Manager Expectations

I’m looking for some perspective from other managers.

Should an SSM III be expected to build a close relationship with AGPA staff who report to an SSM I under their unit?

One of the AGPAs in my team recently shared that they feel I don’t check in with them or make an effort to get to know them beyond initial onboarding. From my standpoint, I supervise through my managers and focus on overall unit direction, priorities, and performance. I ask about individual team members when I have my 1 on 1 with my managers. I’m friendly and approachable in meetings, make small talk, but I don’t have the bandwidth or time to build individual relationships with all the AGPAs in my unit in the same way I do with my direct reports.

My boss suggested occasionally taking staff to lunch to build rapport, other than the holiday/retirement/bday events which I do every year and also pay for. That’s not typically how I operate. I prefer maintaining professional boundaries and engaging in structured, work-related interactions rather than social settings.

I’m open to feedback. At the SSM III level, what do you see as the appropriate balance between visibility, approachability, and direct relationship-building with staff who are not your direct reports?