Situation: A first-time CEO is curious about the experience of others regarding social or personal interactions with employees at work. At previous companies, outside of company picnics or similar events there was little interaction between top staff and employees. Do others observe similar practices? What are appropriate guidelines for social interactions at work?

Advice from the CEOs:

• Consider the following cases:
  • Case 1 – even though individuals may be friends outside of work, they often do not engage as “friends” at work. There is a different role structure at work.
  • Case 2 – if, based on history, a CEO and employee have had a close relationship outside of work, the CEO should not show favoritism toward this individual at work. It is important to preserve a veil of trust with the other employees; apparent favoritism will disrupt this.
  • Case 3 – a CEO may have lunch with employees, to build relationships and keep tabs on the company atmosphere, but other social activity outside of work should be handled cautiously.
• There is a natural distance between any employee and those individuals who evaluate or review them or decide on promotions. The individuals have a power over the employee that prevents them from approaching each other as true peers.
  • Because of this natural barrier, it is inappropriate to force social or personal interactions. The best option is to make sure that the employees know that the boss cares about them, has their interests in mind, and shows an interest in them and their families.
  • It is important to take advantage of opportunities to demonstrate to employees that the CEO is interested in them.
• The situation is different between managers and their teams. Teams function on the basis of relationships and trust. If the CEO is invited, it is appropriate to attend team or department functions. Observe and learn from these interactions with the others. Most of all, listen actively, and patiently allow the interactions to mature. Don’t force things.

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