Depending on the nature of a relationship separation the value of a former boss can be perceived as minimal. This is true in situations where someone is terminated without cause - it does happen. It has always been my policy that relationships are not severed because one never knows the social capital, or network, that is being incinerated.
Interacting with the greatest number of working styles - and under varying pressures - develops a solid character. It is those with whom one has the most problemmatic relationship that the most can be learned. My own relationships with those initially seen as the most distinct from my own pesonality proves my initial assumption to be in error.
Being uncomfortable can be productive. There are exceptions. If anyone has violated the rights of an employee or caused them extreme anxiety through inappropriate sexual advances. I have never experienced either and common sense would dictate these shouldn't be continued.
Many times, the finger rests squarely on my own actions or transmission of anger or passive aggressive behavior onto others. There is a large amount of personal responsibility and inertia that plays into the ability of anyone else to distract from projects or throw "off balance." The main reason many of the personal stories I've heard played out in a certain manner is due to one rule of "sheeple" mentality:
Regardless of the distraction caused by an employers rude or unprofessional behavior employees are unwilling to respond with positive bridges and "manage up" when necessary
More in the upcoming post regarding managing a boss by staying on a project-driven bridge.
