The first time I was told I was “too familiar” with junior staff, I had just walked into the office kitchen, barefoot in my flats, laughing about morning traffic with an intern over a shared mug of lukewarm tea. The manager at the time pulled me aside, leaned in with a concerned whisper, and said, “Remember, you’re a leader now. Maintain professionalism.”
It was such a gentle reprimand, I almost missed the sting. But I kept replaying the moment in my head. What exactly had I done wrong? Was it the shoes? My tone?
