Personal relationships in the workplace; Yea or Nay?

In my next few posts I intend to explore the concept of leader as friend from some of the current literature on the subject.

In an editorial for Nursing Management, Richard Hader writes:

"Developing positive interpersonal relationships with your team is vital to your success as a leader. It's important to get to know your staff members as individuals, learn about what's important to them, show interest in their development, and help guide and counsel them. When staff members have trust and confidence in a leader, they're often comfortable with sharing personal and even intimate details of their lives. As a consequence of these bonds, leaders can become more than just professional colleagues with team members, resulting in friendships that develop into strong personal relationships reaching beyond the work setting and into private life. Alliances with staff can build camaraderie, enhance teamwork, and help you achieve unit and organizational objectives. As a leader, you need to do everything possible to facilitate these goals; don't shy away from them in fear of becoming too involved with your staff."

While the article is overwhelmingly positive, Hader acknowledges the risks of developing personal relationships at work:

"But friendship with your reports is a difficult relationship to manage. No matter the depth or longevity of the relationship, in the work setting you're still the boss. Your role, responsibility, and position requirements don't differ for those with whom you have friendships. Fairness, honesty, and objectivity must always take precedence. Favoritism will quickly be recognized by other team members and will destroy your team's ability to succeed."

He concludes:

"Mixing professional and personal lives should be taken seriously, as there's considerable risk you could lose your job, your friend, or both. If handled correctly, though, you, your staff members, and your organization will be the better for it."

What do you think?

How would a kenosis leader manage the risk of personal relationships in the workplace?

Reference:

Richard Hader (2007). Personal relationships in the workplace; Yay or nay? Nursing Management, 38(7), 6. Retrieved August 22, 2007, from ABI/INFORM Global database. (Document ID: 1306809861).

About the author: Richard Hader, RN, CNA, CHE, CPHQ, PhD, FAAN, Editor-in-Chief;
Senior Vice President and Chief Nurse Officer, Meridian Health System, Neptune, N.J.