s important to remember that their feedback is ultimately intended to help you improve your performance and contribute to the success of the organization.

One of the biggest dangers of thinking of your boss as a friend is that it can lead to a lack of professional boundaries. If you become too friendly with your boss, it can be challenging to maintain the necessary distance and objectivity required in the employer-employee relationship. This can result in confusion about what is expected of you and can ultimately harm your ability to perform your job.

Another danger of becoming too friendly with your boss is that it can be difficult to give and receive feedback. If you view your boss as a friend, you may be hesitant to give them honest feedback about their performance or decisions, for fear of damaging the relationship. Similarly, if your boss views you as a friend, they may be hesitant to give you critical feedback, which can hinder your ability to grow and develop in your role.

Ultimately, it’s essential to remember that your boss is not your friend. While it’s important to maintain a positive and professional relationship with them, it’s crucial to understand that they have a job to do, and their priorities may differ from yours. By maintaining clear professional boundaries and understanding your role in the organization, you can help ensure your success and contribute to the success of your team and company.