Is it OK to have your best friend report to you as an employee?

Question

If you had the choice that is. Both of us are professional and well seasoned in our area of business. I am confident we will work well together. Perception is what worryies me. The trial to diminish that perception may be difficult. Should I go forth or rethink this decision?

Answer 1

I wouldn't turn down a promotion because of it but you are opening yourself up to a whole lot of issues.. Will you be doing his/her review and responsible for the raise? Talk about preferential treatment. Talk about rumors and spreading dirty laundry if you two don't end up getting along. Beside all the possible legal / ethical issues I will tell you that managing a friend is one of the hardest things you can do. What happens when you have to discipline, suspend or terminate this person? Will you terminate yor freindship at the same time? Probably... Don't base your decision on me.. all I know is the little paragraph above but trust me. I've worked with friends and then became their boss on a couple of different occasions and both seemed easy but became very difficult very quickly. I my case it ended up working out but be careful.

Answer 2

Some of the words you used I didn't understand. But I am a dispatch supervisor of a cab company and if I had a best friend I think it would be super fun to work with them everyday. We are a bunch of slackers JK. We all work well in here together. It's like a little familey. As long as the prioritys are right you can get away with murder here. There is only one guy in here that is not a team player but its a matter of time and he will leave.

Answer 3

It takes a certain level of maturity to handle this situation efficiently. Both of you must respect the other for the position you hold in the organization first and foremost. You being best friends should not have any bearing on your work ethic and as long as you can separate the two, i do not foresee any problems.

Answer 4

no, not okay. The time will come when you have to settle a dispute between your friend and another employee -- or at least hear two sides of a story -- or decide who gets to take the day after Thanksgiving off, or whatever. Could you be fair? And even if you were, would anyone believe you?

Answer 5

Obviously you realize the importance of the situation. I think it could have some pitfalls, and depending upon the size of the business and knowing how many different "perceptions" you are dealing with, you really have some weighing of options to do.

Answer 6

I was my best mate's boss for over a year. I even got him the job and i'd do it again. He was a very hard worker for me and took criticism a lot better than most of the staff - the only thing i'd say id if you feel he/she's likely to take the mikey out of you and use it as a chance to slack off than it probably isn't worth it.

Answer 7

I think you should just forget those little things. After all, he/she's not gonna report you as "best friend". He/She was just trying to be professional. Whatever happens to both of you at work has nothing to do personally to your relationships with each other. If you feel that this is something that insults you. You can just tell your friend how you feel, after all...IT IS your best friend, right?

Answer 8

I think it's a bad idea. You will never be able to truly shake the perception of favoritism, and in trying to overcompensate, you could damage the friendship.

Answer 9

there is no rule aobut it, but definatley think aobut it. It could very well cause problems with the friendship. He could feel bossed about when you feel you are doing your job. Not a good idea. But your decision still. Make it wisley.

Answer 10

No, not a good idea if you want to retain your friendship. Thats more important that what others think or the job in the first place..