discussion

What did you find to be compelling and enlightening? What other advice do you have to give in your current or experience.

According to Northouse (2018, Figure 7.2), a leader’s individualized working relationship with followers and the exchange between each describe the dyadic relationship. A dyadic relationship provides for a give and take in the work environment sans emotional ties. The relationship establishment centers around mutual professional exchanges with communicated and determined outcomes. Professional boundaries are at the center of the relationship, although the boundaries may shift, or morph based on the circumstances. Understanding that the dynamics of either in or out groups will likely determine the amount of interface and exchange.

Friendships, on the other hand, may have boundaries, but they are less defined. Friendships in the work environment between leader and subordinate are unwise and should be discouraged. Friendships focus on individual relationships outside of the work environment and are very personal in nature.

Although there may be a fine line between dyadic relationships and friendship, the emplacement of effective professional boundaries is essential.

Are there some leaders and/or followers that cannot have very personal relationships with their coworkers, and is this good, bad, or neither? Why?

There are leaders and who cannot have “very personal” relationships with coworkers. This is for a variety of reasons. 1. Leaders have difficulty letting their shield down and allowing employees to see behind the mask. 2. Some leaders and followers are terrible at adhering to professional boundaries. 3. Some leaders and followers do not mind sharing “TMI” (too much information), which leads to a loss of respect for the individual sharing the information.

In the professional environment knowing the audience (supervisor/peer/subordinate) aides in determining what level of personal relationship may be engaged outside of work. In the world today, titles, positions, and rank do not equate to maturity. It is good to have friends outside of work if trust and mutual respect are consistent in the conversations.