To winder if it's fine fir someone on a junior management level to have a bit of fun with more junior colleagues?

[Chefpig]

The reason I ask is my manager is formal. He's told me before that I shouldn't be friendly with those who are my junior and to cut the banter out. The banter is me just talking and the occasional laughter with them. I believe I am well liked amongst colleagues and respected. I work very hard, often logging on out of hours.

Since he said that I've kept myself to myself, however just before Christmas, all the work was done, phones weren't ringing and there was a skeleton staff. All the managers were off and most other staff were. My colleagues and I had a bit of fun and sang a song. Now I'm afraid I'm going to get pulled for it.

If you are a manager, what would your view be?

Of course I did.

Did you understand it? As you completely ignored 99% of what it said to focus on something fairly inconsequential. Fine, your manager wasn’t there (at least, not this time), what about the rest of what she said?

Are you fairly young, OP? As the manner in which you communicate isn’t very mature. And that may honestly be the issue here.

This is no way to earn a living, no way to live. What you need is a better manager, someone whose focus is on bringing out the best in their staff.

From what you describe, there are managers in the organisation who are better at their role. Given you are already well thought off, I really encourage you to explore options to change teams so you would report to a different manager.

In parallel, start looking around for different opportunities. Take your time and be sure you are not jumping ‘out of the frying plan j to the fire ‘.

You will be surprised even astonished by how much better your life is when you work for someone who is good at managing people. Good luck.