S1 E4. When Friendship Blurs Leadership

When Friendship Blurs Leadership

Friendship blurs leadership, respect sustains it. In this episode, I share the price I paid when I blurred the line between being a leader and being a friend. From destroyed friendships to escalated claims, the lesson was clear: warmth and inclusion matter, but boundaries protect respect.

Anchor Line:

Friendship blurs leadership, respect sustains it.

Leadership Move (The Boundary Compass):

• Expand out — Widen recognition. Don’t just thank the person in front of you; include the partners, families, and quiet contributors behind the scenes.
• Hold in — Protect boundaries. Deep friendships with direct reports blur accountability when tough conversations come. Keep those friendships outside your chain to preserve clarity and trust.

Quote:

“Friendship blurs leadership. Respect sustains it.”

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