"Cal, if I am having trouble with my boss should I move to a new job?" "Don't move yet because you might be the problem and if that is the case, you will only take the problem with you. Try getting to know your boss--expectations, vision, goals, strengths, weaknesses, communication styles, and motivations. Then try to change your own behavior so that it complements your boss and your relationship will probably improve."

Leadership

Last week I was facilitating a seminar for a group of new supervisors and one of them asked me, "Cal, if you were promoted from a position within your team to the position of supervisor, would you maintain the same social relationships with your friends that you now supervise?" I thought that was a very challenging question and had to think about it before giving an answer. I advised it would be unwise to maintain the same relationships because it might create a conflict of interest. Maintaining a close social relationship may create a morale problem because some of your employees may accuse you of favoritism.