Being A Friend VS. Being A Boss

"If everybody is thinking alike, then somebody isn’t thinking."   - George S. Patton

BEING A FRIEND VS BEING A BOSS

The September 1987 issue of Child Care Information Exchange contained this advice from Gloria Lanza-Bajo from her book, How to Be a Better Manager (New York:  Ballantine Books, 1987):

"The business of being a manager is making difficult choices.  As a manager you are always making decisions for the good of the project or your company -- some of which may not be popular with colleagues or individuals on your staff.  These decisions can range from the relatively simple -- asking your staff to work late, choosing to promote a colleague -- to the very difficult -- firing a staff member, being forced to cut back.

"Whether large or small, these situations are always problematic, particularly when you are sensitive to people's feelings and are aware that your decisions may be difficult for some to accept.  But these troublesome decisions become unbearable chores when you are worried about being liked.

"Nearly everyone wants to win approval from the people around them.  But trying to please everyone is a deadly trap, a no-win situation.  You can't please everyone all the time -- and you shouldn't try, especially when you are a manager who must balance the needs of a staff with the company's objectives.  

"This week, examine what you avoid dealing with because you worry you will not be liked.  Do you find that you delay difficult decisions because you are afraid of what your staff or colleagues will think?  Remember that it is your job to make the right decision.  Realize that if you make the right choice for the company and the task at hand, you will gain the respect of those around you.  Most people accept a good decision once they understand it."

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