Shall We Treat Our Juniors As Friends?

Yesterday was the last day of the digital manager. We had been working together in the last two years but we met less than 50 times due to Covid. Though we built our relationship through virtual meetings more than physical meetings, we developed a very good relationship. We even became friends and arranged for the hike during last Chinese New Year. Of course this is another topic about the pros and cons of hybrid working but what I want to discuss here is whether we should treat our juniors and seniors as our friends? Some people said we should keep some distance with our juniors and seniors.

I personally think that work relationship is not long-term but friendship can be long term. Also, what is the point of being so mean and keep the distance with your juniors. Bear in mind that you may want to recruit your ex-juniors for your next company and next next company, ask your juniors for some personal favours or your juniors might be your client, business partner or even your boss one day. Maintaining a good relationship will benefit your life in the long way. Let me give you an example, when I came to Singapore two years ago, my ex-junior came here before me and shared with me some important information in the first two months such as handyman and telecom company. When I had a project based in Hong Kong, my company hired him as an external consultant to handle the project.

I felt lucky that I had a "brother" team from my previous and current company.

Regarding the seniors, it depends on whether they want to be treated as friends or your "supervisors". I had some seniors who were very bossy but some were still keeping contact with me after both of us had left the company. One of my seniors moved to Canada and I met her every time when I went there. She gave me lots of advices in life. At the same time, I accompanied and encouraged her when she was down in life.

I still have a long way to go in my career. Having friends in my work keep me happy and engaged. I hope my juniors and seniors will think the same way as me :)