I apprehended someone recently. Though very much needed, I never enjoy them. Ever.

It’s funny. I treat my subordinates a certain way. And when I say a “certain way,” I mean as my friends. I have entailed to them my ultimate law: In the office, I’m the boss. Once we’re off, you can boss me around. I have always been like that. People might think its complacent. But I was trained to level with my people.

They probably don’t know it, but I know what they are going through most of the time even if they don’t tell me. I’ve been there. I’ve been an agent. I talked to several foul-mouthed customers. I got stressed from the pressure of hitting my monthly targets. I’ve had days when I dreaded the next customer that will pick up. I have gone over-break on several occasions. I’ve been given “love letters” by my boss that you would never want to receive.

So I gave him the memo. It did not feel good at all. It’s the second thing I hate doing. The first one is telling a subordinate that you have to let them go, which I have done several times in the past.

Now. Imagine doing that to a friend. Won’t you feel bad?