Supervisor must watch friendships
"She deserved the promotion." "A top-notch performer." "Works
accurately." "Works fast." "Never misses work." "Never comes in late."
"Respected by all."
These are a few of the comments made about Shannon when she became
manager of a department with 13 people in it.
Days after her promotion, two of Shannon's close friends, now
subordinates, asked Shannon, "Can you still be a member of our bowling
team?"
"I don't see why not," Shannon responded. Not only did she remain a
team member, she continued many social activities with her two friends.
Shannon adapted to her management role rather quickly. But after about
four months, she got a surprise response from a subordinate.
Shannon had returned a report to a subordinate because it contained
errors. The subordinate lashed out, "Why do I have to do this report
anyway? This office is getting too political."
A few days later, two other subordinates approached Shannon and asked
permission to leave early during a really busy time.
Shannon denied the request. When the subordinates walked away, she
heard one say to the other, "I guess that shows where we rate around
here."
Relationships among staff members also were changing. The two friends
began to feel isolated. Cliques emerged. Department teamwork turned to
goo.
At a staff meeting, Shannon said: "I sense that we are not cooperating
as we should. Is there something wrong?" No one said much. Finally, a
staff member said to Shannon in private: "I'll tell you what is wrong.
You are playing favorites. Your two friends get the good jobs, and they
have too much influence."
The revelation startled Shannon. In her mind she was treating everyone
fairly. But they did not believe it.
The fact is, it is very hard for a supervisor to continue close,
social relationships with select subordinates and still maintain the
respect of the total group.
Management quiz
Check all of the following that you agree with:
When a supervisor maintains a close, personal friendship with a
subordinate . . .
- 1. The supervisor cannot avoid favoring the friend at work.
- 2. Others eventually will cooperate less with the friend.
- 3. The friend will in due time expect special favors.
- 4. Others will believe that the friend receives special favors.
- 5. Most department members will become resentful.
- 6. It likely will have an impact on working relationships.
- 7. Some subordinates will lose respect for their supervisor.
- 8. It ultimately will erode departmental teamwork.
- 9. It will negatively impact department output.
- 10. It will become difficult to keep personal and professional relationships separated.
Most research suggests that all of the above tend to be true.
Source:The Tampa Tribune - April 8, 1996 - GERALD GRAHAM of Knight-Ridder Newspapers
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