To be a good manager, you must be careful to distinctly define the proper boundary between yourself and your staff. Here are some points to remember: 1. Be clear about the relationship. To maintain the respect of your employees while being friends with them, you must be direct about the nature of your business relationship. This means being clear about what the goals are, how your employees are to help you reach them, and what they can expect from you. By communicating these things clearly, you avoid the risk that an employee can misinterpret your friendship and behave in an unprofessional manner. 2. Be social---to a degree. In most offices, there's usually a lot of social networking, whether it's a Friday lunch or drinks after work. It's natural for managers to be a part of that. Just remember to socialize with everyone, be careful with the alcohol, and don't be the last one at the party. Also, keep socializing at the office to a minimum. You want to ensure that you are repected as well as liked. 3. Don't fake it. Maybe you want to try to be friends with all your employees, because you think that would strength your team. While some management training courses stress that bosses should ask their staff about their personal lives, such as their weekend plans, their families, or their children, such efforts can backfire if the manager is viewed as not being sincere. It's okay to ask occasional questions of staff, but don't make a big production out of it. Getting to know people takes time.