LibraryPatternsLeadershipOne of my reports is also a friend, and I cannot brin…
Problem
Toward Craftsmanship

One of my reports is also a friend, and I cannot bring myself to hold them to the same standard as everyone else. I let things slide for them that I would address in anyone, and the rest of the team has started to notice the double standard.

Part of the pattern: Leadership
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You might also say it as
  • I cannot hold a friend who reports to me accountable
  • I let things slide for a friend on my team
  • there is a double standard for my friend-report
The path forward
  1. 1Name the double standard
  2. 2Apply the same standard once
  3. 3Separate friendship from accountability
One thing to try this week
Hold your friend-report to one standard this week that you would hold anyone to, kindly and clearly. Fairness to the whole team requires it, and a real friend can take it.
Related problems
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