'Normal' socialization for retail assistant manager?

Question

I just started at a larger retail company as a recent college graduate with the position of assistant manager. I work with about 20 other people.

Currently I am in training and won't be in the store that I will be working at. My question is, what is considered normal socialization with my co-workers? What is expected out of an assistant manager at a retail company in terms of how he gets along with his co-workers and the people he supervises?

I realize that it is important that the manager is not friends with his co-workers. But really, when is that line crossed? I try to avoid touching and talking about personal things.

Answer 1

They'll probably have some sexual harassment training to tell you some of these things, but here goes: You don't want to compliment someone on what they're wearing, especially a woman. You should always say hello, goodbye, please and thank you, even if you're issuing orders, unless the person doesn't understand it's an order. If someone asks about your weekend you can say, "It went well, thank you, how was yours?" but don't get into detail. You NEVER, EVER date anyone you supervise, ever, for any reason, and you should also turn down anyone who asks you out if they're above or below you in the chain of command. It may be unwise to date anyone at work, period, until you get to know the scene, as you may end up dating someone that everyone else knows is a stalker. Don't tell anyone your problems unless you want the whole office to know. Don't listen too long to other people's problems, because a bid for sympathy might turn into asking for special treatment. Overall, be pleasant, be personable, but don't get too friendly. Hope that helps.