One of the most difficult aspects of managing a team is to practice a high level of professionalism. Often, this means putting objectivity ahead of your own personal preferences. This task is rarely more challenging than when it comes to managing an individual with whom you just don’t click. In small businesses especially, it’s easy to confuse a good working relationship with a sense of camaraderie, which is why the lack of friendship can become a major obstacle for managers — especially young managers. Try these suggestions for overcoming those personal feelings to optimize your leadership potential.

Identify your hangups.

If you can pinpoint the specific habits or qualities that get under your skin, it becomes much easier to identify the proper response. If it’s something that has absolutely nothing to do with the employee’s performance, your job as manager is to adapt your point of view. A manager is required to remain professional and objective, which is why they are relied upon to make tough choices. If you’re too focused on not being BFFs with one of your subordinates, you might not be able to make the right decisions for the business.

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