Q: Last week, you advised supervisors not to ask their direct reports for personal favors because employees may feel they have no choice but to say yes.  While I agree with the premise of your advice, I have a slightly different twist on the question.  What about instances where the employee offers to help?  What if they overhear a supervisor’s need – a truck for moving, pet sitting or installing speakers for a new sound system- and, of their own accord, they volunteer to help?  I’ve seen this happen, especially in smaller companies, so what should a superviso

A:  I’m glad you brought up this subtle, but important, difference. 

Let’s look at a couple of reasons why an employee would volunteer to do a favor. One is, they want to please, feel included; these employees are sometimes unkindly referred to as “brown-nosers”.  The other reason might be they’re just a helpful individual, who generally offers assistance to anyone in need, supervisor or not.  There’s nothing inherently wrong with either of those scenarios.  In fact, the choice seems to rest entirely with the employee; they can choose to offer help, or stay quiet.  Shouldn’t this make it OK for the supervisor to accept? Not really. Here’s why.

First, there’s the liability.  Consider the real potential for a mishap to take place.

What if the truck breaks down or there’s an accident?

What if a pet eats the wrong thing and falls sick, or bites the employee?

What if someone is injured falling from a ladder? 

Who is responsible, who pays for repairs or medical care (not worker’s comp)?

The situation might get sticky.

Secondly, there’s the potential undermining of your supervisory role.  How awkward would you feel if, later on, you have to discipline this employee for some reason?  Even if you manage that well, other employees might question your objectivity and assume you’re giving this employee preferential treatment.

Lastly, there’s the issue of compensation.  Do you give money, pay for gas, buy lunch or just say a big thank you?  Cringe city.

So, my advice remains fundamentally the same: Do not ask for -or accept- personal favors from employees you supervise.  If offered, decline.  Politely.

© Copyright Eva Del Rio