In today's era, managers and employees have access to more information about each other's lives. They're connected on different social media platforms, which give them updates about each other's lifestyles. Since you spend more time with your colleagues, you bond with them. 

While managers can have a friendly relationship with their subordinates, it is important to ensure that they respect you. Being friendly with your subordinates can cultivate a positive environment and increase workplace satisfaction. 

However, at the same time, workers can undermine the manager's position. Moreover, it can also raise concerns of favoritism and make it difficult for managers to make tough decisions. So, how can managers keep a balanced approach? Let's discuss it more in this article.

How Can Managers Navigate their Relationships in the Workplace? 

An important thing that managers need to remember is that they have to prioritize their professional duties over personal relationships. It will ensure that they make the right decisions that are favorable for everyone. You shouldn't hesitate to make the best decisions that benefit the company. 

Also, there are a few things where a manager should set a boundary. It will ensure that you only share necessary details about work or your personal life. Oversharing can lead to issues in the long term, and managers should try to avoid it as much as possible. 

Don't be Afraid to Show Love and Connect with Your Subordinates

As a manager, you have certain limitations regarding how much you can interact with your teammates. But that doesn't mean you don't have to love them. Since we spend a great amount of our time with the people we work with, it is vital to know about the issues they're facing.

Also, managers should understand that they should work for the best interests of their employees at all times. They should prioritize their subordinates' well-being and be unconditional regardless of current circumstances.

For instance, if one of your employees has had an accident and requires some time off, you should be supportive. Ensure that they are in the right physical and mental capacity to come to work. That way, it can give long-term benefits to the company as well as the employee.

Additionally, there can be instances where you might have to make tough decisions. Managers should ensure that the decisions managers should take should be from a pure heart. And that is only possible if you show true love towards your subordinates. 

According to 1 Timothy 1:5, love comes from a true and pure heart. It means that selfless, sacrificial, and sincere love will ensure that you help and benefit others. Therefore, unconditional love is important for managers to ensure they help their employees regardless of the situation. 

Showing Unconditional Love - Bottom Line 

Having a friendly relationship with your employees can help foster a positive work environment. And you shouldn't shy away from showing love and caring about them. It will help you maintain a good relationship with them, ultimately benefiting the company.