NBC's The Office should be required viewing for any HR professional or employment lawyer. In honor of its return tomorrow night, US News & World Report brings us 7 Career Lessons From The Office. I'll share with everyone #2 - "Boss" shouldn't be confused with "friend":
When Michael said he wants his employees to think of him as "a friend first and a boss second, and probably an entertainer third," these were not the musings of a great manager. It sounds nice but it doesn't work -- try firing a friend or telling your friends that you've slashed their employment benefits. Yes, Michael has had a few heart-to-hearts that may have temporarily helped his employees, but it's unlikely to have increased their performance or their loyalty to the company.
So there are no doubts, I bring you the original boss of The Office, David Brent, and his philosophy on management: